The Department of Water and Sanitation is inviting applications for the position of Environmental Officer Production Grade A – C under the Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency (PUCMA). The position is based in Durban and focuses on water resources compliance, enforcement, inspections, investigations, and monitoring activities.
The vacancy is suitable for candidates who hold a National Diploma in Natural Sciences or an equivalent qualification. Applicants with relevant experience in Water Resources Management, including internship or experiential learning, will have an added advantage.
Why Work at the Department of Water and Sanitation?
The Environmental Officer Production Grade A – C position provides an opportunity to work within the water resources management environment and gain practical experience in compliance, enforcement, inspections, and investigations.
The role provides exposure to:
- Water resources management and regulatory compliance.
- Enforcement of the National Water Act and related legislation.
- Water use investigations, inspections, and sampling.
- Technical assessment of reports and action plans.
- Environmental awareness and stakeholder engagement activities.
Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies 2026 Overview
The Environmental Officer Production Grade A – C position is located within the Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency. The successful candidate will support compliance and enforcement activities while ensuring that applicable water legislation, policies, regulations, and licences are followed.
The position also involves investigating reported unlawful water use, preparing enforcement documentation, supporting legal processes, and assessing technical reports and action plans.
Job Details
- Post: Environmental Officer Production Grade A – C
- Reference No.: PUCMA 42
- Branch: Pongola-Umzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency
- Centre: Durban
- Post Level: OSD
- Salary: R357,597 – R610,131 per annum
- Application Closing Date: 16 October 2026 at 4:30 PM
- Enquiries: Ms. Zanele Msimang
- Contact: 082 908 8141
Requirements and Expectations
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- A National Diploma in Natural Sciences or an equivalent qualification.
- One year of experience in the relevant field of Water Resources Management will be an added advantage.
- Internship or experiential learning in the relevant field will also be an added advantage.
- A valid, unexpired driver’s licence.
- Knowledge and understanding of the National Water Act, 1998.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, including CARA, NEMA, and MPRDA, and related policies.
- Sound knowledge of integrated water resource management.
- Knowledge of water use investigation, inspections, and sampling procedures.
- Excellent communication skills, including verbal communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
- Knowledge of technical assessment of action plans.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability and willingness to travel and work long hours when necessary.
Duties and Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Implementing compliance and enforcement activities of the unit.
- Ensuring enforcement of the National Water Act.
- Conducting compliance inspections for various sector-related activities.
- Assessing activities against legislation, policies, regulations, and licences.
- Compiling formal inspection reports.
- Supporting education and awareness activities to promote compliance.
- Investigating reported unlawful water use.
- Implementing enforcement actions through administrative, criminal, and civil measures.
- Preparing and issuing notices and directives as part of administrative enforcement.
- Preparing information, reports, and evidence required for court applications.
- Assessing and reviewing technical reports.
- Reviewing action plans to monitor compliance with issued enforcement actions.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the Environmental Officer Production Grade A – C position should submit their applications online through the Department of Water and Sanitation eRecruitment platform.
To apply:
- Visit the official DWS vacancy page.
- Review the complete vacancy information and confirm that you meet the requirements.
- Select the Apply option on the vacancy page.
- Complete the online application and submit the required information and supporting documentation before the deadline.
Online Application: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/vacancy-details/?id=c7633a89-6dbd-f111-a05c-7ced8d0c96b3
Applicants should ensure that their applications are submitted by 4:30 PM on 16 October 2026.
Tips to Boost Your Application
A strong application should clearly demonstrate your academic qualifications, relevant knowledge, and suitability for water resources compliance and enforcement work.
- Clearly indicate your National Diploma in Natural Sciences or equivalent qualification.
- Highlight relevant Water Resources Management experience, internship, or experiential learning.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of the National Water Act and other legislation specified in the vacancy.
- Highlight any relevant knowledge of water use investigations, inspections, and sampling.
- Emphasise your report writing, presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Include your valid driver’s licence information.
- Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Be prepared to travel and work long hours where necessary.
The Department of Water and Sanitation Environmental Officer Production Grade A – C vacancy offers a professional opportunity for candidates interested in water resources management, regulatory compliance, environmental enforcement, and water use investigations. Eligible applicants should complete the online application before the 16 October 2026 at 4:30 PM closing time.
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