About the Role
The Department of Water and Sanitation is seeking a skilled Control Engineering Technologist Grade A to join their dedicated team at Midmar Dam. This vital position involves working closely with the Technical Services sub-directorate to manage Water Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance (O&M) work streams. Situated in the picturesque region of KwaZulu-Natal, this role is essential for ensuring the effective functioning of water supply systems that serve communities throughout the province. By applying your expertise in engineering, you will play a crucial role in enhancing public service and supporting the sustainable management of water resources.
As a Control Engineering Technologist, you will collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, technologists, and technicians to ensure that water infrastructure projects are executed with precision and adhere to safety regulations. Your leadership will also extend to mentoring junior personnel, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and driving initiatives that contribute to the overall efficiency of water management in South Africa. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of South Africans by promoting safe and reliable water services.
About the Department
The Department of Water and Sanitation is committed to ensuring that all South Africans have access to clean and safe water. Its mission is to develop, manage, and protect the country’s water resources effectively. By prioritizing sustainability and community engagement, the department plays a critical role in supporting public health and ecological integrity. Working here means being part of an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on society and the environment.
What You’ll Do
- Provide technical support for Area Offices in managing water infrastructure operations and maintenance work streams.
- Lead evaluations of technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to integrate new technology.
- Implement and manage projects, ensuring compliance with best practices and policy requirements.
- Conduct condition assessments of infrastructure, updating relevant databases and generating detailed reports.
- Oversee maintenance of infrastructure assets and ensure they meet regulatory standards.
- Participate in cluster performance committees to enhance operational efficiency.
- Manage administrative and human resource functions, including financial management and budgeting.
- Facilitate research and development to stay updated on advancements in engineering technology.
- Mentor junior technical personnel and supervise their development.
What You’ll Need
- A Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) in Mechanical Engineering, recognized by SAQA.
- Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technologist.
- A minimum of six (6) years of post-qualification experience as an Engineering Technologist or Technician.
- Valid driver’s license (except for persons with disabilities).
- Experience in project management, infrastructure condition assessment, and site supervision.
- Proven ability to mentor graduate interns and facilitate training.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement processes and financial management principles.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with conflict management abilities.
- Willingness to travel extensively throughout KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
How to Apply
Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.
Requirements
A Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) in Mechanical Engineering as recognised by SAQA.Compulsory Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technologist.
A minimum of six (6) years post qualification experience as an Engineering Technologist or Technician.
The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s licence (except for persons with disabilities).
Demonstrated experience in infrastructure condition assessment, project management, design and analysis of water related infrastructure, preparation of procurement documentation and site supervision of construction works.
Proven practical experience of mentoring graduate interns and facilitating training and development.
Knowledge and experience of works management SAP will serve as an added advantage.
Sound knowledge of contract administration and project management, with ability to interpret and review technical drawings and designs.
Understanding of public sector procurement processes, financial planning and management principles.
Knowledge of applicable legislation, including National Water Act, Water Services Act, environmental legislation, and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Knowledge of standard forms of contract used in infrastructure projects, Problem solving and decision-making skills are essential as well as the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
Willingness to work outside normal working hours.
Compulsory and extensive travelling throughout the KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces as and when required.
Good communication skills both (verbal and written).
Conflict management and negotiation skills.
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Job Duties
Work in the cluster office Technical Services sub directorate as one of the technical personnels that supports Area Offices.Manage Water Infrastructure O&M work streams with technical support from a team of Engineers, Technologist, Technicians, Artisans and maintenance personnel in the field.
Ensure the promotion of safety in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Lead work streams that involve evaluation of existing technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to incorporate new technology.
Implement and manage projects in terms of the best practice and policy requirements.
Ensure quality assurance of technical designs with specifications and authorize, make recommendations for approval by the relevant authority.
Undertake condition assessment of infrastructure and update the relevant database and produce detailed reports on assessment results.
Ensure that all infrastructure assets are properly maintained.
Manage administrative activities, human resources related functions.
Financial Management and provide inputs into the budgeting process, operational plan, procurement plan and related matters.
Compile and submit reports as required.
Participate in cluster performance enabling committees such as OHS committee, Disposal committee, BID committees, , Management Committees as per operations need.
Attend to Risk and Disaster Management matters.
Research and Development through continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures.
Laise with relevant bodies/councils on engineering related matters.
Must be prepared to work away from the office and travel extensively across the KwaZulu-Natal Province and other provinces as and when required.
Provide mentorship and supervision of personnel.
Research / literature studies and technical engineering technology to improve expertise.
This is one of the Senior Technical roles in the cluster therefore, the candidate is required to have good leadership skills and will be expected to mentor the junior technical personnel.
