The Department of Water and Sanitation is inviting applications for two Groundsman positions within its Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations branch.
The posts are based at the Berg River and Tunnel System in the Western Cape, with successful candidates expected to work at sites including the Jonkershoek and Palmiet catchments.
The role is focused on grounds maintenance, vegetation control, cleaning canal systems, maintaining access areas and assisting with general infrastructure maintenance.
This is a Level 02 position with a salary of R144 024 per annum. Applicants should have an ABET certificate, while a valid, unexpired Code B driver’s licence is also required.
The closing date for applications is 5 October 2026 at 4:30 PM.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
What is the Groundsman opportunity?
The Groundsman position is a practical maintenance role within the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations directorate.
The employee will support the upkeep of grounds, canals, dams, embankments, access roads, fences and related infrastructure within the Berg River and Tunnel System.
The position exists to help keep water infrastructure and surrounding areas clean, safe and properly maintained. The successful candidates will perform hands-on tasks such as vegetation clearing, debris removal, basic repairs and equipment cleaning.
The role also contributes to the ongoing maintenance of water-resource infrastructure across the Western Cape and may require employees to assist other schemes and maintenance teams when needed.
Why could this opportunity be valuable?
The position can provide practical experience in grounds maintenance, infrastructure support, gardening, equipment handling and general maintenance.
Employees can develop experience with tools and machinery, vegetation management, herbicide application, basic road and embankment maintenance, workplace health and safety procedures and water-resource infrastructure.
These skills can be useful in areas such as facilities maintenance, landscaping, public infrastructure, environmental maintenance, municipal services and water-resource operations. Practical maintenance experience is also relevant to employers seeking workers who can safely operate equipment and perform physically demanding outdoor tasks.
Quick Overview
Item Details Opportunity Groundsman (2 posts) Company Department of Water and Sanitation Location Berg River and Tunnel System, Western Cape Closing Date 05 October 2026 at 4:30 PM Salary/Stipend R144 024 per annum Employment Type Not specified in the advert Industry Water and infrastructure management Target Group Candidates with ABET and relevant practical skills Application Method Online application
What will successful candidates do?
Successful candidates will carry out practical maintenance work around dams, rivers, canals, embankments and associated infrastructure. Much of the work involves keeping these areas clear, accessible and properly maintained.
The role also involves using hand tools, gardening equipment and other equipment safely, while identifying damaged tools or machinery and reporting problems. Candidates may also assist maintenance teams at different locations within the Western Cape.
Main responsibilities include:
• Maintaining grounds and carrying out basic repairs to structures such as fences and buildings.
• Cutting grass, trees and other vegetation around dams, canals and embankments.
• Applying herbicides and handling chemicals according to the required processes.
• Clearing weeds, sand and debris from bridges, channels, sluices, culverts, weirs and canal systems.
• Cleaning mechanical gates, grids and other canal-system components.
• Removing debris from water infrastructure inlet and outlet structures.
• Inspecting and repairing fences where required.
• Clearing vegetation and sand traps around relevant infrastructure.
• Filling and compacting potholes on access roads.
• Filling and compacting holes on embankments.
• Removing deposited debris from inside canals.
• Cleaning equipment after use.
• Reporting faulty or damaged machines and equipment.
Who should apply?
The ideal candidate is someone who has an ABET certificate and can perform practical, hands-on maintenance work.
Applicants with between zero and one year of working experience can apply, while previous experience performing manual work will be an advantage.
Candidates should also have knowledge of gardening and lawn-care practices, equipment handling, chemical use, maintenance procedures and health and safety practices.
A valid, unexpired Code B driver’s licence is required. Applicants should also be comfortable working as part of a team and communicating with colleagues and other stakeholders.
Requirements
The advertisement lists the following requirements:
• An ABET certificate.
• Zero to one year of working experience.
• Experience performing manual work will be an added advantage.
• A valid, unexpired Code B driver’s licence.
• Knowledge of working with various general work equipment and appliances.
• Knowledge of gardening equipment and lawn-care processes.
• Knowledge of pruning and trimming techniques.
• Knowledge of chemical use, including dilution and mixing.
• Knowledge of chemical products.
• Knowledge of daily maintenance procedures for efficient machine and equipment performance.
• Basic knowledge of supporting water utilisation and water-resource strategy.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of garden maintenance and planting practices.
• Basic understanding of government legislation.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to work in or near rivers, dams and canals.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Willingness to assist other schemes and maintenance teams when required across the Western Cape.
• Punctuality, productivity and loyalty.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Salary or Stipend
The advertised salary for the Groundsman position is R144 024 per annum at Post Level 2 / Salary Level 02.
The advertisement does not provide details of additional employee benefits or a separate benefits package.
Important Working Conditions
The role involves practical outdoor maintenance work in and around rivers, dams, canals, embankments and other water infrastructure.
Candidates must be able to work in confined spaces and perform physically demanding grounds and maintenance duties.
The successful candidates are expected to work in the Jonkershoek and Palmiet catchments and must be willing to work at different sites within the Western Cape region.
A valid, unexpired Code B driver’s licence is required.
Insider Tip
Insider Tip: Tailor your CV to highlight any practical experience involving gardening, landscaping, grounds maintenance, manual work, tools, machinery, vegetation clearing or general maintenance. If you have experience working safely outdoors or around infrastructure, make it clear in your CV, and ensure your ABET qualification and valid Code B driver’s licence are clearly stated.
How to Apply
Applications for the Groundsman (X2 Posts) opportunity should be submitted online through the application process provided by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The reference number for the vacancy is 051026/23.
Applicants should ensure that the information submitted in their application is complete and accurate and that they meet the stated requirements before applying.
The application deadline is 5 October 2026 at 4:30 PM.
For enquiries, applicants can contact Mr A. Mgidi on (021) 876 9900.
Final Thoughts
This opportunity may suit candidates with an ABET qualification who are looking to gain practical experience in grounds maintenance, infrastructure support and water-resource operations.
The position offers hands-on exposure to maintenance activities involving canals, dams, embankments, vegetation, equipment and other infrastructure within the Western Cape.
Interested candidates should take note of the 5 October 2026 at 4:30 PM closing deadline and ensure their applications are submitted on time.
Applicants who meet the requirements should submit their application before the closing date.