The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced several engineering and environmental job opportunities for March 2026. These vacancies are mainly based in Pretoria, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Bloemfontein, and Gauteng Provincial Offices, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for experienced professionals in the water, engineering, and environmental sectors, Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancies March 2026.
The department is committed to employment equity and transformation. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, and appointments will be made in line with the Employment Equity Act and the Constitution of South Africa. Below is a well-organized overview of the available positions, requirements, and application procedures.
Application Details
Employer: Department of Water and Sanitation Closing Date: 20 March 2026, All applications must be submitted online only via the official recruitment portal: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/, Important Notes for Applicants
- Supporting documents such as qualifications, ID, and driver’s license are NOT required during application.
- These documents will only be requested from shortlisted candidates during interviews in line with DPSA Circular 19 of 2022.
- Applicants with foreign qualifications must provide a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted.
- Candidates will undergo suitability checks, including:
- SAQA verification
- Reference checks
- Criminal record checks
- Credit checks
- Senior Management Services (SMS) candidates must complete a technical and competency assessment and obtain a pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government.
- Shortlisted candidates must complete:
- Practical technical assessment
- Integrity (ethical conduct) assessment
- Applicants may also need to complete a financial disclosure form and security clearance.
- Late or faxed applications will not be accepted.
- If you do not receive feedback within three months, consider your application unsuccessful.
Available Positions
1. Chief Engineer Grade A
Reference: 200326/01
Location: Pretoria (Head Office)
Salary: R1 266 450 – R1 446 321 per year
Requirements
- BEng / BSc (Engineering) in Mechanical Engineering
- 6 years post-qualification experience
- Registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as Professional Engineer (Pr Eng)
- Project management certification or postgraduate studies (advantage)
- Strong knowledge of:
- Infrastructure project planning and design
- Pump stations and dams
- Contract management (GCC, FIDIC, NEC)
- Asset management and maintenance strategies
- Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)
Key Duties
- Develop operation and maintenance manuals for pump stations and dams
- Manage CAPEX programmes and infrastructure upgrades
- Conduct mechanical infrastructure inspections
- Oversee project implementation and procurement processes
- Provide specialist engineering support and promote innovation
2. Control Engineering Technologist Grade A
Reference: 200326/02
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R921 900 per year
Requirements
- BTech Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 6 years post-qualification experience
- Registration with Engineering Council of South Africa as Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr Tech Eng)
Key Duties
- Provide technical advisory services to engineers
- Evaluate technical designs and drawings
- Conduct inspections and equipment assessments
- Mentor graduate interns
- Manage technological resources and projects
3. Engineer Production Grade A–C (Civil)
Reference: 200326/03
Location: Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth
Salary: R879 342 – R1 323 267 per year
Requirements
- Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering
- 3 years post-qualification experience
- Registered Professional Engineer (PrEng) with ECSA
Key Duties
- Assess bulk water infrastructure conditions
- Plan infrastructure maintenance programmes
- Design rehabilitation solutions
- Manage water infrastructure projects
- Provide technical support to stakeholders
4. Engineer Production Grade A–C (Mechanical)
Reference: 200326/04
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R879 342 – R1 323 267 per year
Requirements
- Mechanical Engineering Degree
- 3 years relevant experience
- Registration with Engineering Council of South Africa
Key Duties
- Design and improve mechanical systems
- Conduct equipment inspections and assessments
- Support operations and maintenance teams
- Manage infrastructure projects and CAPEX programmes
5. Control Environmental Officer Grade A
Reference: 200326/05
Location: Bloemfontein
Salary: R612 480 per year
Requirements
- 4-year degree in Environmental Management or Natural Science
- 6 years experience in water services regulation or water efficiency
- Knowledge of:
- Water Services Act
- National Water Act
- PFMA
Key Duties
- Monitor Water Use Efficiency standards
- Evaluate municipal water losses
- Implement Water Conservation and Demand Management programmes
- Prepare regulatory reports and compliance assessments
6. Control Engineering Technician Grade A
Reference: 200326/06
Location: Pretoria (Gauteng Provincial Office)
Salary: R551 493 per year
Requirements
- National Diploma in Engineering
- 6 years experience in water and sanitation engineering
- Registered Professional Engineering Technician with Engineering Council of South Africa
Key Duties
- Manage infrastructure projects funded through:
- RBIG
- WSIG
- MIG grants
- Monitor engineering projects technically and financially
7. Control Engineering Technician Grade A
Reference: 200326/07
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R551 493 per year
Duties
- Provide technical support to engineers
- Manage mechanical maintenance inspections
- Ensure quality assurance of technical designs
- Supervise technological personnel and mentor interns
8. Engineering Technologist Production Grade A–C
Reference: 200326/08
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R453 576 – R690 237 per year
Requirements
- BTech in Mechanical Engineering
- 3 years experience
- Registered Professional Engineering Technologist
Duties
- Provide engineering support and advisory services
- Conduct mechanical equipment inspections
- Assist with tender documentation and project implementation
9. Engineering Technician Production Grade A–C
Reference: 200326/09
Location: Pretoria
Salary: R391 671 – R586 665 per year
Requirements
- National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- 3 years technical experience
- Registered Professional Engineering Technician
Duties
- Provide technical support to engineers and technologists
- Evaluate technological designs
- Maintain engineering systems and databases
- Conduct research and development activities
Final Thoughts
These vacancies at the Department of Water and Sanitation provide excellent career opportunities for professionals in engineering, environmental management, and infrastructure development. With competitive salary packages and the chance to work on major water infrastructure projects, these positions are ideal for experienced candidates looking to contribute to South Africa’s water security and infrastructure development. Interested applicants should ensure their online applications are submitted before 20 March 2026.
