The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has advertised a wide range of employment opportunities across South Africa, offering positions in engineering, water resource management, environmental sciences, administration, finance, communications, technical services and general support.
The vacancies appear in Public Service Vacancy Circular 39 and include opportunities for experienced professionals, managers, technicians, artisans, administrative personnel and applicants with lower-level qualifications.
Some of the advertised positions offer annual salaries exceeding R1 million, while entry-level support positions start at R144,024 per year.
The recruitment drive covers several provincial locations, including Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Western Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.
Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s recruitment portal. The closing date for applications is 13 November 2026.
A Wide Range of Career Opportunities Across the Water Sector
The latest recruitment advertisement reflects the different professional and operational skills required to manage South Africa’s water resources and infrastructure.
Engineering and scientific positions account for a significant portion of the advertised opportunities. These include roles involving dam safety, water infrastructure development, hydrological monitoring, climate change analysis and water resource planning.
The department has also advertised positions in corporate communications, media liaison, internal auditing, financial management, human resources, supply chain management and administrative support.
For people with technical and practical experience, opportunities include electrical artisans, engineering technicians, water plant operations, security services, grounds maintenance and general support.
The vacancies have different qualification and experience requirements. Some senior positions require postgraduate qualifications, professional registration and several years of management experience, while certain support positions accept ABET, Grade 10 or other lower-level qualifications.
Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies 2026: Available Positions and Salaries
The following positions are included in the recruitment advertisement. Salaries are annual amounts as published in the vacancy circular.
| Position | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Director: Water Services Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Programmes | R1,317,384 |
| Scientist Manager Grade A | R1,143,468 |
| Chief Engineer Grade A | R1,317,108 – R1,504,797 |
| Engineer Production Grade A–C (3 posts) | R914,817 – R1,376,199 |
| Engineer Production Grade A–C (4 posts) | R914,817 – R1,376,199 |
| Engineer Production Grade A–C | R914,817 – R1,376,199 |
| Engineer Production Grade A–C | R914,817 – R1,376,199 |
| Engineer Production Grade A–C, Mpumalanga | R914,517 – R1,376,199 |
| Scientist Production Grade A | R791,604 – R1,189,767 |
| Control Environmental Officer Grade A | R636,978 |
| Assistant Director: Capacity Building | R605,742 |
| Control Engineering Technician Grade A (2 posts) | R573,552 |
| Control Engineering Technician Grade A | R573,552 |
| Assistant Director: Corporate Communications | R487,197 |
| Assistant Director: Media Liaison | R487,197 |
| Assistant Director: Auxiliary Services | R487,197 |
| Assistant Director: Auxiliary Services (re-advertisement) | R487,197 |
| Assistant Director: Internal Auditor | R487,197 |
| Engineering Technologist Production Grade A–C | R471,720 – R717,846 |
| Senior Internal Audit | R413,001 |
| Senior State Accountant | R413,001 |
| Senior Employee Health and Wellness Practitioner | R413,001 |
| Engineering Technician Production Grade A–C | R407,337 – R610,131 |
| Artisan Foreman Grade A (Electrical) | R397,329 |
| Artisan Foreman Grade A | R397,329 |
| Environmental Officer Production Grade A–C | R357,597 – R610,131 |
| Administrative Officer: Auxiliary Services | R338,106 |
| Administration Officer: Facilities Management | R338,106 |
| Human Resource Practitioner: Human Resource Development | R338,106 |
| Supply Chain Practitioner | R338,106 |
| Personal Assistant (re-advertisement) | R338,106 |
| Personal Assistant: Office of the Chief Executive | R338,106 |
| Chief Assistant Technical Officer (Scientific Support) | R338,106 |
| Water Plant Superintendent (Team Leader) | R280,278 |
| Artisan Production Grade A–C (Electrical), 3 posts | R253,341 – R424,371 |
| Administration Clerk Production: Supply Chain Management | R237,453 |
| Administration Clerk Production: Transport | R237,453 |
| Security Officer Supervisor (4 posts) | R237,453 |
| Security Officer National Key Point (19 posts) | R201,093 |
| General Foreman | R201,093 |
| Water Control Aid | R201,093 |
| General Stores Assistant | R170,226 |
| Tradesman Aid (Electrical), 4 posts | R170,226 |
| Groundsman | R144,024 |
| Groundsman (2 posts) | R144,024 |
| General Worker (re-advertisement) | R144,024 |
Some positions are advertised as multiple posts, meaning the number of available positions may be higher than the number of individual job categories.
Professional and Engineering Careers Among the Advertised Opportunities
Several of the highest-paying positions are aimed at experienced professionals in civil engineering, water resource management, climate science and dam safety.
The Director: Water Services Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Programmes position is based in Gauteng and offers R1,317,384 per annum.
Applicants need a degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Project Management at NQF Level 7, together with 10 years of programme and project management experience in civil engineering within the water sector-built environment. Five years of middle or senior management experience is also required.
The Scientist Manager Grade A position, based at the Pretoria Head Office, offers R1,143,468 per annum. Applicants need an MSc at NQF Level 9 in a relevant scientific discipline and 10 years of appropriate experience. Professional registration with SACNASP is compulsory.
Another senior opportunity is Chief Engineer Grade A, which offers between R1,317,108 and R1,504,797 annually. The position focuses on dam safety regulation and requires a Civil Engineering qualification, six years of post-qualification water engineering experience and professional registration with ECSA.
These positions are particularly relevant to professionals with established careers in engineering and scientific disciplines.
Engineering and Water Resource Management Positions
The department has also advertised several engineering positions involving water infrastructure planning, dam safety, mechanical engineering and regional water resource development.
These include:
- Engineer Production Grade A–C, Pretoria: Reference 131126/04 (3 posts).
- Engineer Production Grade A–C, Pretoria: Reference 131126/05 (4 posts).
- Engineer Production Grade A–C, Pretoria: Reference 131126/06.
- Engineer Production Grade A–C, Pretoria: Reference 131126/07.
- Engineer Production Grade A–C, Mbombela: Reference 131126/08.
- Engineer Production Grade A–C, Pretoria: Reference 131126/06 and related specialist engineering opportunities.
- Engineering Technologist Production Grade A–C, Gauteng: Reference 131126/17.
- Engineering Technician Production Grade A–C, Bellville: Reference 131126/21.
The engineering roles generally require relevant engineering qualifications, post-qualification experience and professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
The duties include water resource planning, infrastructure development, technical design, project management, engineering assessments and support for water supply and wastewater systems.
Environmental and Scientific Opportunities
The department’s recruitment advertisement also includes positions for applicants with backgrounds in environmental science, hydrology and climate-related disciplines.
One of these is Scientist Production Grade A, based in Gauteng, with an annual salary ranging from R791,604 to R1,189,767.
The successful candidate will work with hydrological data management, including data acquisition, processing, auditing, archiving and dissemination.
Another opportunity is Control Environmental Officer Grade A, based in Durban, offering R636,978 per year.
This position focuses on water resource planning and management, river health monitoring, environmental legislation and the implementation of Resource Directed Measures.
The department is also recruiting an Environmental Officer Production Grade A–C in Bellville, with an annual salary ranging from R357,597 to R610,131.
These opportunities demonstrate the importance of scientific and environmental expertise in water resource protection and management.
Administrative, Finance and Communications Jobs
Not all the advertised opportunities require engineering or scientific qualifications.
The department has included several positions in administration, accounting, human resources, internal auditing, supply chain management and corporate communications.
These include:
- Assistant Director: Corporate Communications.
- Assistant Director: Media Liaison.
- Assistant Director: Auxiliary Services.
- Assistant Director: Internal Auditor.
- Senior Internal Audit.
- Senior State Accountant.
- Human Resource Practitioner: Human Resource Development.
- Supply Chain Practitioner.
- Personal Assistant.
- Administration Officer: Facilities Management.
- Administrative Officer: Auxiliary Services.
For example, the Assistant Director: Media Liaison position in Pretoria offers R487,197 per annum and requires an NQF Level 6 qualification in Communication, Journalism or Public Relations, together with five years of relevant experience.
The Assistant Director: Corporate Communications position requires an NQF Level 6 qualification in photography or videography and five years of practical experience in the field.
The Senior State Accountant position requires a National Diploma in Financial Management or a related field, together with relevant experience in accruals and accounts payable.
These positions provide opportunities for professionals with experience outside the engineering and water management fields.
Technical, Artisan and Operational Opportunities
The recruitment circular also includes positions supporting the daily maintenance and operation of water infrastructure.
Among them are:
- Control Engineering Technician Grade A (2 posts), Pretoria.
- Control Engineering Technician Grade A, Bloemfontein.
- Artisan Foreman Grade A (Electrical), Jericho Dam.
- Artisan Foreman Grade A, Worcester.
- Artisan Production Grade A–C (Electrical), Jericho Dam (3 posts).
- Water Plant Superintendent (Team Leader), Berg River Dam.
- General Foreman, Voelvlei Scheme.
- Water Control Aid, Voelvlei Scheme.
- Tradesman Aid (Electrical), Jericho Dam (4 posts).
- General Stores Assistant, Standerton.
The Artisan Foreman Grade A (Electrical) position offers R397,329 annually and requires an appropriate Electrical Trade Test Certificate and five years of post-qualification artisan experience.
The Tradesman Aid (Electrical) positions offer R170,226 per year. Applicants need an NQF Level 3 qualification, such as Grade 10 or a relevant qualification, and six months of trade-related experience in electrical maintenance.
The General Stores Assistant position in Standerton offers R170,226 per year and requires an NQF Level 1 qualification and one year of experience in a stores or warehouse environment.
Entry-Level and General Support Opportunities
Some vacancies may interest applicants with basic qualifications and limited work experience.
The department has advertised the following opportunities:
Groundsman – Pretoria
- Salary: R144,024 per annum.
- Centre: Roodeplaat Training Centre.
- Minimum qualification: ABET certificate or relevant qualification.
- Experience: Zero to one year of relevant working experience.
Groundsman – Western Cape (2 posts)
- Salary: R144,024 per annum.
- Centre: Voelvlei Scheme.
- Minimum qualification: ABET certificate or relevant qualification.
- Experience: Zero to one year.
- A valid Code B driver’s licence is required.
General Worker – De Mist Kraal Dam
- Salary: R144,024 per annum.
- Minimum qualification: ABET certificate.
- Higher qualifications will be an added advantage.
The General Worker position involves general assistance, loading and offloading goods, cleaning government vehicles and workstations, cutting grass and cleaning pavements.
The General Worker position is a re-advertisement. Applicants who previously applied must submit a new application.
These opportunities have specific location and practical work requirements. Applicants should read the relevant vacancy descriptions carefully before applying.
Where Are the Department of Water and Sanitation Jobs Located?
The advertised opportunities cover several locations across the country.
The centres listed in the vacancy circular include:
- Pretoria and Gauteng.
- Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
- Kimberley, Northern Cape.
- Bellville and Worcester, Western Cape.
- Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
- Polokwane, Limpopo.
- Bloemfontein, Free State.
- Standerton.
- Jericho Dam (Usutu River).
- Berg River Dam.
- Voelvlei Scheme.
- Roodeplaat Training Centre.
- De Mist Kraal Dam.
- Boskop Hydrological Services Office.
Applicants should confirm the exact centre and reporting arrangements for their chosen position.
How to Apply for Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies
The Department of Water and Sanitation requires applications to be submitted online.
Interested applicants must use the official eRecruitment portal:
Online application portal: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/
Applicants should identify the correct vacancy and reference number before completing their online application.
The department states that copies of qualifications, identity documents and driver’s licences do not need to accompany the initial application. These documents must be produced by shortlisted candidates during the interview process, in line with DPSA Circular 19 of 2022.
Applicants with professional or occupational registration must complete the relevant fields in Part B of the online Z83 form. Failure to disclose or complete compulsory information may result in automatic disqualification.
Candidates should also ensure that the information supplied in their applications is accurate and complete.
Important Recruitment and Selection Information
The department has outlined several requirements that applicants should understand before submitting their applications.
Shortlisted candidates may undergo suitability checks, including:
- SAQA qualification verification.
- Reference checks.
- Criminal checks.
- Credit checks.
- Security clearance.
Candidates with foreign qualifications must provide a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted.
Foreign nationals and dual-citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin when shortlisted.
Shortlisted candidates for Senior Management Service positions will undergo technical exercises and interviews. Additional assessments may include psychometric assessments, practical exercises and integrity assessments.
SMS appointees are also required to obtain a pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government before appointment.
The department will correspond only with shortlisted candidates. Applicants who do not receive a response within three months of the advertisement should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Faxed applications will not be considered, and late applications will not be accepted.
The department also encourages women and persons with disabilities to apply.
Important Erratum: Previously Advertised Posts Withdrawn
The Department of Water and Sanitation has also issued a withdrawal notice concerning two positions advertised in Public Service Vacancy Circular 37 dated 16 October 2026.
The following vacancies have been withdrawn:
- Assistant Director: Auxiliary Services – Reference 301026/19.
- Personal Assistant – Reference 301026/38.
Applicants should distinguish these withdrawn vacancies from the new positions advertised under Circular 39.
Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies 2026 Closing Date
The closing date for the advertised positions is:
13 November 2026
All applications must be submitted through the official online recruitment portal before the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications early, verify the reference numbers and ensure that all compulsory information on the online application form is provided.
Official Application Details
Department: Department of Water and Sanitation
Vacancy circular: Public Service Vacancy Circular 39
Closing date: 13 November 2026
Application method: Online
Official recruitment portal: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/
General enquiries: Contact the relevant official listed under the specific vacancy in the recruitment circular.
The advertised opportunities cover professional, technical, administrative and operational careers within South Africa’s water and sanitation sector. Prospective applicants should consult the complete vacancy circular to check the specific qualifications, experience, duties and reference number for the position they intend to apply for.
This content was checked and verified by professional auditors and Admin Staff.
