The Department of Water and Sanitation invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for various vacancies closing on 07 August 2026. These opportunities are suitable for candidates with experience in international relations, environmental management, human resources administration, hydrological services, administration and public sector support.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Department of Water and Sanitation |
| Closing Date | 07 August 2026 |
| Location | Pretoria, Hartbeespoort, Potchefstroom and Bloemfontein |
| Application Method | Online application |
| Required Documents | Online application form only; supporting documents required from shortlisted candidates |
| Online Application Link | https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za/ |
Assistant Director: Africa Bilaterals Relations/Africa Multilaterals Ref No: 070826/01
Branch: Provincial and Entity Governance and International Cooperation
Chief Directorate: International Water Cooperation
Directorate: Africa Relations
Salary: R605 742 per annum, Level 10
Centre: Pretoria Head Office
Requirements
Applicants must have a relevant NQF Level 6 qualification in International Relations or Political Science.
Applicants must have five years’ experience in international relations.
Applicants must have knowledge and understanding of international politics and the difference between multilateral and bilateral agreements.
Applicants must have knowledge of developing policies and procedures.
Applicants must have knowledge and understanding of research.
Applicants must understand the Public Finance Management Act.
Applicants must have knowledge of bilateral and multilateral management issues.
Applicants must understand equal opportunities and affirmative action guidelines and laws.
Applicants must have knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems.
Applicants must understand departmental policies and procedures.
Required competencies include problem-solving, analysis, people and diversity management, client orientation, customer focus, effective verbal and written communication, accountability and ethical conduct.
Duties
The successful candidate will assist in the implementation of international agreements with priority countries.
Duties include conducting research and compiling briefing documents, position papers and reports to support bilateral engagements.
The candidate will facilitate international stakeholder engagements and support relevant stakeholder consultations.
The successful candidate will maintain relations with foreign governments, embassies, high commissions and entities.
Additional duties include facilitating and participating in bilateral forums, supporting strategic interventions, forming partnerships for international water cooperation, drafting submissions, letters and briefing notes and assisting with the establishment of new strategic partnerships.
Enquiries
Mr MA Sithole
Tel: 012 336 8588
Environmental Officer Specialised Production Grade A Ref No: 070826/02
Branch: Infrastructure Management: Northern Operations
Directorate: Operations Northern
Advert Type: Re-advertisement
Salary: R518 769 per annum, OSD
Centre: Hartbeespoort
Requirements
Applicants must have a relevant Honours Degree in Environmental Science or a relevant qualification at NQF Level 8.
Applicants must have at least three years’ working experience after obtaining the required qualification.
Applicants must disclose a valid and unexpired driver’s licence.
Experience in Environmental Science, Water Resource Management, Environmental Law, Natural Resource Economics, Occupational Health and Safety or Construction Health and Safety will be an added advantage.
Professional registration as an Environmental Assessment Practitioner will be an added advantage.
Applicants must have knowledge of compliance monitoring and enforcement.
Applicants must have working knowledge of the National Water Act, 1998 and related policies.
Applicants must have working knowledge of relevant environmental management legislation, the Occupational Health and Safety Act and construction regulations.
Applicants must understand Integrated Water Resources Management, PFMA and Treasury Regulations.
Applicants must have knowledge of safety of sport and recreation events in terms of the National Water Act.
Applicants must be able to review technical and scientific reports and provide recommendations.
Applicants must have exposure to construction environment management and technical report writing.
Applicants must be able to provide technical and scientific support to Department of Water and Sanitation units and other government departments.
Required skills include professional judgement, communication, presentation, networking, people management, planning, organising, conflict management, change management, problem-solving and analysis.
Applicants must be able to work independently, interact with communities, professional service providers and planning partners in the water sector.
Applicants must be willing to travel extensively and work irregular hours.
Duties
The successful candidate will provide support and oversight to the Hartbeespoort Area Office, Groblersdal Area Office and Tzaneen Area Office within Northern Operations.
Duties include providing integrated environmental services for the development, maintenance, rehabilitation and refurbishment of bulk water infrastructure.
The candidate will support operations and maintenance projects in civil, mechanical and electrical environments.
Additional duties include undertaking environmental legislative screening assessments, compiling terms of reference for environmental assessment practitioners, compiling environmental management plans and providing environmental, health and safety inputs during planning and construction phases.
The successful candidate will conduct environmental audits, site inspections, routine and special inspections and generate technical and monitoring reports.
The role also includes supporting commercial recreational water use policies and guidelines, implementing legislation relating to access and use of State Dams and providing inputs on applications for commercial recreational water use at State Dams.
Enquiries
Mr IR Mmutloane
Tel: 012 200 9000
Administration Officer: HRM Ref No: 070826/03
Branch: Infrastructure Management: Central Operations
Directorate: Operations Central
Advert Type: Re-advertisement
Salary: R338 106 per annum, Level 07
Centre: Potchefstroom
Requirements
Applicants must have a National Diploma or Degree in Public Management, Administration, Human Resources Management or a relevant qualification.
Applicants must have one to three years’ relevant experience in administration or human resources.
Computer literacy is required.
PERSAL Certificates are required.
Applicants must disclose a valid and unexpired driver’s licence.
Applicants must have knowledge and experience in HR processes and legislation.
Applicants must have basic financial management knowledge.
Applicants must have knowledge of the PFMA and management skills.
Required competencies include problem-solving, analysis, people and diversity management, client orientation, customer focus, good verbal and written communication, accountability and ethical conduct.
Duties
The successful candidate will supervise and undertake complex implementation and maintenance of human resource administration practices.
Duties include handling human resource administration enquiries, supervising HR staff and managing personnel administration within the Area Office.
The candidate will manage and administer HR functions, office support services, HRD, training coordination, PMDS, leave management, service conditions, recruitment, selection and appointments.
The successful candidate will provide HR and policy advisory services to employees within the Area Office.
Additional duties include ensuring reports are submitted within the financial year closure, managing Corporate Services functions, administering transport and travel, managing the Corporate Services budget and providing budget inputs.
Enquiries
Mr HG Mbele
Tel: 018 294 9300
Note
Candidates must complete a practical and theoretical test.
The office will transition to a SANWRIA agency.
Administration Clerk Production Ref No: 070826/04
Branch: Water and Sanitation Services Management: Free State
Chief Directorate: Provincial Operations: Free State
Sub-directorate: Hydrological Services
Salary: R237 453 per annum, Level 05
Centre: Bloemfontein
Requirements
Applicants must have a Senior Certificate, Grade 12 certificate or equivalent qualification.
Previous administrative experience will be an added advantage.
Applicants must have basic understanding of Batho Pele Principles.
Applicants must have basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Applicants must have knowledge of clerical functions and practices.
Applicants must be able to capture data, operate a computer and collate administrative statistics.
Applicants must have basic knowledge and insight of human resources prescripts.
Applicants must understand the legislative framework governing the Public Service and working procedures in the work environment.
Required competencies include interpersonal relations, flexibility, teamwork, basic problem-solving and analysis, people and diversity management, client orientation, customer focus, communication, accountability and ethical conduct.
Duties
The successful candidate will provide administrative support to the Directorate.
Duties include managing incoming and outgoing documents, coordinating meeting logistics, taking minutes and distributing documents or packages to stakeholders.
The candidate will assist with monthly reports and presentations, maintain the asset register, maintain the leave register and handle telephone accounts for the Directorate.
Additional duties include updating information on the OSIRIS database and N-drive location, assisting with hydrological data processing, capturing daily readings and assisting with data capturing on HYDSTRA.
The successful candidate will provide financial administrative support, including requesting BAS reports, capturing subsistence and travel claims, capturing invoices, liaising with stakeholders on procurement matters and updating expenditure records.
The role also includes checking travel claims, assisting with document logistics, arranging travel for the Director and supporting personnel administration matters.
Enquiries
Mr C Lloyd
Tel: 051 405 9000
How to Apply
Applicants must submit applications online through the Department of Water and Sanitation e-Recruitment portal.
To apply and access more details, visit the Department of Water and Sanitation e-Recruitment portal.
Applicants must complete the online application and ensure all required information is disclosed.
Important Notes for Applicants
The closing date is 07 August 2026.
Applications must be submitted online only.
No late applications will be accepted.
Copies of qualifications, identity documents, driver’s licence and other related documents are not required when applying.
Supporting documents must only be produced by shortlisted candidates during the interview.
Applicants with professional or occupational registration must complete the relevant fields in Part B of the online Z83.
Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant.
Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to suitability checks, including SAQA verification, reference checks, criminal checks and credit checks.
Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate when shortlisted.
SMS candidates will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview.
A maximum of three SMS candidates may undergo psychometric assessments.
A pre-entry certificate from the National School of Government is required before appointment for SMS posts.
All shortlisted candidates will undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity assessment.
Candidates will be required to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance.
Foreigners or dual citizenship holders must provide a police clearance certificate from their country of origin when shortlisted.
Faxed applications will not be considered.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If applicants do not hear from the Department within three months of the advertisement, they should accept that their application was unsuccessful.
The Department reserves the right not to fill these positions.
Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given according to Employment Equity targets.