Chief Engineer Grade A Vacancy 2026 at Dam Safety Regulation
Chief Engineer Grade A Vacancy 2026: Dam Safety Regulation Position in Pretoria
A senior engineering opportunity is available for a qualified Civil Engineer with extensive experience in water engineering and dam safety. The Chief Engineer Grade A position falls under the Regulations, Compliance and Enforcement Branch, within the Dam Safety Regulation sub-directorate.
The position is based at the Pretoria Head Office and offers an all-inclusive annual salary package ranging from R1 317 108 to R1 504 797. The department requires an engineering degree, six years of post-qualification experience in the water engineering field and compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer.
The appointed candidate will investigate dam safety matters, assess engineering applications, monitor dam safety reports and guide the implementation of safety improvements. The role also carries leadership responsibilities, including supervising and developing engineers and technicians.
Chief Engineer Grade A Vacancy 2026: Position Details
| Position | Chief Engineer Grade A |
|---|---|
| Reference number | 131126/03 |
| Branch | Regulations, Compliance and Enforcement |
| Sub-directorate | Dam Safety Regulation |
| Location | Pretoria Head Office |
| Salary | R1 317 108 – R1 504 797 per annum |
| Salary structure | All-inclusive salary package |
| Qualification | Engineering degree in Civil Engineering or relevant qualification |
| Experience | Six years of post-qualification experience in water engineering |
| Professional registration | Professional Engineer registration with ECSA is compulsory |
| Driver’s licence | Valid, unexpired driver’s licence required |
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the professional, academic and experience requirements for this senior engineering position. The advertised requirements include:
- An Engineering degree, such as BEng or BSc (Engineering), in Civil Engineering or a relevant qualification.
- At least six years of post-qualification experience in the water engineering field.
- Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer.
- A valid, unexpired driver’s licence.
- Extensive dam engineering experience.
The required dam engineering experience must relate to areas such as design, flood hydrology, construction, management and dam safety. Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant professional experience across these areas.
Knowledge and Technical Competencies
The role requires a strong understanding of engineering practice, regulatory compliance and dam safety. The department identifies the following knowledge areas and competencies:
- Programme and project management.
- Legal and operational compliance.
- Research and development.
- Computer-aided engineering applications.
- Technical consulting.
- Engineering knowledge and professional judgement.
- Financial management.
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
- Strategic capability and leadership.
- Decision-making and creativity.
- Customer focus and responsiveness.
Applicants should also demonstrate communication, computer, people management, planning and organising skills. The advert further highlights conflict management, negotiation and change management.
Understanding the Dam Safety Regulation Role
Dam safety regulation involves assessing and monitoring dams to help ensure that they meet applicable safety requirements. Engineering assessments, investigations and risk evaluations help identify potential problems and guide the actions needed to manage them.
The Chief Engineer will provide technical direction within the Dam Safety Regulation sub-directorate. This includes evaluating applications involving new dams and changes to existing dams, reviewing safety information and engaging with dam owners and professional engineers.
The position also involves developing guidelines and policies for dams that present safety risks. The successful candidate must combine technical engineering knowledge with sound judgement, communication and leadership skills.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Investigating and Classifying Dams
- Investigate and analyse dams.
- Make recommendations regarding the classification of dams.
- Assess relevant engineering information when determining the appropriate classification.
2. Evaluating Dam Licence Applications
- Evaluate engineering aspects of applications for licences to construct new dams.
- Investigate applications relating to alterations to existing dams.
- Assess applications involving the first filling of dams.
- Consider operational aspects of dams as part of the regulatory process.
These responsibilities require the successful candidate to examine engineering information and apply professional judgement when considering dam-related applications.
3. Monitoring Dam Safety and Risk Assessments
- Monitor dam safety evaluation reports.
- Review investigation reports.
- Carry out risk assessments.
- Follow up with dam owners regarding dam safety improvement work.
- Monitor progress on safety-related actions.
4. Developing Dam Safety Guidelines and Policies
- Develop guidelines for dams that present safety risks.
- Maintain relevant dam safety guidelines.
- Contribute to policies that support effective dam safety regulation.
- Help ensure that regulatory guidance remains useful for the discipline.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Advice
- Liaise with regional officials.
- Engage with dam owners and professional engineers.
- Communicate with members of the public on relevant dam safety matters.
- Give presentations on dam safety.
- Provide advice on dam safety requirements and legislation.
6. Managing and Developing Staff
- Manage the development, motivation and use of human resources within the engineering discipline.
- Help maintain a competent knowledge base for engineering services.
- Set and monitor performance standards for subordinates.
- Manage employees’ key performance areas.
- Address performance deviations to support departmental objectives.
- Supervise and train candidate engineers and technicians when required.
7. Reporting on the Dam Safety Programme
- Generate reports on the Dam Safety Programme.
- Compile statistics to measure programme progress.
- Provide information that supports monitoring and management decisions.
Salary and Appointment Information
The advertised salary range is R1 317 108 to R1 504 797 per annum. This is an all-inclusive salary package.
The vacancy notice states that the appointment will be made at the minimum notch of the salary range. The department may consider a higher notch within the Grade A salary range in line with the provisions of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, as amended. The notice indicates that candidates seeking consideration for a higher notch must provide their current salary advice.
Applicants should therefore take note of the salary determination conditions when preparing their applications.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This position is intended for experienced Civil Engineering professionals who have built a career in water engineering and dam safety. It may suit registered Professional Engineers with practical experience in dam design, flood hydrology, construction, dam management and safety assessments.
The role is also suitable for professionals who have experience guiding technical teams, managing projects and engaging with stakeholders. The successful candidate will need to make engineering recommendations, assess risks and communicate technical findings clearly.
This is not an entry-level engineering opportunity. Applicants must meet the six-year post-qualification experience requirement and hold the compulsory ECSA Professional Engineer registration specified in the advertisement.
How to Prepare Your Application
The vacancy information supplied for this article does not include the application email address or a complete list of required documents. Applicants should consult the full official vacancy advertisement to confirm the submission method and all application requirements.
Before submitting an application, check that you can provide evidence of the following where required:
- Your recognised Civil Engineering or relevant engineering qualification.
- Your ECSA registration as a Professional Engineer.
- Your relevant post-qualification water engineering experience.
- Your valid driver’s licence.
- Your experience in dam engineering and safety-related work.
- Current salary advice if you wish to be considered for a higher salary notch, as stated in the notice.
Do not send an application to an unconfirmed email address. Use only the application details in the complete official advertisement.
Enquiries
For further information about the position, applicants can contact:
- Contact person: Mr Wally Ramokopa
- Telephone: (012) 336 7953
Important Information for Applicants
The vacancy details supplied for this article do not include a closing date or application email address. Applicants should consult the complete official advertisement to confirm the deadline, submission method and supporting documents.
Make sure that your professional registration, qualification and experience meet the stated requirements before applying. The department requires ECSA registration as a Professional Engineer, not simply an engineering qualification.
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