The Department of Water and Sanitation General Workers Vacancies 2026

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for a General Worker: Civil Maintenance vacancy in Breede/Gouritz, Western Cape, Worcester. The closing date for applications is 5 October 2026. Applicants must have an ABET certificate, while higher qualifications and experience with manual work will be an added advantage.

This government job involves hands-on work in areas such as grounds maintenance, cleaning, repairs, gardening and support for civil maintenance projects. The successful applicant may also work around canals, dams, rivers and other water infrastructure. Applicants must therefore be comfortable working outdoors and in different environments.

Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker Job Details

Here are the main details job seekers should know:

• Department: Department of Water and Sanitation
• Position: General Worker – Civil Maintenance
• Location: Breede/Gouritz, Western Cape – Worcester
• Category: Government Vacancies
• Minimum qualification: ABET Certificate
• Experience: Manual work experience is an advantage
• Closing date: 5 October 2026
• Work area: Various schemes throughout the Western Cape

The position is suited to someone who enjoys practical work and is willing to assist with different maintenance tasks.

Requirements for the General Worker Vacancy

Applicants must have an ABET certificate to meet the basic qualification requirement.

Higher qualifications will be an added advantage. Previous experience performing manual work will also be helpful.

The department is looking for someone who understands basic general work and can safely use different equipment and tools.

Knowledge and Skills

Applicants should have knowledge or an understanding of the following areas:

• Handling general equipment and appliances.
• General manual work.
• Lawn care.
• Pruning and trimming trees and plants.
• Using chemicals safely.
• Mixing and diluting chemicals.
• Different chemical products.
• Basic maintenance procedures.
• Daily care of machines and equipment.
• Garden maintenance.
• Planting practices.
• Health and safety procedures.
• Basic government legislation.
• Water use and water resource strategies.

The successful applicant must also be willing and able to work in or near rivers, dams, canals and confined spaces.

This is important because the position involves civil maintenance work around water infrastructure and government facilities.

What Will the General Worker Do?

The General Worker will perform a wide range of practical duties. The work can involve lifting, cleaning, gardening, repairs, maintenance and helping other workers with construction or infrastructure tasks.

Because the job covers different areas, applicants should be flexible and willing to learn new tasks.

Loading and Offloading Equipment

One of the duties will involve loading and offloading furniture, equipment and other goods.

The employee will need to move items to their correct destinations and make sure that equipment and goods are handled properly.

This type of work can involve physical activity, so applicants should be prepared for manual duties.

Cleaning Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment

The successful applicant will also help keep government vehicles, machinery and equipment clean.

Cleaning equipment properly can help keep the workplace organised and support the safe use of machines.

The employee will also clean relevant workstations and make sure that working areas remain clean and suitable for employees to use.

Grounds and Garden Maintenance

A large part of the position involves looking after outdoor areas.

The General Worker may be required to:

• Clean lawns.
• Prune trees.
• Trim plants.
• Maintain gardens.
• Plant plants where required.
• Care for grass and other plants.
• Rake leaves.
• Mulch leaves.
• Irrigate plants and lawns.
• Sweep walkways.
• Maintain sidewalks.
• Maintain driveways.
• Maintain parking areas.
• Look after planters and other ground features.

The successful applicant should therefore be comfortable doing outdoor work in different weather conditions.

Cleaning Canals, Buildings and Other Areas

The employee will help clean and maintain different government facilities.

This can include:

• Canals.
• Office grounds.
• Dam areas.
• Government buildings.
• Walkways.
• Other departmental infrastructure.

Buildings may also need to be swept and floors washed as part of the general cleaning duties.

Repairs Using Hand and Power Tools

The position also includes basic repair and maintenance work.

The successful applicant may help repair tools and structures such as:

• Buildings.
• Fences.
• Canal structures.
• Dam-area structures.
• Office buildings.
• Benches.
• Other departmental infrastructure.

Hand tools and power tools may be used for these tasks.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable working with tools and following safety instructions when carrying out repairs.

Fertiliser and Chemical Work

The General Worker may also be required to mix, spray or spread fertilisers.

This can be done using hand sprayers, automatic sprayers or spreaders.

Applicants should understand that chemicals must be handled carefully. The correct dilution and mixing procedures must be followed, and health and safety rules must always be respected.

Knowledge of chemical products will be useful in this position.

Support Civil Maintenance Work

Another important part of the job is helping with maintenance, repairs and construction of departmental infrastructure.

The General Worker will perform labouring duties to support other employees working on these projects.

This means the successful applicant may work with different teams and assist with tasks that help complete maintenance and repair work.

Water Infrastructure Duties

Because this position falls under the Department of Water and Sanitation, some duties involve water-related infrastructure.

The employee may assist with cleaning and repairing:

• Water supply systems.
• Canals.
• Drains.
• Dams.
• Pipelines.
• Other water infrastructure.

The employee may also help with repairs to departmental buildings.

Applicants must understand that some of this work may take place near water or in confined spaces.

Willingness to Travel and Work Away From Home

One important condition of this vacancy is that the successful applicant must be willing to work away from home.

The employee may be required to perform duties at all schemes throughout the Western Cape.

This means applicants should be prepared to travel or spend time away from their normal home area when required by the department.

Before applying, make sure that you are comfortable with this requirement.

Health and Safety

Safety is an important part of the General Worker position.

The successful applicant must follow health and safety procedures when using equipment, working with chemicals, handling tools and carrying out maintenance duties.

Extra care is needed when working near:

• Rivers.
• Dams.
• Canals.
• Pipelines.
• Confined spaces.
• Machinery.
• Construction and maintenance areas.

Applicants should be able to follow instructions and use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may suit job seekers who have an ABET certificate and are interested in practical government work.

You may be suited to the position if you:

• Have an ABET certificate.
• Are comfortable with manual work.
• Enjoy outdoor work.
• Can follow safety instructions.
• Are willing to learn.
• Can work as part of a team.
• Are comfortable using basic tools.
• Can work around water infrastructure.
• Are willing to work away from home.
• Can assist with different maintenance tasks.

Previous manual work experience is an advantage, but the vacancy specifically lists an ABET certificate as the qualification requirement.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Department of Water and Sanitation General Worker: Civil Maintenance vacancy is 5 October 2026.

Job seekers who meet the requirements should submit their applications before the closing date.

How to Apply for the DWS General Worker Vacancy

Applications can be submitted online through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s official e-recruitment system.

Click Here to Apply Online

Make sure you provide the correct information when completing your application. Check that you meet the ABET requirement and understand the working conditions before submitting your application.

This General Worker position involves more than basic cleaning. The successful applicant will support civil maintenance, gardening, repairs, grounds work, water infrastructure maintenance and other departmental activities across the Western Cape.