Chief Engineer – Polokwane – Public Works And Infrastructure

Chief Engineer at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in Polokwane, a vital government job in South Africa

Published 11 September 2026
Closing Date 25 September 2026 — 2 days left
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is seeking a Chief Engineer to join their dedicated team in Polokwane. This pivotal role focuses on enhancing engineering designs and operational effectiveness to serve the community better. As a Chief Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring that engineering projects are not only executed efficiently but also align with the overarching goals of public service in South Africa.

This position demands an innovative approach to engineering challenges, where your expertise will contribute to developing new services and management methods. By overseeing the integration of design disciplines and ensuring compliance with engineering standards, you will help maintain the quality of infrastructure that the community relies on daily. Your work will directly impact operational availability and the overall efficiency of the department, making it a significant contribution to the public sector.

About the Department

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is committed to providing sustainable infrastructure development and maintenance across South Africa. With a mandate that encompasses various engineering projects, the department plays a crucial role in supporting the country’s socio-economic development through effective resource management and innovative engineering solutions. Working here means being part of a team that values accountability, excellence, and the continuous improvement of public service delivery.

What You’ll Do

  • Conduct final reviews and audits on engineering designs to ensure adherence to industry standards.
  • Coordinate design efforts across various disciplines for seamless technology integration.
  • Develop and implement maintenance strategies that align with organizational objectives.
  • Set engineering maintenance standards and specifications to optimize operational efficiency.
  • Monitor maintenance efficiencies and direct engineering services to meet organizational goals.
  • Manage resources, including budget oversight, to ensure efficient project execution.
  • Provide technical consulting on engineering matters to mitigate risks and enhance performance.
  • Facilitate knowledge sharing initiatives to support individual and operational development plans.

What You’ll Need

  • A recognized engineering qualification (B Engineering / BSc in Engineering) at NQF level 07.
  • A minimum of six years of relevant experience post-qualification.
  • Valid registration as a Professional Engineer with ECSA.
  • A valid driver’s license (exceptions for individuals with disabilities).
  • Strong competencies in people management, project management, and financial management.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the National Building Standards Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Effective communication skills and functional computer literacy.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the following website https://erecruitment.limpopo.gov.za.

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Requirements

An engineering qualification (B Engineering / BSc in Engineering) at NQF level 07 as recognised by SAQA.

Six 6 years’ relevant experience post qualification.

Valid Registration with professional Engineer - ECSA.

Valid driver’s license except for people living with disabilities.

Core & Process Competencies: People Management and Empowerment.

Programme & Project Management.

Financial Management.

Change Management.

Knowledge Management.

Client orientation & Customer focus.

Problem Solving & Analysis.

Communication.

Functional computer literacy.

Knowledge & skills: National Building Standards Act of 1977 and Regulations.

Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 and Regulations.

Government Immovable Asset Management Act of 2007.

South African Schools Act of 1996, Regulations and Guidelines.

Job Duties

Perform final review and approvals or audits on new engineering designs according to design principles or theory.

Co-ordinate design efforts and integration across disciplines to ensure seamless integration with current technology.

Pioneering of new engineering services and management methods.

Maintain engineering operational effectiveness.

Manage the execution of maintenance strategy through the provision of appropriate - 111 - 2010#0601#OSD Engineers And Related (Annexure A) (Updated 20 July 2011).

doc structures.

systems and resources.

Set engineering maintenance standards.

specifications and service levels according to organizational objectives to ensure optimum operational availability.

Monitor maintenance efficiencies according to organizational goals to direct or redirect engineering services for the attainment of organizational objectives (c) Governance (i) Allocate.

control.

monitor and report on all resources.

Compile risk logs and manages significant risk according to sound risk management practice and organizational requirements.

Provide technical consulting services for the operation on engineering related matters to minimize possible engineering risks.

Manage and implement knowledge sharing initiatives e.

g.

short-term assignments and secondments within and across operations.

in support of individual development plans.

operational requirements and return on investment.

Continuously monitor the exchange and protection of information between operations and individuals to ensure effective knowledge management according to departmental objectives.

Ensure the availability and management of funds to meet the MTEF objectives within the engineering environment/services.

Manage the operational capital project portfolio for the operation to ensure effective resourcing according to organizational needs and objectives.

Manage the commercial value add of the discipline-related programmes and projects.

Facilitate the compilation of innovation proposals to ensure validity and adherence to organizational principles.

Allocate.

control and monitor expenditure according to budget to ensure efficient cash flow management.

Manage the development.

motivation and utilization of human resources for the 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.

Salary

R1 317 384 per annum CENTRE Head Office, Polokwane

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the following website https://erecruitment.limpopo.gov.za. The application on the eRecruitment system should be accompanied by the new Z83 and recent comprehensive CV (previous experience must be comprehensively detailed, i.e. positions held and duration/dates). Failure to attach required documents will result in the application not being considered/disqualified Applications may also be hand delivered/posted to: Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure: Private Bag X9490, Polokwane, 0700 or 232 hand delivered at Works Tower Building, No. 43 Church Street, Polokwane, 0699. For Capricorn District: Private Bag X9378, Polokwane, 0700 Or hand deliver at 15 Landros Mare street, next to Correctional Services. For Mopani District: Private Bag X576, Giyani, 0826 or hand deliver at 570 Parliamentary Building, Giyani. For Sekhukhune District: Private Bag X02 Chuenespoort, 0745 or hand deliver at Lebowakgomo Zone A, next to traffic department. For Vhembe District: Private Bag X2248, Sibasa, 0970 or hand deliver at Cnr. Traffic and Raluswielo Street, Sibasa. For Waterberg District: Private Bag X1028, Modimolle, 0510 or hand deliver at Cnr. Thabo Mbeki & Elias Motsoaledi Street. The application on eRecruitment system should be accompanied by recent comprehensive CV (previous experience must be comprehensively detailed, i.e. positions held and duration/dates) as well as copies of all qualifications, Identity Document and valid driver’s license only. Failure to attach copies and required documents will result in the application not being considered/disqualification. For Enquiries: Mr Lukheli TV at 081 535 3675, Mr. Ramaru TE at 067 873 7345, Mesdames Mmowa LS at 081 532 6059, Phasiwe N at 081 550 2664 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE