ENGINEER PRODUCTION GRADE A (CIVIL) BUILDING MAINTENANCE

This position is for a professionally registered civil engineer specialising in building maintenance, based at the department’s Head Office. As an Engineer Production Grade A, the incumbent will provide expert engineering support for the full spectrum of maintenance work on government buildings and facilities, ranging from planned and routine upkeep to urgent emergency repairs. The role sits within a public sector environment where the condition of state-owned infrastructure must be managed in line with legislative frameworks and departmental priorities. The post is graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation, meaning it carries a structured career path and an all-inclusive remuneration package.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 certificate and a recognised NQF Level 7 qualification in civil engineering, specifically a BSc or BEng degree of at least three years, as accredited by SAQA. Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Professional Engineer or Technologist is required, along with a valid driver’s licence and strong computer proficiency. The role demands relevant experience as an engineer, with at least two years of that experience gained after professional registration. A thorough understanding of public sector building maintenance and refurbishment project planning, implementation, and management is essential. Familiarity with key legislation and regulations, including the PFMA, GIAMA, CIDB Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and National Building Regulations, is also expected. Knowledge of contract documentation and procurement administration using standard forms such as JBCC or GCC, building condition assessments, life cycle costing, and facilities maintenance management systems will be central to the work. Practical proficiency in engineering and maintenance planning software such as Civil Designer, Prokon, and AutoCAD, together with advanced MS Office skills, is required. Strong communication, negotiation, planning, and organisational abilities are necessary, as is the capacity to manage contractors and service providers on site and coordinate multiple maintenance teams.

The core duties involve delivering professional engineering support for maintenance programmes, contributing to the development and review of the Comprehensive Asset Management Plan, and aligning maintenance strategies with GIAMA and departmental goals. The engineer will develop and monitor annual maintenance plans and budgets, covering day-to-day, preventative, and emergency maintenance. Procurement coordination is a key responsibility, including managing framework contracts for general and specialist maintenance services in collaboration with Supply Chain Management. The role also requires overseeing maintenance activities across district offices, ensuring compliance with specifications, standards, and quality assurance protocols. The engineer will manage maintenance backlogs, respond to call centre requests, and resolve infrastructure faults logged by building users. Technical evaluations, building condition assessments, and corrective actions fall within the scope of the role. In addition, the position involves preparing technical and performance reports, assisting with budgeting processes, and contributing to infrastructure reporting for oversight bodies.

Shortlisted candidates should be aware of several conditions attached to the appointment process. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, with proof submitted if shortlisted. Applicants must disclose any business interests with organs of state and any additional remunerative work outside their normal duties. The selection process may include technical exercises, interviews, psychometric assessments, and integrity checks, with the top candidates undergoing personnel suitability checks covering criminal records, citizenship, financial status, qualifications, and employment history. The successful appointee will be required to sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.