ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER PRODUCTION GRADE A – C REF NO: 301026/28 Branch: Water And Sanitation Services Management: FS Cd: Provincial Operations: Free State Sd: Sanitation Services Regulation

This position is for an Environmental Officer Production Grade A to C within the Department of Water and Sanitation, based in Bloemfontein and operating under the Free State Provincial Operations unit. The role sits within the Sanitation Services Regulation sub-directorate, which is part of the broader Water and Sanitation Services Management branch. As an OSD-graded post, the job is focused on the regulatory oversight of wastewater and sanitation services, ensuring that water services institutions comply with national legislation and effluent quality standards. The successful candidate will work within a team that supports the department’s constitutional mandate to protect water resources and safeguard public health through effective sanitation regulation.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma in Environmental Management or Natural Sciences. While not mandatory, experience in water services management or regulation will be a strong advantage. A valid, unexpired driver’s licence is required, as the role involves travel and driving long distances to conduct field inspections. Candidates need solid computer skills in MS Office, along with data analysis, presentation, and communication abilities. Technical report writing and professional judgement are essential, as is a sound understanding of the National Water Act, the Water Services Act, and related legislation. Familiarity with the National Green Drop Programme is also expected, given its central role in the duties.

The core duties involve conducting inspections of wastewater systems infrastructure and compiling detailed reports with recommendations. The officer will monitor compliance with wastewater effluent quality standards, issue letters of non-compliance where standards are breached, and track remedial actions taken by water services institutions. Another key responsibility is monitoring the loading of wastewater services data into the Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS). The role also includes preparing presentations for catchment management forums and departmental management, as well as assisting with assessments under the Green Drop regulatory programme. This involves coordinating the submission of corrective action plans and monitoring their implementation. The officer will liaise with Catchment Management Agencies on investigations and reporting of sewer spillages and pollution incidents, and will monitor compliance of onsite sanitation systems with relevant guidelines and regulations. Additionally, the post requires evaluating and providing comments on Environmental Impact Assessments, Basic Assessment Reports, and Environmental Management Plans for infrastructure development projects such as housing developments and shopping centres.

This is an equal opportunity position within the public service. The department applies the Employment Equity imperatives of the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act, and preference will be given to candidates in line with equity targets. Women and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to suitability checks, including SAQA verification of qualifications, reference checks, and 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 may also be required to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Applications are submitted online, and no supporting documents are needed at the initial stage; shortlisted candidates must produce the required documentation at the interview. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted applicants, and those who do not receive feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the post.