ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN PRODUCTION GRADE A – C REF NO: 131126/21 Branch: Water and Sanitation Services Management: WC CD: Provincial Operations: Western Cape

This position is for an Engineering Technician Production Grade A to C within the Department of Water and Sanitation, specifically attached to the Western Cape Provincial Operations branch based in Bellville. The role forms part of the Water and Sanitation Services Management directorate and is graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), meaning it carries a structured career progression pathway for technical professionals. The incumbent will work within a provincial operations team, supporting the broader mandate of delivering water and sanitation services to municipalities and water services authorities across the Western Cape.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma in Engineering or a relevant equivalent qualification, coupled with at least three years of post-qualification technical engineering experience. Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technician is required, and candidates must also be in possession of a valid, unexpired driver’s licence. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a sound understanding of programme and project management, technical design and analysis, research and development, computer-aided engineering applications, and legal compliance. Strong technical report writing, technical consulting, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, teamwork, customer focus, and professional engineering judgement are all essential. In addition, maintenance skills, verbal and written communication, computer literacy, people and change management, and planning and organising capabilities are required.

The core responsibilities of the role involve assisting engineers, technologists, and associates in field, workshop, and technical office activities, while promoting safety in line with statutory and regulatory requirements. The technician will provide project implementation support across the full project life cycle, including risk mitigation, and will evaluate existing technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to incorporate new technology. The post also requires producing and evaluating technical designs with specifications and submitting them for approval by the relevant authority. Other duties include contributing to the budgeting process, compiling and submitting reports, providing and consolidating inputs into the operational plan and the Annual Performance Plan, developing and maintaining databases, and supervising technical and related personnel and assets. Continuous professional development is expected to keep up with new technologies and procedures, and the technician will conduct research and literature studies on technical engineering matters while liaising with relevant bodies and councils. A significant part of the role is the effective coordination and management of infrastructure development projects, providing project implementation support to Water Services Authorities, and delivering technical engineering support services.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is an equal opportunity employer, with employment equity imperatives considered during recruitment. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to equity targets. Shortlisted candidates must be available for suitability checks, including SAQA verification, reference, criminal, and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted, and foreign nationals or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin. Candidates will also be required to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates only, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.