Chief Engineer Grade A

About the role

The Department of Water and Sanitation is hiring a Chief Engineer Grade A in Water And Sanitation Services Management: WC Cd: Provincial Operations: Western Cape, based in Bellville. This is a permanent post, paying R1,317,108 – R1,504,797 a year. How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: 301026/03 Closing date: 30 October 2026 Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: This appointment will be made on the minimum notch of the salary range, however, a higher notch within the salary range of Grade A will be considered based in relation to the provisions of the Public Service Regulation 2016 as amended, i.e. provision of the candidate’s current salary advice.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical services and support in conjunction with Engineers, Technologists, Technicians, and associates in filed, workshop and technical office activities.
• Provide support in the analysis and project management of water and sanitation services projects.
• Provide technical support to the water and sanitation sector.
• Strategic analysis of Water Services themes and topics.
• Development of related business perspectives with recommendations.
• Liaison and engagements with all stakeholders and water and sanitation sector players with regards to project planning and implementation.
• Provide support to WSAs to ensure implementation of Planning and implementation frameworks and methodologies.
• Monitoring and reporting on the adherence to these planning and implementation frameworks and methodologies.
• Identification, prioritization and initiation of projects through and the associated financial management to structure the required budgets for planning and implementation.
• Co-ordination of planning to ensure integrated planning and management of water and sanitation projects in all spheres of government (Water Boards, WSAs and other WSPs) to improve water and sanitation services, and the reliability and sustainably of infrastructure.
• Investigation, assessment, monitoring and reporting on all aspects of Water and Sanitation Services delivery.
• Ensure all data, information, reports and results of analyses are packaged and made accessible to the sector via the Water Services Knowledge System and National Integrated Water Information System.
• Liaison with, and maintenance of data sharing and information partnerships with key Water and Sanitation Services, Sector role-players and stakeholder such as Statistics South Africa, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Office of the Presidency.
• Ensure quality assurance of technical designs with specifications and authorize/make recommendations for the approval by the relevant authority.
• Monitor and ensure projects are implemented in accordance with prescribed norms and standards.
• Monitoring and evaluation of water and sanitation services delivery projects.
• The provision of guidance to the water sector regarding technical and engineering aspects of the operations and maintenance of water and sanitation services infrastructure.
• Support and provide guidance on All Town Reconciliation Studies, implementation of WCWDM, Bulk Water and Sanitation Master Planning and Disaster Management.
• Continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures.
• Research/Literature studies on technical engineering technology to improve expertise.
• Allocate, control and monitor expenditure according to budget to ensure efficient cash flow management.
• Manage the development, motivation and utilization of human resources for discipline to ensure competent knowledge base for the continued success of engineering services according to organizational needs and requirements.
• Manage subordinates' key performance areas by setting and monitoring performance standards and taking actions to correct deviations to achieve departmental objectives.

Requirements

• An Engineering degree (B Eng/BSc (Eng) or relevant qualification.
• 6 years’ post qualification experience required.
• Compulsory registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer.
• The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver's license.
• Extensive experience in water and sanitation services planning and implementation, including feasibility studies and designs.
• Knowledge of programme, project, financial management and ability to effectively liaise with a range of sector role players.
• Knowledge of water sector and relevant legislation (including but not limited to, the Water Services Act No. 108 of 1997, National Water Act No. 36 of 1998 as well as the National Environmental Management Act No. 107 of 1998) among others.
• Engineering, legal and operational compliance, Engineering operational communication.
• Process knowledge and skills.
• Maintenance skills and knowledge.
• Mobile equipment operating skills.
• Engineering design and analysis knowledge.
• Research and development.
• Computer-aided engineering applications.
• Creating high-performance culture.
• Technical consulting.
• Engineering and professional judgment, Strategic capability and leadership.
• Problem solving and analysis skills.
• Decision making, Team leadership and creativity, financial management.
• Customer focus and responsiveness, Communication, computer skills, people management, planning and organizing, Conflict management, negotiation skills and change management.