The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is hiring for entry-level positions in 2026, closing on 24 April 2026. If you have a Grade 12 qualification or lower, these permanent government jobs could be your chance to start a career in water management.

These opportunities are available across various provinces and include roles like Security Officer, Water Control Aid, and General Worker. Most positions require a minimum of Grade 12 or an ABET Certificate, making them accessible for many young South Africans seeking government employment.

DWS Entry-Level Vacancies 2026: Available Positions and Requirements

The DWS is offering several entry-level roles for individuals with a Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or lower qualification. These are permanent positions within the government sector, advertised in April 2026.

Available Job Titles:

  • Security Officer
  • Water Control Aid
  • General Worker

General Requirements:

  • Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) or ABET Certificate for most roles.
  • Foreign qualifications must have a SAQA evaluation certificate.
  • Foreigners or dual citizens need a police clearance certificate from their country of origin.

Specific Role Requirements:

  • Security Officer: Requires Grade 12 (NQF Level 4), PSIRA Grade C, Firearm Training Certificate, SAPS competency certificate, and National Key Point (NKP) certificate. A driver's license is advantageous, and no criminal record is required.
  • Water Control Aid: Requires a minimum of NQF Level 2; Grade 12 or AET qualification is advantageous.
  • General Worker: Requires an ABET Certificate.

Salaries and Locations for DWS Vacancies

These are permanent government positions with set salary scales based on the role's level. Shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks, including verification of qualifications, reference checks, criminal checks, and credit checks.

Salary Information:

  • Security Officer and Water Control Aid: R193,359 per year (Level 04).
  • General Worker: R138,486 per year (Level 02).

Available Locations:

  • Security Officer: Jericho Dam.
  • Water Control Aid: Hartbeespoort Dam, Buffelspoort Dam, Roodeplaat Dam, Vaal Kop Dam, Marico GWS, Klein Marico, and Lindleyspoort Dam.
  • General Worker: Northern and Southern Operations.

The advertisements were published in April 2026 and are available across multiple provinces.

How to Apply and Important Dates for DWS Jobs

To apply for these entry-level government jobs, you must submit your application online via the DWS e-recruitment portal. Supporting documents such as qualifications and ID are only required from shortlisted candidates.

Application Process:

  1. Visit the DWS e-recruitment portal: erecruitment.dws.gov.za.
  2. Follow the instructions to submit your online application.
  3. Ensure all required information is accurately entered.

Closing Date: 24 April 2026

Please note that if you do not receive a response within six weeks after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is offering valuable entry-level opportunities for individuals looking to start their careers in the public sector in 2026. With roles like Security Officer, Water Control Aid, and General Worker, there are options for those with Grade 12 or lower qualifications.

Ensure you meet the specific requirements for the role you are interested in and submit your online application before the 24 April 2026 closing date via the DWS e-recruitment portal.

Ready to apply? Visit the official DWS e-recruitment portal to submit your application before the closing date.