A National Diploma in Engineering or relevant qualification. Six (6) years post qualification technical Engineering experience. Compulsory registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technician. The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license. Knowledge of program- and project management. Knowledge of technical design and analyses of dams. Significant dam engineering experience related to design, flood hydrology, construction, management, and safety of dams.
Knowledge of the water sector and relevant legislation (including but not limited to the Chapter 4 and Chapter 12 of National Water Act (NWA, Act No. 36 of 1998) and the Dam Safety Regulations published in Government Notice R. 139 of 24 February 2012). Understanding of research and development. Computer aided engineering applications including relevant computer software knowledge.
Technical report writing, networking, and professional judgement. Problem solving and analyses, decision making, team leadership, creativity, self-management, customer focus, and responsiveness. Sound interpersonal and leadership skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Planning, organising, and people management. Willingness to travel throughout South Africa when required for operational purposes.
Duties
Investigate, analyses and recommend classification of dams. Evaluate applications of Approved Professional Persons (APPs). Evaluate and investigate engineering aspects of license applications for the construction of new dams, alteration of existing dams, first filling and operational aspects of dams.
Monitor the safety evaluation and investigation reports and carry out risk assessments of dams. Follow up on dam safety betterment work with dam owners. Liaise with regional offices, dam owners, professional persons, APPs and the public regarding dam safety matters. Conduct dam safety inspections at dams with a safety risk. Respond to emergency situations, such as dam failures, at dams and action Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPPs).
Conduct site visits to illegal or unlawful constructed dams and compile technical reports for the issuance of illegal dam letters and directives. Develop, maintain guidelines and policies. Advise on dam safety matters and legislation. Generate reports and statistics to measure progress with the Dam Safety Program. Support the Chief Engineer with all reasonable requests pertaining to dams with a safety risk.
Manage Candidate and Production Engineering Technicians, Candidate and Production Engineering Technologists and Candidate Engineers reporting to him/her. Assist with the development of Candidate Engineering Technicians for registration as professionals. Assist and manage the Dam Safety Regulation database (Microsoft Access Database). Assist with compiling the Annual Report and Annual Performance Plan. Assist the Director with technical inputs, data, statistics, and other reasonable requests.
Interested in this role?
You'll apply on Department of Water and Sanitation's own site before 3 December 2026. Put your most relevant experience at the top of your CV first.