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POST 08/376 : CHIEF ENGINEER GRADE A

🏒 DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND SANITATION πŸ“ Pretoria Head Office ⏳ Closes: 20 Mar 2026 β›” Closed 🧾 Post: 08/376 # Ref: 200326/01 Branch: Infrastructure Management: Head Office Dir: Strategic Infrastructure Asset Management Sd: Mechanical Asset Management
Closed
This vacancy has expired. The closing date was 20 Mar 2026.

Key details

Salary
R1 266 450 - β€’ per annum β€’ package
Centre
Pretoria Head Office
Reference
200326/01 Branch: Infrastructure Management: Head Office Dir: Strategic Infrastructure Asset Management Sd: Mechanical Asset Management
Closing date
20 Mar 2026

Job Highlight

Overview
Join the Department of Water and Sanitation as a Chief Engineer to lead mechanical engineering projects for water infrastructure, including dams and pump stations, ensuring top-quality design, maintenance, and project management.

Requirements

An Engineering Degree (BEng/BSc (Eng) in Mechanical Engineering.

Six (6) years post-qualification experience in mechanical engineering.

Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer (Pr.

Eng – Mechanical).

Project Management certification and/or postgraduate studies will be an added advantage.

The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s licence (except for persons with disabilities).

Extensive experience in the planning, design, construction, and project management of large water resources infrastructure projects, including dams and pump stations.

Proven experience in contract management and application of standard forms of contract such as GCC, FIDIC, and NEC.

Knowledge and experience in asset management, condition assessments, asset verification, maintenance strategies, and lifecycle optimisation of mechanical equipment.

Experience in financial planning and financial management.

Detailed knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations.

Knowledge of project risk analysis and risk management principles.

Ability to function effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.

Strong communication (verbal and written), negotiation, conflict 133 management, and dispute resolution skills.

Sound analytical and problem- solving abilities.

Computer literacy (MS Office, MS Project, etc.) Willingness to travel extensively and work away from the office for extended periods.


Duties

Develop, review, and update Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manuals for pump stations and dam infrastructure will be your main function.

Provide specialist mechanical engineering support to Operations and Maintenance units, including breakdown investigations and fault finding.

Provide input into design processes to ensure operational suitability and maintainability.

Develop and maintain Asset Management strategies and systems to optimise lifecycle performance of mechanical equipment.

Conduct regular inspections and condition assessments of mechanical infrastructure.

Manage CAPEX programmes relating to refurbishment, rehabilitation, upgrades, and emergency works.

Evaluate and update technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to incorporate technological advancements.

Approve and supervise engineering works in accordance with prescribed norms and standards.

Develop tender specifications and oversee procurement processes.

Manage and oversee all aspects of infrastructure project implementation, including technical, environmental, contractual, financial, social, and risk components.

Ensure compliance with technical standards, legal requirements, approved budgets, and project timeframes.

Coordinate and manage contracts with service providers to ensure effective project delivery.

Manage allocated project budgets and human resources to ensure efficient implementation.

Facilitate skills transfer and promote adherence to sound engineering principles and codes of practice.

Promote transformation, innovation, knowledge sharing, and a culture of high performance.


How to apply

All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/

Tip: Many government posts require a completed Z83 form. Download it above and follow the guide.


Notes

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.

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