Rand Water is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Process Control Assistant within its Bulk Water Services – Operations portfolio. The position is based at the Zwartkopjes site in Johannesburg South, Gauteng. This is an opportunity for individuals who are interested in working in the water treatment and purification industry and who are willing to contribute to the daily operations and cleanliness of water treatment facilities.
The successful candidates will assist with maintaining cleanliness across various plant sections, supporting process controllers with selected operational activities, and reporting unsafe working conditions. Applicants who have Grade 12, good communication skills, and an interest in water purification are encouraged to consider this opportunity.
Previous cleaning experience will be an advantage, while exposure to water treatment operations and knowledge of Blue Drop requirements may also strengthen an application. On-the-job training will be provided to help successful candidates understand their responsibilities and perform their duties effectively.
Job Details
• Company: Rand Water
• Job Title: Process Control Assistant
• Number of Positions: X5
• Reference Number: RAN261008-4
• Portfolio: Bulk Water Services – Operations
• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Water and Water Services
• Location: Zwartkopjes, Johannesburg South
• Province: Gauteng
• Country: South Africa
• Closing Date: 23 October 2026
About Rand Water
Rand Water is one of South Africa’s major bulk water suppliers, responsible for providing potable water to municipalities and other customers across its service area. Its operations play an important role in supporting communities, businesses, industries, and other institutions that depend on a reliable supply of clean water.
Maintaining water treatment infrastructure requires teamwork, attention to detail, operational discipline, and adherence to safety procedures. Employees working at treatment facilities contribute to the smooth running of plant operations by keeping work areas clean, identifying potential hazards, and assisting operational personnel with assigned duties.
The Process Control Assistant position forms part of the operational support function. Successful applicants will be expected to maintain good housekeeping standards, follow instructions from supervisors, and assist process controllers with specific activities when required.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of the Process Control Assistant position is to maintain cleanliness and good housekeeping across designated areas of the water treatment plant while supporting selected operational activities.
The successful candidates will be responsible for cleaning and maintaining areas such as engine rooms, control rooms, battery rooms, toilets, switchgear rooms, and plant floors. They will also be required to identify and report unsafe acts, hazardous working conditions, and abnormalities to their shift supervisors.
In addition to housekeeping duties, Process Control Assistants may assist process controllers with activities involving pumps, valves, water sampling, and other assigned operational tasks. These responsibilities must be performed according to workplace procedures, safety requirements, and instructions from authorised personnel.
Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the Process Control Assistant position, applicants should meet the following requirements:
• Grade 12: Applicants must have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification.
• Cleaning Experience: One year’s cleaning experience will be an advantage.
• Blue Drop Requirements: Knowledge of or exposure to Blue Drop requirements relating to water treatment will be an advantage.
• Water Treatment Knowledge: An understanding of water purification processes or previous exposure to water treatment facilities may be beneficial.
Candidates should demonstrate a willingness to learn, follow workplace instructions, and work effectively as part of an operational team.
Although previous cleaning experience will be an advantage, applicants should carefully review the official vacancy requirements before applying to ensure that they meet the stated minimum criteria.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The appointed candidates will perform housekeeping duties and assist with selected operational activities at the plant. Their responsibilities will include the following:
Maintaining Cleanliness Across the Plant
Process Control Assistants will be expected to maintain high standards of cleanliness throughout the designated plant areas. This includes cleaning allocated sections and ensuring that workspaces remain tidy and suitable for daily operations.
Good housekeeping is important in industrial environments because it helps reduce potential hazards, supports efficient operations, and contributes to a safer workplace.
Cleaning Designated Plant Areas
Employees will be assigned specific sections of the plant to clean and maintain. They must ensure that these areas are kept in an orderly condition and that cleaning duties are completed according to instructions from their supervisors.
The areas requiring attention may include:
• Engine rooms.
• Control rooms.
• Battery rooms.
• Toilets and other designated facilities.
• Switchgear rooms and floors.
• Other allocated plant sections.
Candidates must understand the importance of working carefully around operational equipment and following all applicable safety procedures when cleaning industrial facilities.
Reporting Unsafe Conditions and Acts
The successful candidates will be responsible for identifying and reporting unsafe acts, hazardous working conditions, and abnormalities observed during their duties.
Any safety concern must be reported to the relevant shift supervisor as soon as possible. Early reporting helps operational teams identify potential risks and take appropriate action to protect employees, equipment, and plant infrastructure.
Assisting Process Controllers With Pump Operations
Process Control Assistants will be required to assist process controllers with putting pumps on load and taking pumps off load when instructed.
These activities form part of supporting the operation of water treatment infrastructure. Employees must follow instructions from authorised personnel and comply with applicable operational and safety procedures.
Opening and Closing Suction and Delivery Valves
The role includes assisting with the opening and closing of suction and delivery valves as required.
These valves form part of the systems used to manage the movement of water through plant equipment and pipelines. Employees must perform assigned tasks carefully and only in accordance with authorised instructions and established procedures.
Taking Water Samples
The appointed candidates may be required to take water samples as part of the plant’s operational activities.
Water sampling supports the monitoring and assessment of water quality. Employees must follow the applicable sampling procedures and instructions to help ensure that samples are collected and handled correctly.
Manually Operating Pipeline Isolation Valves
Another responsibility involves the manual operation of pipeline isolating valves when required.
These valves are used to isolate sections of a pipeline for operational or maintenance purposes. Candidates must follow instructions from authorised personnel and observe the necessary safety precautions when carrying out this duty.
Unloading Chlorine Drums
The position may involve assisting with the unloading of chlorine drums as part of plant operations.
Chlorine is a hazardous chemical, so this activity requires strict compliance with the site’s chemical-handling procedures, relevant training requirements, and prescribed safety precautions. Employees must not undertake chemical-handling tasks without the required authorisation, training, and protective equipment.
Unloading Ammonia
Process Control Assistants may also be required to assist with the unloading of ammonia.
As ammonia presents chemical exposure risks, employees must follow the applicable safety procedures and instructions from authorised personnel. Proper training, appropriate protective equipment, and compliance with site-specific requirements are essential when working around hazardous substances.
Knowledge and Training
Candidates with exposure to water purification or water treatment operations will have an advantage when applying for this position.
An understanding of the basic processes involved in treating water can help employees become familiar with the operational environment and the importance of maintaining safe and efficient plant operations.
Knowledge of Blue Drop requirements relating to water treatment will also be beneficial. Blue Drop is associated with the assessment of drinking water quality management in South Africa, making water quality and operational compliance important areas of knowledge within the industry.
On-the-job training will be provided. This gives successful candidates an opportunity to learn about their assigned responsibilities, workplace procedures, and the operational requirements associated with the position.
Applicants should be willing to learn, accept guidance from experienced colleagues, and apply the training provided to their daily duties.
Skills and Competencies
Rand Water is looking for candidates who can communicate effectively, follow instructions, and contribute to the smooth running of plant operations.
The following skills are important for this position:
Good Communication Skills
Candidates should be able to communicate clearly with colleagues, process controllers, and shift supervisors. Good communication is especially important when reporting abnormalities, identifying unsafe conditions, and receiving operational instructions.
Numeracy Skills
Basic numeracy skills are required to assist candidates with understanding numerical information and carrying out duties that may involve measurements, quantities, or other routine operational information.
Attention to Detail
The ability to notice abnormalities, maintain cleanliness, and follow instructions carefully is important in a water treatment environment.
Ability to Follow Instructions
Candidates must be prepared to work under supervision and comply with established workplace procedures. This is particularly important when assisting with pumps, valves, water sampling, and activities involving hazardous chemicals.
Commitment to Workplace Safety
Applicants should understand the importance of reporting hazards, using appropriate protective equipment, and following safety instructions when working around industrial equipment and treatment processes.
Required Attitude and Behaviour
The ideal candidates should demonstrate a positive attitude towards their work and show a commitment to maintaining high operational standards.
Rand Water highlights the following attitudes:
• Performance-driven: Candidates should be committed to completing assigned duties efficiently and maintaining good housekeeping standards.
• Teamwork: Employees must work cooperatively with process controllers, supervisors, and other members of the operations team.
• Customer service orientation: Candidates should understand the importance of contributing to reliable water services and supporting the organisation’s operational objectives.
A responsible attitude, willingness to learn, and respect for workplace rules will be important in carrying out the duties associated with this position.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be suitable for individuals who have completed Grade 12 and are interested in working in the water services, water treatment, or industrial operations sector.
Applicants with previous cleaning experience may find their experience relevant to the housekeeping responsibilities of the role. Candidates who have been exposed to water purification, water treatment facilities, or related operational environments may also have an advantage.
Interested individuals should be prepared to work in an industrial setting, follow safety procedures, and perform both housekeeping and assigned operational support duties.
Before submitting an application, candidates should verify the official vacancy information and ensure that they meet the stated requirements.
Location of the Position
The Process Control Assistant positions are based at Rand Water’s Zwartkopjes site in Johannesburg South, Gauteng.
Applicants should consider the work location and make the necessary arrangements to ensure that they can report to the site as required.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Rand Water Process Control Assistant vacancy is 23 October 2026.
Interested applicants should submit their applications before the deadline. It is advisable to prepare the required information and supporting documents in advance to avoid last-minute delays.
How to Apply for Rand Water Process Control Assistant
Individuals interested in applying should visit the official Rand Water careers website and look for the Process Control Assistant vacancy using reference number RAN261008-4.
Application steps:
• Visit the official Rand Water website.
• Navigate to the careers or vacancies section.
• Search for the Process Control Assistant position using the reference number RAN261008-4.
• Read the official vacancy advert carefully.
• Confirm that you meet the minimum requirements.
• Follow the application instructions provided on the official recruitment platform.
• Submit your application and any required supporting documents before the closing date.
Applicants should ensure that all information supplied during the application process is accurate and complete.
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