If you’re passionate about real estate, property management, and the dynamic world of municipal services, the Estates Assistant vacancy at Ethekwini Municipality offers an exciting opportunity to build your career. This permanent position, located in the heart of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, will allow you to contribute to vital property evaluations and administrative tasks that support the city’s growth and the efficient functioning of its real estate division.
Estates Assistant Job Overview
- Job Title: Estates Assistant
- Job Type: Permanent
- Job Grade: T07
- Department: Valuations and Acquisitions
- Branch: Rating
- Division: Buildings
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Vacancy Group: Real Estates
- Reference Number: ETH240826-12
- Job Number: 72000358
- Reporting To: Chief Building Assessor
- Application Closing Date: 13 September 2024
Estates Assistant Job Description
The Estates Assistant position plays a crucial role in maintaining the municipality’s valuation roll, which forms the basis of property taxation and ensures compliance with legislative requirements. By supporting the department’s operations, the Estates Assistant helps fulfill the goals of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), while aligning with the policies and initiatives of Ethekwini Municipality.
Key Responsibilities
As an Estates Assistant, you will be involved in a wide range of activities to ensure the smooth running of the Real Estates division. Some of the key tasks include:
- General Maintenance of Valuation Roll: Assisting with the upkeep and accuracy of property attributes recorded in the valuation roll, ensuring they align with legislative requirements.
- Rate Clearance Certificate Applications: Helping process applications for rate clearance certificates, which are necessary for property transfers.
- Clerical Administration of Valuation Appeals: Providing administrative support in managing valuation appeals from property owners.
- Handling Queries: Attending to inquiries from ratepayers and property owners regarding the valuation roll.
- Research and Investigation: Assisting in conducting investigations and research on property matters to support the department’s objectives.
Requirements
To be considered for the Estates Assistant role, candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Educational Qualification: A Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or equivalent qualification is required. Additionally, a certificate in Real Estate, Property Management, Built Environment (such as Town Planning or Housing), Administration, or any related field is necessary.
- Experience: At least two years of relevant work experience in a similar role within real estate, property management, or municipal services.
- Skills: Computer literacy is essential, as you’ll be required to handle administrative tasks and use various software platforms.
- Driver’s License: A valid motor vehicle driver’s license is required for the position.
Preferred Qualifications
While not mandatory, Ethekwini Municipality prefers candidates with the following qualifications:
- Higher Educational Qualification: A tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6) in Real Estate, Property Management, Built Environment, or a related field.
- Work Experience: Three years of experience in a similar role within the municipal or property management sector.
Career Advancement Opportunity
For candidates who have additional experience and qualifications, the Estates Officer position offers a career progression path. Estates Officers undertake similar duties but with greater responsibility, including handling rate clearance applications and administering valuation appeals.
Estates Officer Essential Requirements
- Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or equivalent qualification.
- Certificate in Real Estate, Property Management, Built Environment, or a related field.
- Three years of relevant experience.
- Computer literacy.
- Valid driver’s license.
Estates Officer Preferred Qualifications
- Tertiary qualification (NQF Level 6) in Real Estate, Property Management, Built Environment, or a related field.
- Four years of relevant experience.
Key Competencies
Both the Estates Assistant and Estates Officer positions require a blend of technical and soft skills. These include:
- Influencing Skills: The ability to influence outcomes through effective communication and negotiation.
- Technical Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to handle complex property issues and convey information clearly.
- Information Monitoring: Ability to track, measure, and interpret data related to property values and rates.
- Client Orientation and Customer Focus: A focus on serving ratepayers and providing excellent customer service.
- Team Orientation: Ability to work collaboratively within a team to achieve departmental goals.
- Learning Orientation: Willingness to continuously learn and adapt to new policies and regulations.
- Resilience: The capacity to handle challenging situations and stay focused under pressure.
Why Work for Ethekwini Municipality?
Ethekwini Municipality is not just a workplace but a community. Serving as the local government for Durban and surrounding areas, it is one of South Africa’s largest and most progressive municipalities. Joining the team means contributing to a city that is growing rapidly, improving service delivery, and striving for innovation.
The Estates division is central to managing the municipality’s properties and ensuring accurate property valuations for tax purposes. By maintaining the valuation roll, employees in this division support vital revenue streams that help fund essential services, from infrastructure development to social programs.
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What Ethekwini Municipality Offers
In addition to the opportunity to work for one of South Africa’s most vibrant and forward-thinking municipalities, the Estates Assistant position offers a competitive remuneration package, including:
- Salary:
- Estates Assistant: R208 686.56 (T07 salary grade).
- Estates Officer: Between R264 549.62 and R343 387.13, depending on experience (T09 salary grade).
- Benefits:
- Housing Subsidy: Available to help with accommodation costs.
- Medical Aid: Comprehensive medical cover is offered to employees.
- Pension Fund: A pension fund is provided for long-term financial security.
- Leave: Employees are entitled to leave benefits as per the municipality’s policies.
- 13th Cheque: An additional monthly salary at the end of the year as a bonus.
How to Apply
To apply for the Estates Assistant or Estates Officer position, submit your application before the closing date of 13 September 2024. Applications can be directed to the Human Capital (HC) Finance Department at Ethekwini Municipality, or you can call 031 322 7305 for further details.
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Ensure that your CV highlights your qualifications, relevant experience, and competencies to increase your chances of success. Keep in mind the essential requirements and preferred qualifications listed above.
If you meet the requirements and are interested in real estate and property management, the Estates Assistant vacancy at Ethekwini Municipality is a career opportunity you don’t want to miss. Not only does this role offer valuable experience in municipal services, but it also provides growth opportunities and competitive benefits.






