33 Wastewater Treatment jobs in South Africa

The purpose of the job is to provide cutting-edge catchment management services on a commercial basis.

The purpose of the job is to provide scientific and engineering water quality assurance services across the entire drinking water supply, from raw water to point of supply to consumers.

• NQF 8 - in science, water quality engineering or chemical engineering
• NQF 6 - General management
• 8 years of post-graduate experience in the science and or engineering industry
• 5 years of post-graduate experience in the water industry
• 2 years of post-graduate experience in project management
• 3 years experience in managing science or engineering staff
• Code 8 driver's licence
• Competent in WORD, EXCEL, PowerPoint, pro-ADOBE, Outlook, etc.

OTHER DESIRABLE NEEDS

• NQF 6+ in project management
• NQF 5+ digital technology including:
• Water supply system digital modelling
• Artificial Intelligence
• Experience in:
• Water supply system digital modelling
• Artificial Intelligence

The overall duty of the job is to assure the supply of safe and acceptable quality drinking water to consumers produced from raw water sources. Raw water includes surface water, groundwater, domestic wastewater treatment plant effluent, industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent, mine wastewater treatment plant effluent, and/or saline water.

The following are the specific duties of the position:

• Understand and conduct short, medium and long-term water quality risk assessments on raw water sources and determining the suitability of the drinking water supply system infrastructure (treatment plants and distribution networks) to continuously produce safe and acceptable quality drinking water.

• Verifying capability of drinking water supply system infrastructure to produce safe and acceptable drinking water supplies, including:

• • Review and provide operations optimisation comments for existing drinking water supply system infrastructure,
• Comment and participate in process audits (process capability and process condition assessments), and/or

• Comment on suitability of proposed new / changed drinking water supply system infrastructure.

• Develop, optimising, and implementing Water Safety Plans (Water Quality Management Systems) for Rand Water's current, and potential new water supply systems. This includes the ability to define, optimise and ensure implementation of water quality monitoring programmes and incident management protocols.

• Conduct department services to commercial projects.

• Incorporating digital technologies (modelling, artificial intelligence - AI, etc) in all the department outputs/services.

• Providing leadership:

• • Planning, organising, implementing, and controlling section work,
• Managing human resources, and

Managing finance and procurement.

• Water industry
• Drinking water quality science
• Drinking water treatment and engineering
• Project management and project programme management technology
• Risk assessment technology
• Digital technology
• General business management

• Understanding the water industry and water science with a focus on water quality
• Drinking water treatment and engineering skills
• Project management and multiple programme management skills
• Ability to "create/identify" projects with a customer (entrepreneurial skills)
• Digital skills (water system modelling, Artificial Intelligence)
• Problem-solving ability
• Ability to improvise (work with imprecise / missing information and under uncertain conditions)
• Ability to focus on the holistic big picture
• Ability to continuously link activity with financial impact
• Networking ability
• Persuasive
• Persistent
• Decisive and non-procrastinating

• Mindset of service excellence / "customer is the king"
• Inquisitive and willing to experiment
• Risk tolerance and welcomes management of risks rather than avoiding it
• Adaptable/flexible
• Self-starter and ability to take the initiative / work independently
• Not averse to working outside standard office hours
• Focus on completing tasks rather than on achievements

• Conduct advanced research in water chemistry with a focus on agricultural and environmental applications.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for water quality assessment.
• Lead and contribute to national and international research projects.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Supervise postgraduate students and mentor junior researchers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including government departments, industry partners, and academic institutions.

• Apply water quality expertise to irrigation systems, including the assessment of water suitability for agricultural use and the impact of irrigation practices on soil and crop health

• PhD in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Water Science, Water Resource Management or related field with a strong focus on water chemistry, biogeochemistry, freshwater and aquatic science.

• Proven experience in research, scientific inquiry and investigation, analysis and data management, modelling.
• Scientific publication and knowledge dissemination record.
• Experience in analytical instrumentation (e.g., ICP-MS, GC-MS, HPLC).
• Knowledge of water quality standards, regulations, and monitoring frameworks.
• Record of research collaboration and partnerships.
• Proven ability to function successfully in cross-cutting disciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Proven track record of mentoring, supervising and training students.
• Experience with field work and acquiring samples.
• Experience in irrigation-related research or water quality monitoring for agricultural applications.
• Valid code B & EB Driver's licence and driving experience.

Enquiries: Dr AT Grundling, Tel:

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 17 SEPTEMBER 2025

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance (as well as competency and leadership assessments).

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver's license must be attached on the form.

A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months' probation period. The organisation reserves the right not to appoint.

The incumbent will be responsible for Catchment monitoring, and management of the Vaal Dam and Vaal River Barrage Reservoirs for the protection of raw water quality. Additional support services to departmental activities for the total drinking water supply chain (catchment to tap) will also be required.

• Degree (NQF Level 7 or higher) in Natural Sciences, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Hydro-Sciences, or related disciplines.
• 3-5 years postgraduate work experience in water industry
• Valid driver's license and willingness to undertake fieldwork.
• Experience engaging with multi-sector stakeholders (municipalities, industries, communities, forums).
• Understanding of surface and groundwater systems, water quality and water resource legislation and knowledge of catchment monitoring and management.
• Experience in water quality monitoring, and lab data evaluation.
• Understanding of water treatment processes and Water Safety Planning processes
• Computer literacy including statistical skills

• Monitoring water quality in Upper Vaal Catchment area through collection of samples in rivers as well as the Vaal Dam and Vaal Barrage Reservoirs.
• Identify risks and pressures (e.g. pollution sources, land use changes, over-abstraction etc., and lobby corrective action within available legal framework.
• Establish, implement and maintain a sustainable water resource management strategy within the Vaal Dam Catchment.
• Provide scientific and technical knowledge on water quality and quantity issues at all levels of Rand Water's involvement in sustainable water resource management of the Catchment.
• Participate in the maintenance of catchment online water quality monitoring system.
• Interpret raw water quality data and flag water quality risks for drinking water operations.
• Participate in the source water quality risk assessments and water safety planning.
• Participate in alerting the Drinking Water Assurance team to upstream risks that may compromise drinking water quality.
• Support catchment-to-tap safety strategies.

• Understanding of water quality management and catchment management principles, hydrology and GIS.
• Understanding of the drinking water supply chain
• Understanding of water treatment processes
• Understanding of water legislation and regulation

• Technical report writing skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Ability to educate others on water quality assurance requirements
• Project management skills
• Problem investigation and solving skills

• Ability to interact with different groups of people
• Self-driven and internally motivated
• Good interpersonal skills
• Team worker and can work independently
• Attention to detail
• Customer service orientated
• Not averse to fieldwork and working remotely

Check and confirm that the operator task list has been completed

Submit the weekly pasteurizer report to the Account Manager before the weekend

Submit the weekly utility report to the Account Manager before the weekend. Submit the daily chlorine dioxide residuals to the brewing Technician before 3 pm to include in the daily report.

Confirm that all actions for the operators are completed

Check and record all stock levels

Complete a daily usage report and compile an Action Log for each report.

Check and confirm that the operator task list has been completed

Submit the weekly pasteurizer report to the Account Manager before the weekend.

Submit the weekly utility report to the Account Manager before the weekend.

Submit the daily chlorine dioxide residuals to the brewing Technician before 3 pm to include in the

daily report.

Confirm that all actions for the operators are completed.

Check and record all stock levels

Complete a daily usage report

Compile the Action Log for each report

Submit the daily pasteurizer report to the Account Manager/Technician before the end of the shift.

Complete a daily service report for Boilers, Cooling Systems, Pasteurizers, and Chlorine dioxide

Attend meetings & Escalate issues to the right people.

Check and record stock levels at Bulk Concentrate CIP Stations

Check all equipment (ensure spares are kept on site)

Attend morning meetings

Conduct CIP validations

Capture data/ concerns from operators

Oversee the receiving of stock

Clean Sampling Lines

Ensure that the operator task list has been completed.

Confirm that all daily actions for the operators are completed, and all actions set out by AM to the

technician have been completed.

Check for slime and beer foam in the pasteurizer.

Ensure that there is enough bromine in the brominator.

Check and record stock levels at Chemical Stations

INTRODUCTION

DRA Water is looking for qualified local individuals for their project based on the Klipspruit Water Treatment Plant in Ogies, Mpumalanga. These positions are based on a Project Based Fixed Term Contract.

PURPOSE

To manage and supervise the day-to-day plant operations of the Water Treatment plant to ensure the plant meets the design capacity and produces the desired water quality in a safe way. To manage the chemical consumptions through continuous monitoring and optimization based on laboratory analytical results obtained.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Risk Management

• Monitors safety, equipment, production and quality risks at all times and report any significant change in risk.
• Be pro-active in hazard identification and correction.

Plant Production

• Maintains plant at its design capacity and quality specifications.
• Ensures the long-term health and sustainability of plant and equipment.

Record Keeping

Records daily production statistics with associated downtime explanations and risk identification

Daily Plant Operations

• To oversee, manage and direct the activities of the plant operating team including the process controllers, junior process controllers, process control assistants, cleaners and laboratory staff daily production statistics with associated downtime explanations and risk identification

Plant Maintenance

• Directs the maintenance team to conduct routine and preventative maintenance and attend to equipment breakdowns.
• Reviews the daily record of all maintenance related incidents from the relevant Artisans.
• Reviews and present to the Plant Manager, the monthly report summarising maintenance events for the month.
• Reviews and present the routine maintenance plan for the month ahead.

Sampling

• Ensures the necessary samples are taken at prescribed intervals.
• Ensures that sample are taken according to the prescribed procedures

Analysis

• Ensures all relevant analyses are conducted in line with the quality standards.
• Reviews the daily analyses and take corrective actions

Chemical Dosing and Make-up

• To manage the chemical consumptions through continuous monitoring and optimisation based on laboratory analytical results obtained.
• Ensures chemicals are correctly and timeously mixed and ready for dosing.
• Checks stock level of all dosing chemicals and ensure orders are placed timeously that site does not run out of stock.

Leadership

• Manages staff leave and attendance.
• Ensures there is suitable staffing for shifts.
• Manages staff fatigue and overtime.
• Ensures company disciplinary codes are being enforced and conduct related disciplinary activities.
• Conducts regular toolbox and risk management talks.
• Daily reporting to Plant Manager on any staff or equipment risk.
• Drives all direct reports training needs

Reporting

• Daily reporting to Management on production, downtime, maintenance activities, feed and product quality and chemical inventory.
• Reviews daily log sheets on the plant performance.
• Monthly reporting to Management on production, downtime, maintenance, water quality and chemical inventory, spares inventory and HR matters

Safety, Health, and Environment

• Ensures all client and company policies and procedures are always adhered to.
• Ensures all work performed is covered by suitable risk assessments.

Training and Mentoring

• Develops and reviews site standard operating procedures.
• Trains all staff on plant related procedures, instructions, and alarm response plans.
• Conducts regular Planned Task Observations on staff.

Performance Management

• Ensures company disciplinary codes are being enforced and conduct related disciplinary activities

Housekeeping

• Ensures that good housekeeping practices on the plant are always maintained at a high level

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 with Maths and Science
• NQF 4 or Diploma in Water Treatment/Chemical Engineering
• Degree in Water Treatment /Chemical Engineering
• Valid driver's license

EXPERIENCE

• Analyze plant performance data and water quality data to assess how to modify plant operations when required.
• Understanding of the fundamentals of water treatment processes, concepts and unit operations.
• Understanding mechanical equipment related to mine water treatment systems.
• Performing operations on a water treatment plant safely and efficiently.
• Control the plant operation via the SCADA system, assessing alarms and trends to make interventions.
• Collate and report on all plant performance data, including physical data such as production, flowrates, recoveries, chemical tank levels, chemical consumption, water quality data results, plant maintenance, HR matters etc.
• Ability to identify problems, problem solve and take corrective action to correct the deviations from the desired plant performance.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Business acumen
• Leadership skills

INTRODUCTION

DRA Water is looking for qualified local individuals for their project based on the Tweefontein Water Treatment Plant in Witbank, Mpumalanga. These positions are based on a Project Based Fixed Term Contract.

PURPOSE

To manage and supervise the day-to-day plant operations of the Water Treatment plant to ensure the plant meets the design capacity and produces the desired water quality in a safe way. To manage the chemical consumptions through continuous monitoring and optimization based on laboratory analytical results obtained.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Risk Management

• Monitors safety, equipment, production and quality risks at all times and report any significant change in risk.
• Be pro-active in hazard identification and correction.

Plant Production

• Maintains plant at its design capacity and quality specifications.
• Ensures the long-term health and sustainability of plant and equipment.

Record Keeping

Records daily production statistics with associated downtime explanations and risk identification

Daily Plant Operations

• To oversee, manage and direct the activities of the plant operating team including the process controllers, junior process controllers, process control assistants, cleaners and laboratory staff daily production statistics with associated downtime explanations and risk identification

Plant Maintenance

• Directs the maintenance team to conduct routine and preventative maintenance and attend to equipment breakdowns.
• Reviews the daily record of all maintenance related incidents from the relevant Artisans.
• Reviews and present to the Plant Manager, the monthly report summarising maintenance events for the month.
• Reviews and present the routine maintenance plan for the month ahead.

Sampling

• Ensures the necessary samples are taken at prescribed intervals.
• Ensures that sample are taken according to the prescribed procedures

Analysis

• Ensures all relevant analyses are conducted in line with the quality standards.
• Reviews the daily analyses and take corrective actions

Chemical Dosing and Make-up

• To manage the chemical consumptions through continuous monitoring and optimisation based on laboratory analytical results obtained.
• Ensures chemicals are correctly and timeously mixed and ready for dosing.
• Checks stock level of all dosing chemicals and ensure orders are placed timeously that site does not run out of stock.

Leadership

• Manages staff leave and attendance.
• Ensures there is suitable staffing for shifts.
• Manages staff fatigue and overtime.
• Ensures company disciplinary codes are being enforced and conduct related disciplinary activities.
• Conducts regular toolbox and risk management talks.
• Daily reporting to Plant Manager on any staff or equipment risk.
• Drives all direct reports training needs

Reporting

• Daily reporting to Management on production, downtime, maintenance activities, feed and product quality and chemical inventory.
• Reviews daily log sheets on the plant performance.
• Monthly reporting to Management on production, downtime, maintenance, water quality and chemical inventory, spares inventory and HR matters

Safety, Health, and Environment

• Ensures all client and company policies and procedures are always adhered to.
• Ensures all work performed is covered by suitable risk assessments.

Training and Mentoring

• Develops and reviews site standard operating procedures.
• Trains all staff on plant related procedures, instructions, and alarm response plans.
• Conducts regular Planned Task Observations on staff.

Performance Management

• Ensures company disciplinary codes are being enforced and conduct related disciplinary activities

Housekeeping

• Ensures that good housekeeping practices on the plant are always maintained at a high level

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 with Maths and Science
• NQF 4 or Diploma in Water Treatment/Chemical Engineering
• Degree in Water Treatment /Chemical Engineering
• Valid driver's license

EXPERIENCE

• Analyze plant performance data and water quality data to assess how to modify plant operations when required.
• Understanding of the fundamentals of water treatment processes, concepts and unit operations.
• Understanding mechanical equipment related to mine water treatment systems.
• Performing operations on a water treatment plant safely and efficiently.
• Control the plant operation via the SCADA system, assessing alarms and trends to make interventions.
• Collate and report on all plant performance data, including physical data such as production, flowrates, recoveries, chemical tank levels, chemical consumption, water quality data results, plant maintenance, HR matters etc.
• Ability to identify problems, problem solve and take corrective action to correct the deviations from the desired plant performance.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Business acumen
• Leadership skills

About the Role

• We are seeking a professionally qualified and experienced Project Manager to lead a complex, multidisciplinary project in the water treatment sector.
• This role is office-based in Gauteng, with the project site in Mokopane.
• This project will be guided by NEC form of contract.
• The position is initially a 12-month fixed-term appointment.

About the Company

Our organisation is technology-driven and passionate about clean water, resource recovery, and the circular economy.

We deliver turnkey Supply, Construct & Operate solutions for water, wastewater, and biogas treatment industries, guided by GCC, NEC and FIDIC contract frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

The Project Manager will be accountable for leading the project from appointment to close-out, ensuring safe, on-time, and within-budget delivery that meets all quality and contractual requirements.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Full life-cycle project management: design, procurement, manufacturing, construction, commissioning, and operations handover.
• Developing project charters, scopes, budgets, schedules, and execution plans.
• Leading and coordinating project teams, including Project Engineers, Site Managers, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Contractual and commercial management within the NEC form of contract, including claims, variations, notifications, and reporting.
• Ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Managing stakeholder communication, employer/client relationships, and progress meetings.
• Driving proactive planning, risk management, procurement scheduling, and cash flow control.
• Leading commissioning, close-out documentation, final invoicing, and dispute resolution.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Proven strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Disciplined, proactive planner able to break down complex projects into manageable tasks.
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and analytical skills.
• Excellent organisational, written, and verbal communication abilities with attention to accuracy.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and deliver under pressure.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• Professional registration (ECSA) and/or PMP certification preferred.
• Minimum 10 years' experience as a Project Manager on large-scale EPC projects in water treatment plants.
• Proven track record delivering projects under NEC contract terms.
• Knowledge of PMBOK methodologies and practical implementation of project management principles.
• Proficiency in MS Office, MS Projects, and project control software.
• Thorough knowledge of Southern African regulatory, safety, and quality standards.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a disciplined, solution-focused professional with integrity and a collaborative leadership style. They thrive on solving complex challenges, building strong client and team relationships, and consistently delivering results.

• Operate heat treatment equipment
• Monitor and control the heating process
• Ensure materials are heat treated according to specifications
• Perform quality checks on finished products
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment