WORKS INSPECTOR: ELECTRICAL

This position is for a Works Inspector specialising in electrical work, based at the Steve Biko Facility Maintenance Hub and falling under the Maintenance directorate of the Department of Community Safety. The role is essentially a technical assurance and oversight function within the provincial health infrastructure environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all new electrical installations and maintenance projects on facility sites are executed in strict compliance with relevant legislation, regulations and prescribed quality standards. The inspector acts as the department’s technical representative on project sites, safeguarding public assets and ensuring that contractors deliver work that is safe, durable and legally compliant. The context of the role is broad: it sits at the intersection of construction quality control, contract administration, stakeholder liaison and regulatory enforcement, all within government immovable asset management frameworks.

To be considered for this post, applicants must hold a National Diploma in Electrical (T/N/S streams) or an equivalent qualification, alternatively an N3 certificate combined with a passed trade test in the building environment, or registration as an Engineer Technician. No prior work experience is required, making this an excellent entry point for technically qualified candidates. A valid driver’s licence is essential, as the role will involve site visits. The job demands a thorough working knowledge of key legislation, including the National Building Standards Act, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Public Finance Management Act, along with relevant municipal regulations and infrastructure guidelines. Strong attention to detail, team working ability, communication skills, analytical thinking, problem-solving capacity and sound technical aptitude are all essential attributes for success in this position.

The core duties are extensive and hands-on. The inspector must check whether new and ongoing maintenance work on project sites complies with all applicable regulations and legislation, and conduct regular inspections of both completed and planned work to ensure proper quality control is maintained. This includes compiling estimates of repairs and costs for minor new work and maintenance tasks, maintaining an electronic record system for all active and finalised projects, and developing progress reports on outstanding and completed work. The post holder will also be expected to develop and interpret plans and sketches, draw up quotation documents, compile specifications, participate in the adjudication process and provide recommendations on quotations, and liaise with relevant stakeholders on technical matters. Contractors’ work must be inspected against prescribed standards, and the inspector is tasked with advising and guiding contractors on relevant legislation and regulations. Financial and administrative duties include compiling payment documents, processing variation orders and requests for deadline extensions, and ensuring effective contract administration. The role also involves developing reports on project problems and gathering and submitting information in support of the Extended Public Works Programme.

There are several notable conditions attached to this vacancy. The department strongly encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from coloured, Indian and white population groups to apply, in line with its equity targets, and applicants with disabilities must attach a medical practitioner’s confirmation. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, and will also be subject to personnel suitability checks covering vetting, criminal records, citizenship, credit records, qualifications and employment history. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and applicants who do not receive a response within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. This post offers a meaningful opportunity for a recently qualified electrical professional to contribute to the safe, compliant and well-managed maintenance of public health infrastructure.