ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN PRODUCTION GRADE A – C (X2 POSTS) Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: WC Cd: Provincial Operations: Western Cape

This position is for an Engineering Technician at Production Grade A to C within the Department of Water and Sanitation, based in the Western Cape Provincial Operations under the Water and Sanitation Services Management branch. Two posts are available, one in Worcester and one in George, and the role forms part of the department’s technical engineering support capacity for water management areas. The post is graded under the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), meaning it carries a structured career progression path for engineering professionals. The successful candidates will work as part of a technical team focused on hydrological infrastructure, water measurement systems, and the broader delivery of water services in the region.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma in Civil Engineering or a relevant equivalent qualification, along 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 disclose a valid, unexpired driver’s licence. The role demands a solid understanding of programme and project management, technical design and analysis, research and development, and computer-aided engineering applications. Knowledge of legal compliance, technical report writing, and technical consulting is also essential. In addition, the department is looking for individuals with strong problem-solving and analytical abilities, sound decision-making skills, teamwork, customer focus, responsiveness, and effective verbal and written communication. People management, planning and organising, creativity, and change management capabilities are equally important. Candidates must be punctual, productive, and loyal, and must be willing and able to work in or near rivers, dams, and canals, as the work is centred on hydrological gauging infrastructure.

The core duties involve collecting, evaluating, and processing primary and secondary data within applicable water management areas, managing databases, and overseeing real-time and processed data. The technician will manage maintenance and construction teams responsible for hydrological gauging infrastructure, as well as handle human resources and administrative activities. Other responsibilities include setting up and installing hydrological measuring equipment, surveying and calibrating gauging weirs, inspecting and supervising the maintenance of flow gauging stations, editing and processing hydrological data, and managing the hydrological data bank. The role also includes procuring maintenance materials and equipment, travelling extensively as required, and assisting engineers, technologists, and associates in field, workshop, and technical office activities. The technician must promote safety in line with statutory and regulatory requirements, provide project implementation support across the full project life cycle, and contribute to risk mitigation. Additional duties include evaluating and updating technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to incorporate new technology, producing and evaluating technical designs for approval, providing input into budgeting processes, compiling and submitting reports, and contributing to operational and annual performance plans. The post also involves developing and maintaining databases, supervising technical personnel and assets, engaging in continuous professional development, conducting research and literature studies, liaising with relevant bodies and councils, coordinating infrastructure development projects, and providing project implementation and technical engineering support to Water Services Authorities.

This is an equal opportunity position, and the Department of Water and Sanitation will apply the principles of the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act when filling the post. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to suitability checks, including qualification verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Candidates should note that applications are submitted online, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If no response is received within three months of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful. The department also reserves the right not to fill these positions.