Chief Engineer Grade A

Department of Water and Sanitation; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A government department is seeking a Chief Engineer Grade A in KwaZulu-Natal, Durban. The role demands extensive experience in water and sanitation services and a degree in engineering. The candidate should manage technical teams and support project implementation. Strong leadership, communication skills, and ECSA registration are required. This position offers the opportunity to impact water service delivery across the region.

Qualifications

• Six (6) years of post-qualification experience.
• Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
• A valid and unexpired driver’s licence.
• Extensive experience in water and sanitation services.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including Water Services Act.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical services and support engineering activities.
• Provide project management support for water services projects.
• Engage with stakeholders for project planning.
• Ensure compliance with planning methodologies.
• Monitor project implementation for adherence to standards.

Skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Technical report writing

Education

Degree in engineering (B Eng / BSc Eng)

Job description

Job title: Chief Engineer Grade A

Job Location: KwaZulu-Natal, Durban

Deadline: November 14, 2025

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Requirements

• A degree in engineering (B Eng / BSc Eng) or relevant qualification.
• Six (6) years of post‑qualification experience.
• Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a professional engineer.
• A valid and unexpired driver’s licence.
• Extensive experience in water and sanitation services planning and implementation, including feasibility studies, design, legislative compliance, site supervision, and project close‑out.
• Knowledge of programme, project, and financial management, and the ability to effectively liaise with a wide range of sector role players.
• Comprehensive understanding of the water sector and relevant legislation, including but not limited to:
• Water Services Act (No. 108 of 1997)
• National Water Act (No. 36 of 1998)
• National Environmental Management Act (No. 107 of 1998)
• Competence in research and development, computer‑aided engineering applications, and relevant software tools.
• Strong technical report writing, networking, and professional judgment skills.
• Abilities in problem‑solving, analysis, decision‑making, team leadership, creativity, and self‑management.
• Strong stakeholder focus, responsiveness, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Excellent planning, organising, people management, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated strategic capability and leadership.
• Must be available to travel frequently, sometimes at short notice.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical services and provide support in conjunction with engineers, technologists, technicians, and associates in field, workshop, and technical office activities.
• Provide analytical and project management support for water and sanitation services projects.
• Offer technical support to the water and sanitation sector.
• Conduct strategic analysis of water services themes and topics and develop related business perspectives with recommendations.
• Engage and liaise with all stakeholders and sector role players regarding project planning and implementation.
• Support water services authorities (WSAs) to ensure the effective application of planning and implementation frameworks and methodologies.
• Monitor and report on adherence to approved planning and implementation methodologies.
• Identify, prioritise, and initiate projects; manage associated financial processes and budget structuring.
• Coordinate planning across all spheres of government (Water Boards, WSAs, and other WSPs) to ensure integrated, reliable, and sustainable service delivery.
• Investigate, assess, monitor, and report on all aspects of water and sanitation service delivery.
• Ensure accurate data management and reporting through systems such as the Water Services Knowledge System and the National Integrated Water Information System.
• Maintain data‑sharing partnerships with key sector role players and stakeholders, including Statistics South Africa, National Treasury, Cooperative Governance, and the Office of the Presidency.
• Ensure quality assurance of technical designs and specifications, and make or recommend approvals where appropriate.
• Monitor project implementation to ensure compliance with prescribed norms and standards.
• Evaluate water and sanitation services delivery projects.
• Provide technical and engineering guidance on the operation and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.
• Support town reconciliation studies, water conservation and demand management (WCWDM) initiatives, bulk water and sanitation master planning, and disaster management efforts.
• Pursue continuous professional development to remain abreast of new technologies and procedures.
• Conduct research and literature studies to enhance technical expertise and professional competence.

Closing Date: November 14, 2025