Engineering · Circular 23 of 2026
Chief Artisan Grade a Mechanical / Electrical
Department of Water and Sanitation
Overview
Chief Artisan overseeing mechanical and electrical services at Vanderkloof Dam, managing technicians and workshop activities.
Requirements
- An appropriate Trade Test Certificate.
- Ten (10) years post qualification experience required as an Artisan /Artisan Foreman.
- The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license.
- Knowledge in technical analysis.
- Knowledge of computers aided technical applications.
- Understanding of production process.
- Knowledge in customer focus and responsiveness.
- Knowledge in planning and organizing.
- Understanding GIS applications and spatial data.
- Theory, principles, and practices of GIS.
- Knowledge of GIS standards.
- GIS software applications.
- GIS software customizations.
- Basic understanding of technologies such as GPS, Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Projections.
- Principles of cartography.
- Knowledge of problem solving and analysis.
- Decision making.
- Ability to work independently and in a team.
- Analytical skills.
- Communication and interpersonal skills.
- Computer skills.
- Project management.
- Planning, organizing and execution.
- Willingness to travel extensively all over the country and work irregular hours.
Duties
- Manage mechanical and electrical services and support in conjunction with Technicians/Artisans and associates in the field, workshop, and technical office activities.
- Ensure that all machinery is maintained in accordance with the manufacturers specifications i.e. pumps, valves, compressors, hydraulic systems, pipelines, generators, sluices, auxiliary drives, cranes, passenger lifts, water vessels, etc.
- Ensure that planned maintenance schedules are utilized by the mechanical and electrical maintenance team.
- Manage maintenance backlogs, planned maintenance and breakdowns.
- Ensure and accept appointments such as GMR 2(7) for mechanical equipment.
- Ensure and promote the Occupational Health and Safety Act and ensure its regulations are complied with.
- Provide input into existing technical problems, manuals, standard drawings and procedures to incorporate new technology.
- Ensure quality assurance in line with specifications.
- Financial management: provide input into the budgeting process.
- Compile and submit reports as required.
- Provide and consolidate inputs to the technical operation and maintenance plan.
- Update databases.
- Manage administrative and related functions e.g assets.
- Control and monitor expenditure according to the budget to ensure efficient cash flow management.
- People management: manage artisans and related personnel, manage the development, motivation and utilization of human resources for the discipline to ensure competent knowledge base for the continued success of technical services according to organizational needs and requirements.
- Manage subordinates’ key performance areas by setting and monitoring performance standards and taking actions to correct deviations to achieve departmental objectives.
- Maintain and advance expertise: Continuous individual development to keep up with new technologies and procedures.
- Research/literature studies on technical/engineering technology to improve expertise.
- Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on technical/engineering-related matters.
- Perform any other related duties.
How to apply
Interested applicants must submit their applications via the online link https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za
Enquiries: Mr. TL Kelokilwe Tel No: (053) 664 9400
Notes
Candidates may be required to complete a practical and theoretical test. Please be advised that the office will transition to a SANWRI agency. Other related documentation such as copies of qualifications, identity documents, driver’s license etc need not to accompany the application when applying for a post as such documentation must only be produced by shortlisted candidates during the interview date in line with DPSA circular 19 of 2022. With reference to applicants bearing professional or occupational registration, fields provided in Part B on the online Z83 must be completed as these fields are regarded as compulsory. Failure to complete or disclose all required information will automatically disqualify the applicant. No late applications will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to suitability checks (SAQA verification, reference checks criminal and credit checks). SAQA evaluation certificate must accompany foreign qualifications (only when shortlisted). Applications that do not comply with the above- mentioned requirements will not be considered. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise and interview. Following the technical exercise and interview, a maximum of three (3) SMS candidates will undergo psychometric assessments to assess cognitive capabilities, behavioural preferences, emotional intelligence, and integrity. A pre-entry certificate obtained from the National School of government is required prior to the appointment. All shortlisted candidates, including the SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine a candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements and the other must be an integrity (ethical conduct) 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 country of origin (only when shortlisted). The Department of Water Sanitation is an equal opportunity employer. In the filling of vacant posts, the objectives of section 195 (1) (i) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No: 108 of 1996) the Employment Equity imperatives as defined by the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No: 55 of 1998) and relevant Human Resources policies of the Department will be taken into consideration. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you do not hear from us within three (3) months of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. Faxed applications will not be considered. The department reserves the right not to fill these positions. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Targets. MANAGEMENT ECHELON
Post 23/334, sourced from the DPSA Circular 23 of 2026. Apply directly to Department of Water and Sanitation by 17 July 2026, quoting reference 170726/13. This is an unofficial index; the advert in the circular is authoritative.
- Location
- Vanderkloof
- Salary
- R499 470 p/a
- Closing date
- 17 July 2026
- Reference
- 170726/13
Apply directly to the department, by the closing date, quoting the reference.