The Department of Water and Sanitation is pleased to announce exciting career opportunities for motivated and skilled individuals to join their team. As a vital organization committed to ensuring the sustainable management and protection of water resources, the Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking talented professionals to contribute to its mission of delivering high-quality water and sanitation services. Applicants are invited to explore a range of positions within the Department of Water and Sanitation, each offering a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.
With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and excellence, the Department of Water and Sanitation welcomes applications from individuals who are passionate about water conservation, infrastructure development, and public health. Those interested in joining a dynamic team dedicated to advancing the nation’s water and sanitation goals are encouraged to apply.
Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies
1. Position: Scientist Manager Grade A
- Reference Number: 300924/01
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Directorate: Water Resources Management Support
- Sub-directorate: Hydrological Services
- Salary: R1 042 170 per annum (all-inclusive OSD salary package)
- Location: Cradock
Requirements:
- MSc Degree in Hydrology / Geohydrology / Ecohydrological Sciences
- Six (6) years of post-qualification experience in natural sciences
- Registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist
- Valid driver’s license
- Extensive knowledge of hydrological processes and RDM tools
- Experience in Integrated Water Resource Management and scientific methodologies
- Skills in research, data analysis, technical report writing, policy analysis, and implementation
- Proficiency in programme and project management, financial management, and people management
- Ability to travel long distances and work away from home
Duties:
- Develop and implement policies, systems, and procedures
- Review and approve scientific projects; set standards and service levels
- Monitor scientific efficiencies and compliance
- Provide support to stakeholders and review scientific documents
- Lead and develop scientific models and regulatory frameworks
- Manage hydrometry investigations and data quality
- Conduct research, publish findings, and manage resources
- Oversee financial management and people development
Enquiries:
- Ms. B Kama, Tel: (043) 701 0366
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
2. Position: Engineer Production Grade A-C
- Reference Number: 300924/02
- Branch: Provincial Operations Eastern Cape
- Division: Umzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency
- Sub-directorate: Water Use Authorization
- Salary: R833 499 – R1 254 282 per annum (all-inclusive OSD salary package)
- Location: East London
Requirements:
- BSc Eng or relevant qualification in Civil Engineering
- Three (3) years of post-qualification engineering experience
- Registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of integrated water resource management and water use authorisations
- Understanding of water sector legislation and policies
- Skills in human resource management and stakeholder engagement
Duties:
- Review water use authorisation applications and provide specialist comments
- Integrate legal-engineering aspects into projects and policies
- Support staff in stakeholder engagements
- Participate in the Water Use Authorisation Assessment Advisory Committee (WUAAAC)
Enquiries:
- Mr. F Khoza, Tel: (043) 701 0342
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
3. Position: Scientist Production Grade A-C
- Department of Water and Sanitation
- Reference Number: 300924/03
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Directorate: Umzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency
- Sub-directorate: Water Resource Planning and Management
- Salary: R721 476 – R1 084 368 per annum (all-inclusive OSD salary package)
- Location: East London
Requirements:
- BSc (Hons) in a relevant scientific field
- Three (3) years of post-qualification experience in resource-directed measures
- Registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of the National Water Act and water use authorisations
- Experience in River Eco-Status Monitoring Program (REMP) and interdisciplinary stakeholder engagement
Duties:
- Provide technical input on water use license applications
- Analyze and interpret scientific data; prepare technical reports
- Evaluate and recommend on license applications and environmental assessments
- Support water conservation efforts and manage investigations
Enquiries:
- Mr. S Maseko, Tel: (043) 7010 327
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
4. Position: Scientist Production Grade A-C
- Reference Number: 300924/04
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Division: Umzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency
- Sub-directorate: Water Use Authorization
- Salary: R721 476 – R1 084 368 per annum (all-inclusive OSD salary package)
- Location: East London
Requirements:
- BSc (Hons) in Geohydrology and/or Hydrology
- Three (3) years of post-qualification experience in natural sciences
- Registration with SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of the National Water Act and water use authorisations
- Experience in water resources assessment and computer-based assessment programs
Duties:
- Assess instream water use and hydrological reports for water use authorisation
- Provide scientific and technical expertise; support WULA assessments
- Manage geohydrology and hydrology related data and comments
- Liaise with clients and stakeholders; supervise staff
Enquiries:
- Mr. F Khoza, Tel: (043) 701 0342
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
5. Position: Control Environmental Officer Grade A (2 Posts)
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Division: Umzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency
- Sub-directorate: Water Use Authorization
- Salary: R580 551 per annum (OSD)
Locations:
- East London (Reference No: 300924/05(A))
- Gqeberha (Reference No: 300924/05(B))
Requirements:
- Four-year degree or equivalent in Natural/Environmental Sciences
- Six (6) years of post-qualification experience
- Valid driver’s license
- Computer literacy
- Extensive experience in integrated water resource management and water use authorisations
- Knowledge of relevant legislation (NWA, CARA, NEMA, MPRDA) and related policies
- Skills in human resource management, communication, conflict resolution, project management, and negotiation
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and under pressure
- Willingness to work irregular hours and travel extensively
Duties:
- Assist in implementing policies, strategies, and guidelines related to water use authorisations
- Supervise staff and assist in evaluating water use authorisation applications
- Ensure quality and completeness of reports and decision documents
- Support staff in liaising with clients and stakeholders during WULA assessments
- Promote water conservation and efficient water utilisation
- Facilitate staff training and development
- Respond to client queries and support catchment management forums
- Assist with Water Tribunal and court cases, and review/amend water use authorisations
Enquiries:
- Mr. F Khoza, Tel: (043) 701 0342
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
6. Position: Control Engineering Technician Grade A
- Reference Number: 300924/06
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Division: Umzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency
- Sub-directorate: Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
- Salary: R522 741 per annum
- Location: East London
Requirements:
- National Diploma in Engineering or equivalent qualification
- Six (6) years of post-qualification technical (engineering) experience
- Registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineering Technician
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of project management, technical design, research and development, and legal compliance
- Skills in technical report writing, consulting, problem-solving, and people management
- Ability to work in a team, with creativity, financial management, and customer focus
Duties:
- Manage technical services and support engineering activities
- Ensure safety compliance and evaluate technical manuals and procedures
- Oversee quality assurance of technical designs and recommend approvals
- Contribute to budgeting and reporting processes
- Develop and maintain databases, manage technical personnel, and pursue continuous professional development
- Conduct research and liaise with relevant bodies on engineering matters
Enquiries:
- Mr. S Maseko, Tel: (043) 701 0327
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
7. Position: Scientific Technician (Grade A-C)
- Reference Number: 300924/07
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Directorate: Water Resources Management Support
- Sub-directorate: Water Resources Protection
- Salary: R371 253 – R556 080 per annum (OSD)
- Location: Gqeberha
Requirements:
- National Diploma in Science or equivalent qualification
- Three (3) years of post-qualification experience in water-related fields
- Registration with SACNASP as a Certificated Natural Scientist
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of National Water Act and National Environmental Management Act
- Experience with integrated water resource management and scientific methodologies
- Skills in scientific data collection, analysis, and technical report writing
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and under pressure
Duties:
- Implement the River Eco-status Monitoring Programme (REMP) in the Umzimvubu to Tsitsikamma area
- Analyze and interpret scientific data, run REMP models, and prepare technical reports
- Contribute to the State of the Rivers reports and provide inputs on Water Use License Applications
- Comment on environmental impact assessments and related documents
- Participate in the Wetland National Monitoring Programme (WNMP) and reserve determination
- Support Citizen Science programs and investigate illegal water use
- Mentor and train candidate research technicians
Enquiries:
- Ms. Nqabisa Gwentshe, Tel: (043) 701 2352
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
8. Position: Scientific Technician Grade A-C (2 Posts)
- Department of Water and Sanitation
- Reference Number: 300924/08
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Western Cape
- Directorate: Water Resources Support
- Sub-directorate: Geohydrological Services
- Salary: R371 253 – R556 080 per annum (OSD)
- Location: Bellville
Requirements:
- National Diploma in Natural Sciences, Water Groundwater, Geohydrology, or a related field
- Three (3) years of post-qualification technical scientific experience in groundwater
- Compulsory registration with SACNASP as a Certificated Natural Scientist
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge in program/project management, scientific methodologies, and models
- Experience in groundwater resources management and related fields (urban development, agriculture, waste management, mining)
- Understanding of the National Water Act and integrated Water Resource Management
- Skills in scientific data analysis, technical report writing, and effective communication
- Innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities
Duties:
- Develop and implement methodologies, policies, and procedures
- Perform geohydrological functions, including data collection and scientific analysis
- Maintain and calibrate scientific equipment
- Provide technical support and advice on geohydrological matters
- Promote public awareness of scientific activities and manage client relations
- Conduct research and development, and prepare technical reports
- Customize operational procedures and manage databases
- Mentor and train candidate research technicians
Enquiries:
- Mr. MA Jacobs, Tel: (021) 941 6219
Applications:
- Email: WCRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: Sigma Building, 3 Blanckenberg Road, Bellville
- Post: Private Bag X16, Sanlamhof, 7532
9. Position: Engineering Technician Grade A-C
- Department of Water and Sanitation
- Reference Number: 300924/09
- Branch: Provincial Operations
- Division: Umzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency
- Sub-directorate: Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement
- Salary: R371 253 – R556 080 per annum (OSD)
- Location: East London
Requirements:
- National Diploma in Engineering or relevant qualification
- Three (3) years of post-qualification technical engineering experience
- Compulsory registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineering Technician
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge in project management, technical design, and legal compliance
- Skills in technical report writing, problem-solving, and teamwork
- Ability to manage people and provide technical inputs
Duties:
- Provide technical services and support in field and office activities
- Promote safety and evaluate technical manuals and procedures
- Produce and submit technical designs and specifications
- Conduct research and development, and manage databases
- Supervise technical personnel and manage technical assets
- Provide inputs into budgeting and technical/engineering operational plans
- Maintain continuous professional development and liaise with relevant bodies
Enquiries:
- Mr. S Maseko, Tel: (043) 701 0327
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
10. Position: Engineering Technician Grade A-C
- Department of Water and Sanitation
- Reference Number: 300924/10
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Directorate: Water Resources Management Support
- Sub-directorate: Hydrological Services
- Salary: R371 253 – R556 080 per annum (OSD)
- Location: Cradock
Requirements:
- National Diploma in Engineering or relevant qualification
- Three (3) years of post-qualification technical engineering experience
- Compulsory registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineering Technician
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of the National Water Act and Hydstra
- Skills in technical report writing, problem-solving, and project management
Duties:
- Assist in field, workshop, and technical office activities
- Monitor gauging sites and perform water level/flow monitoring
- Develop and maintain databases, and register hydrological data on Hydstra
- Supervise artisans and assistant technical officers
- Compile and submit reports and liaise with relevant engineering bodies
Enquiries:
- Ms. T Matyeni, Tel: (041) 501 0733
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
11. Position: Environmental Officer Production Grade A-C (Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement) (3 Posts)
- Department of Water and Sanitation
- Reference Number: 300924/11
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Division: Umzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency
- Sub-directorate: Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement
- Salary: R325 917 – R556 080 per annum (OSD)
Locations:
- Gqeberha (Reference No: 300924/11(A))
- Mthatha (Reference No: 300924/11(B))
Requirements:
- National Diploma in Environmental Management or Natural Sciences
- Practical experience in compliance monitoring and enforcement (advantageous)
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of water sector legislation (National Water Act, Water Services Act, NEMA, Waste Act)
- Understanding of industrial, agricultural, and mining processes
- Skills in GIS, communication, and compliance monitoring
Duties:
- Monitor compliance of water users with regulations and authorizations
- Conduct audits and prepare reports on compliance
- Investigate non-compliant cases and issue notices/directives
- Monitor and follow-up on compliance actions
- Facilitate representation and action plan reviews for non-compliance
- Adhere to standard operating procedures and deadlines
Enquiries:
- Mr. F Khoza, Tel: (043) 701 0342
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
12. Position: Environmental Officer Production Grade A-C (4 Posts)
- Department of Water and Sanitation
- Reference Number: 300924/12
- Branch: Provincial Operations: Eastern Cape
- Division: Umzimvubu Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agency
- Sub-directorate: Water Use Authorization
- Salary: R325 917 – R556 080 per annum (OSD)
Locations:
- East London (Reference No: 300924/12(A))
- Gqeberha (Reference No: 300924/12(B))
Requirements:
- National Diploma in Environmental Management or Natural Sciences
- One (1) year of working experience, including internships
- Valid driver’s license
- Knowledge of integrated water resource management and water use authorizations
- Understanding of relevant water sector legislation and regulations
- Skills in communication, report writing, and stakeholder engagement
Duties:
- Process water use authorizations and conduct site inspections
- Liaise with clients and stakeholders to gather necessary information
- Request scientific inputs and evaluate hydrological and environmental data
- Draft recommendations and license conditions
- Comment on environmental reports and respond to client queries
Enquiries:
- Mr. F Khoza, Tel: (043) 701 0342
Applications:
- Email: ECRecruit@dws.gov.za
- Hand deliver: 2 Hargreaves Avenue, Old SABC Building, King William’s Town, 5600
- Post: Private Bag X7485, King Williams Town, 5600
Additional info
Closing Date: 30 September 2024
Application Submission:
- Submit applications to the address specified for each post.
- Use the newly implemented Z83 form.
Download the Z83 Government Application Form
- Accompany applications with a comprehensive CV detailing training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge, and experience.
- Additional documentation (e.g., copies of qualifications, identity document, driver’s license) is not required at the application stage but must be presented if shortlisted.
Tip: Building a Winning CV: Tips for Success in South African Government Jobs
Important Information:
- Complete all required fields on the Z83 form.
- For professional or occupational registration, fill out Part B of the Z83 and include this information in the CV.
- If a driver’s license is required, include this detail in the CV.
- Failure to provide all required information will result in automatic disqualification.
Selection Process:
- Late applications will not be considered.
- Shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks, including SAQA verification, reference, criminal, and credit checks.
- Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate if shortlisted.
- Senior Management Services (SMS) candidates must complete a technical and competency assessment and obtain a pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government before appointment.
- Shortlisted candidates will need to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo a security clearance.
- Foreign or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin if shortlisted.
Equal Opportunity Employment:
- The Department of Water and Sanitation is an equal opportunity employer.
- Employment will adhere to the Constitution of South Africa, the Employment Equity Act, and relevant Human Resources policies.
- Preference will be given to women and persons with disabilities in accordance with Employment Equity targets.
Additional Notes:
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- If no contact is made within three months, consider the application unsuccessful.
- Faxed applications will not be considered.
- The Department reserves the right not to fill the positions.
The Department of Water and Sanitation eagerly anticipates the addition of dedicated individuals to its team who are committed to enhancing water management and sanitation practices. By joining this forward-thinking organization, applicants will play a crucial role in advancing essential services that benefit communities and protect natural resources.
This is an opportunity to contribute to impactful projects and be part of a mission-driven team focused on making a difference. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications and embark on a rewarding career path with the Department of Water and Sanitation, where their expertise and passion can drive positive change and innovation.
