Department of Water and Sanitation Control Engineering Technician Grade A Vacancy 2026

The Department of Water and Sanitation is inviting applications for the position of Control Engineering Technician Grade A within the Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency (PUCMA). Based in Durban, the position focuses on hydrological infrastructure, technical engineering services, hydrological data management, monitoring systems, quality control, and technical support.

The opportunity is suited to professionally registered engineering technicians with a National Diploma in Civil Engineering and at least six years of post-qualification technical engineering experience. The successful candidate will also contribute to technical management, personnel supervision, budgeting, procurement, research, and risk and disaster management activities.

Why Work at the Department of Water and Sanitation?

The Control Engineering Technician Grade A position provides an opportunity to work in a specialised technical environment involving water resources and hydrological infrastructure.

The role offers exposure to:

Hydrological infrastructure design, monitoring, and technical support.
Hydrological data management and quality control.
Stream flow gauging, calibration, and monitoring systems.
Engineering technology, research, and continuous professional development.
Technical project, financial, human resource, and operational management.

Department of Water and Sanitation Control Engineering Technician Grade A Vacancy 2026 Overview

The Control Engineering Technician Grade A will manage technical services and provide support in engineering, hydrological, field, and workshop activities. The role includes maintaining the quality of hydrological data, managing hydrological data registration, monitoring gauging sites and instrumentation, and overseeing the Data Quality Control Division within the relevant sub-directorate.

The successful candidate will also provide technical input into planning, budgeting, procurement, risk and disaster management, and personnel development while liaising with relevant engineering bodies and councils.

Job Details

Post: Control Engineering Technician Grade A
Reference No.: PUCMA 39
Branch: Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency
Post Level: OSD
Centre: Durban
Salary: R573,552 per annum
Application Closing Date: 16 October 2026 at 4:30 PM
Enquiries: Mr Thulani Mbokodo
Contact: 063 501 0278

Requirements and Expectations

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

A National Diploma in Civil Engineering.
Six years of post-qualification technical engineering experience.
Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technician.
A valid, unexpired driver’s licence.
Knowledge of technical design and analysis of hydrological infrastructure and/or water resource infrastructure.
Knowledge of hydrological data management and water balance.
Knowledge of research and development.
Knowledge and experience in computer-aided engineering applications.
Knowledge of legal compliance and project management.
Technical report writing skills.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Conflict management and negotiation skills.
Problem-solving and analytical skills.
Decision-making abilities.
Teamwork and creativity.
Financial and people management skills.
Customer focus and responsiveness.
Planning and organising skills.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Managing technical services and support in conjunction with engineers, technologists, and associates in field, workshop, and technical hydrological activities.
Promoting safety in line with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Evaluating existing technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to incorporate new technology.
Ensuring quality control of hydrological time-series data.
Managing the registration of hydrological data on Hydstra.
Managing performance of control surveys, stream flow gauging, and calibration of gauging weirs.
Monitoring real-time data from gauging sites.
Performing site evaluations and monitoring instrumentation.
Handling data requests and dissemination.
Managing the Data Quality Control Division within the Sub-Directorate.
Attending to Monitoring Committee matters.
Managing administrative, human resource, and related functions.
Providing input into budgeting, operational planning, procurement planning, and related activities.
Compiling and submitting reports as required.
Providing technical support on Risk and Disaster Management matters.
Conducting research and development through continuous professional development.
Keeping up with new technologies and procedures.
Providing mentorship and supervision to personnel.
Conducting research and literature studies on technical engineering technology to improve expertise.
Liaising with relevant bodies and councils on engineering-related matters.
Working away from the office and travelling extensively for extended periods when required.

How to Apply

Applications for the Control Engineering Technician Grade A position should be submitted online through the Department of Water and Sanitation eRecruitment platform.

To apply:

Visit the vacancy page using the application link below.
Review the complete vacancy information and confirm that you meet the stated requirements.
Select the Apply option on the vacancy page.
Complete the online application and submit the required information and supporting documentation.

Online Application: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/vacancy-details/?id=f3c45aa4-60bd-f111-a05c-7ced8d0c96b3

Applications must be submitted before the closing time of 4:30 PM on 16 October 2026.

Tips to Boost Your Application

Applicants can strengthen their applications by clearly demonstrating their professional engineering experience and technical knowledge.

Clearly state your National Diploma in Civil Engineering.
Highlight your six years of post-qualification technical engineering experience.
Include your ECSA registration as a Professional Engineering Technician.
Demonstrate experience with hydrological or water resource infrastructure.
Highlight your knowledge of hydrological data management, water balance, and data quality control.
Mention experience with computer-aided engineering applications and Hydstra where applicable.
Highlight your technical report writing, project management, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Demonstrate your ability to supervise personnel and contribute to budgeting, procurement, and operational planning.
Indicate your willingness to travel extensively and work away from the office for extended periods.

The Department of Water and Sanitation Control Engineering Technician Grade A vacancy offers an opportunity for an experienced and professionally registered engineering technician to contribute to hydrological monitoring, water resource infrastructure, data quality management, and technical services within the Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency. Eligible applicants should complete their online applications before 16 October 2026 at 4:30 PM.