Company: Rand Water
Reference Number: RAN260518-2
Job Type: Permanent
Number of Posts: 2
Location: Zuikerbosch, Three Rivers East, Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa
Department: Bulk Water Services – Operations
Closing Date: 09 June 2026
About the Role
Rand Water is one of South Africa’s leading bulk water suppliers, responsible for ensuring the consistent treatment and distribution of safe, high-quality water to millions of people. The organisation is currently seeking two Process Control Assistants within its Water Purification division at the Zuikerbosch operational site in Vereeniging.
This role forms part of critical operations that ensure the effective functioning of water purification systems. The successful candidates will be responsible for monitoring, cleaning, and maintaining various components of the water treatment process, including filters, chemical dosing systems, pipelines, and associated infrastructure. The position plays a vital role in ensuring water quality standards are met and operational systems remain efficient and safe.
Purpose of the Job
The main purpose of the Process Control Assistant role is to support water purification operations through hands-on maintenance, cleaning, and system monitoring activities. The job requires a strong focus on safety, attention to detail, and adherence to operational procedures to ensure uninterrupted water treatment processes.
Employees in this role will be expected to work in a physically demanding environment and assist with both planned and unplanned maintenance activities. The position requires teamwork, reliability, and the ability to respond quickly to operational needs within the plant.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidates will be responsible for a wide range of operational duties within the water purification plant, including but not limited to:
- Monitoring and carrying out cleaning of purification systems and equipment
- Cleaning filters, chemical lines, chemical tanks, and dosing plants
- Ensuring safe isolation of systems and pipelines when required
- Desludging water treatment systems to maintain operational efficiency
- Cleaning spreader plates, holes, and internal plant components
- Removing sand from sand traps for reuse in recovered water systems
- Supporting maintenance activities on filters and related equipment
- Ensuring proper housekeeping standards within operational areas
- Assisting with operational shutdowns, startups, and emergency interventions
- Working overtime when required for planned maintenance or urgent operational needs
These responsibilities require physical endurance, mechanical awareness, and strict compliance with safety protocols to ensure the integrity of water treatment processes.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for the position:
- Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate) or equivalent qualification
- N3 qualification or NQF Level 4 in Water and Wastewater Treatment Process (advantageous)
- Previous experience working in a water purification or treatment plant (advantageous)
- Process Controller classification in accordance with Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) regulations will be an added advantage
- Valid driver’s licence
- Ability to successfully complete the Rand Water K53 driving assessment
Candidates who meet the educational requirements but lack experience may still be considered, depending on operational needs and overall suitability.
Knowledge Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate basic understanding in the following areas:
- Water treatment and purification processes
- Basic mathematical calculations used in operational monitoring
- Safety procedures and awareness in industrial environments
- Understanding of chemical handling principles within water treatment systems
A solid foundational knowledge of water purification systems will significantly enhance a candidate’s ability to perform effectively in this role.
Skills and Competencies
The position requires a combination of technical, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, including:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions and operational procedures accurately
- Good housekeeping practices within a plant environment
- Analytical thinking and fault-finding ability
- Basic computer literacy (advantageous but not essential)
- Ability to work in a team-oriented operational environment
- Ability to work under pressure in time-sensitive situations
- High level of attention to detail when performing tasks
These skills are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant water purification operations.
Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following personal characteristics:
- Strong commitment to safety at all times
- Positive working relationships with colleagues and supervisors
- Reliability and accountability in task execution
- Willingness to learn and develop within the water sector
- Ability to adapt to changing operational requirements
- Strong work ethic and discipline in a structured environment
Candidates must also be prepared to work shifts, overtime, and respond to operational emergencies when required.
Working Environment
This position is based at a large-scale water treatment facility where employees will be exposed to industrial equipment, chemical handling processes, and physically demanding tasks. Safety compliance is strictly enforced, and all employees are expected to follow established protocols and wear appropriate protective equipment at all times.
The role may involve working outdoors and in varying weather conditions, as well as inside treatment plant structures.
Career Development Opportunity
This role provides an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in building a long-term career in water treatment and environmental services. Successful candidates will gain valuable hands-on experience in process control, system maintenance, and plant operations.
Working within Rand Water offers exposure to advanced water purification systems and the opportunity to grow within a highly specialised technical field in South Africa’s essential services sector.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the official Rand Water Careers Portal.
Applicants should search using the reference number RAN260518-2 to locate the correct vacancy.
Before submitting an application, ensure the following:
- Your CV is fully updated and clearly outlines relevant experience
- Certified copies of qualifications are available and valid
- Driver’s licence documentation is included
- All supporting documents are clear, legible, and up to date
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment or interviews.
Important Notes
- The closing date for applications is 09 June 2026
- Late applications will not be considered
- Preference may be given to candidates with relevant water treatment experience
- The organisation reserves the right not to appoint
Why You Should Apply
This position offers a stable permanent role within a leading South African utility company. It provides exposure to critical infrastructure operations and hands-on technical work in water purification. Successful candidates will gain practical experience in plant operations, system maintenance, and environmental engineering processes that are highly valued in the industry.
For individuals seeking long-term career growth in water services, engineering support, or process operations, this role provides an excellent foundation and development pathway within the public utility sector.
