Chief Assistant Technical Officer Job in Pretoria 2026 | Water and Sanitation
Chief Assistant Technical Officer Job in Pretoria – Department of Water and Sanitation
The Department of Water and Sanitation has advertised a Chief Assistant Technical Officer (Scientific Support) position within its Water Resources Management branch. The successful candidate will be based at Roodeplaat Dam in Pretoria and will support the management and coordination of water-related information.
This opportunity may interest experienced candidates with a Grade 12 certificate that includes Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Physical Science. Applicants must also have six to ten years of experience in water-related data collection, data processing and/or a laboratory environment.
The position focuses on extracting, coordinating and supplying information from the Water Management System (WMS). The successful candidate will work with internal and external stakeholders to understand data requests, retrieve accurate information and maintain reliable records of the information provided.
The advertised salary is R338 106 per annum at salary Level 07. Candidates should carefully review the experience requirement because the role calls for substantial practical exposure to water-related information or laboratory work.
Chief Assistant Technical Officer Vacancy Details
| Position | Chief Assistant Technical Officer (Scientific Support) |
|---|---|
| Reference number | 131126/30 |
| Department | Department of Water and Sanitation |
| Branch | Water Resources Management |
| Sub-directorate | Resource Quality Information |
| Salary | R338 106 per annum |
| Salary level | Level 07 |
| Centre | Roodeplaat Dam, Pretoria |
| Minimum qualification | Senior Certificate / Grade 12 with Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Physical Science |
| Experience | Six to ten years in water-related data collection, processing and/or a laboratory environment |
| Enquiries | Ms E Vermaak: (012) 808 9625 |
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must have a Senior Certificate or Grade 12 qualification that includes at least one of the following subjects:
- Mathematics.
- Mathematical Literacy.
- Physical Science.
The department also requires six to ten years of experience in water-related data collection, data processing and/or a laboratory environment. This is a significant part of the selection criteria. Applicants should be able to demonstrate practical experience that relates to the duties of the position.
The advertisement does not specify a separate diploma or degree requirement. However, candidates must meet the stated Grade 12 subject requirement and the relevant experience requirement. Applicants should consult the full official advert to confirm any additional conditions.
Additional Knowledge and Skills
The position requires an understanding of water quality information and the systems used to collect, manage and process relevant data. The department identifies the following knowledge and skills:
- Knowledge of data administration.
- Understanding of water quality processes and systems.
- Knowledge of laboratory equipment.
- Knowledge of water monitoring equipment.
- Computer literacy.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- Problem-solving skills.
These requirements are relevant to the position because the successful candidate will handle information that supports water resource monitoring. The ability to use computer systems, understand data requests and work with monitoring-related information will be important.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Chief Assistant Technical Officer will provide data extraction and coordination services using the Water Management System. The work supports internal and external stakeholders who need accurate information for water resource monitoring and related activities.
1. Extracting Information from the Water Management System
One of the main responsibilities is to extract and compile information from the Water Management System (WMS). The employee must use sound business knowledge and system expertise to retrieve the information requested by stakeholders.
This involves understanding how the system stores and presents information and identifying the correct data needed for each request. Accuracy is important because the information supplied may be used by different stakeholders for monitoring and other water resource activities.
2. Understanding and Processing Data Requests
The successful candidate will interpret data requests and ensure that the information retrieved matches the relevant monitoring requirements. Requests may differ in scope, detail and the type of information required.
The employee must therefore understand what the requester needs before extracting information. Where a request is unclear, incomplete or ambiguous, the officer will need to clarify the details before proceeding.
3. Coordinating Data Searches
The position includes coordinating and conducting searches relating to monitoring points, variables, datasets and associated information.
This work will be carried out in consultation with relevant colleagues. Coordination helps ensure that data searches are properly understood and that the correct information is retrieved from the available records.
4. Communicating with Internal and External Stakeholders
The Chief Assistant Technical Officer will liaise with internal and external clients to resolve problems linked to data requests. This may involve discussing unclear instructions, requesting missing information or helping stakeholders understand what information can be retrieved.
Good communication is important because the employee will deal with people who may have different information needs. The ability to ask clear questions and explain data-related matters will support an efficient service.
5. Checking Data Accuracy and Completeness
Another key responsibility is ensuring that all information supplied is accurate, complete and reliable. The officer must take care when extracting, compiling and sharing data.
Incorrect or incomplete information can affect the usefulness of monitoring records. For this reason, the employee must pay attention to the details of each request and check that the information provided is appropriate.
6. Maintaining Records of Data Requests
The position also requires proper recordkeeping. The successful candidate must maintain records of data requests and the outputs supplied to stakeholders.
These records support traceability and accountability. They make it possible to establish what information was requested, what was provided and how the request was handled.
Understanding the Scientific Support Function
Water resource management depends on reliable information about water quality and monitoring activities. Data collected from monitoring points and other sources can help relevant officials understand conditions and assess water-related information.
However, collecting information is only one part of the process. Data must also be organised, processed, retrieved and supplied accurately when requested. This is where the Scientific Support function becomes important.
The advertised position focuses specifically on data extraction and coordination through the Water Management System. It is therefore important to understand that the role is not described as a general laboratory technician position. Laboratory and monitoring equipment knowledge is listed as a requirement, while the main duties supplied focus on information retrieval, data coordination and stakeholder support.
Candidates with experience in water-related data collection, data processing or laboratory environments should explain how their previous responsibilities relate to these duties.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This opportunity may suit experienced individuals who have worked with water-related information, monitoring activities, laboratory processes or data administration.
It may be worth considering for candidates who have:
- Grade 12 with Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Physical Science.
- Six to ten years of relevant water-related data or laboratory experience.
- Experience collecting, processing or organising water-related information.
- Knowledge of water quality processes and monitoring systems.
- Experience using computer systems to retrieve or manage information.
- Good problem-solving and communication skills.
- A valid driver’s licence.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee shortlisting. Applicants should provide accurate details of their experience and make sure their application follows the department’s recruitment instructions.
How to Prepare Your Application
The supplied vacancy information does not include an official application link or the full submission procedure. Candidates should obtain and read the complete Department of Water and Sanitation recruitment advertisement before applying.
When preparing an application, consider the following:
- Check your Grade 12 subjects: Confirm that your certificate includes Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy or Physical Science.
- Review your work experience: Make sure you can demonstrate six to ten years of experience in water-related data collection, processing and/or a laboratory environment.
- Describe your technical exposure: Explain any relevant experience with water quality processes, data administration, laboratory equipment or monitoring equipment.
- Highlight computer skills: Include the systems and computer applications you have genuinely used in your work.
- Explain your responsibilities: Provide clear examples of data collection, processing, retrieval, checking or recordkeeping duties where applicable.
- Confirm your driver’s licence: The vacancy requires a valid driver’s licence.
- Use the correct reference number: Identify the position as Chief Assistant Technical Officer (Scientific Support), reference number 131126/30, where required.
- Follow the official application instructions: Check the full advert for the required forms, supporting documents and submission method.
Do not assume that the enquiry telephone number is also the application channel. Use the submission details provided in the official recruitment advertisement.
Enquiries About the Position
Applicants who need further information about the Chief Assistant Technical Officer (Scientific Support) vacancy can contact the person listed in the supplied details:
Contact person: Ms E Vermaak
Telephone: (012) 808 9625
When making an enquiry, mention the position title and reference number so that the relevant official can identify the vacancy.
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Important Information for Applicants
This article summarises the supplied vacancy details for the Chief Assistant Technical Officer (Scientific Support) position, reference number 131126/30, at the Department of Water and Sanitation. The position is based at Roodeplaat Dam in Pretoria and offers R338 106 per annum at salary Level 07.
The supplied information does not state a closing date or provide an application link. Applicants should consult the complete official recruitment advertisement to confirm the closing date, application procedure and supporting document requirements before submitting an application.