Driver Operator Vacancies (X35 Posts)

Driver Operator (Earthmoving and Non-Earthmoving Equipment) Vacancies (X35 Posts) – KZN Department of Transport 2026

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is recruiting 35 Driver Operators for earthmoving and non-earthmoving equipment across the Pietermaritzburg, Durban, and Ladysmith regions. These are permanent Level 03 positions offering a basic salary of R170 226 per annum.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced operators who hold a valid Code EC driver’s licence with PrDP and the relevant operating competency certificates.

Post: Driver Operator (Earthmoving and Non-Earthmoving Equipment) (X35 Posts)

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POST 29/222 Salary: R170 226 per annum (Level 03)

Centres & Reference Numbers:

Pietermaritzburg Region

• Cost Centre Ixopo:
  • Blacktop Team (Underberg) – Ref No: DOT 203/2026 (X1 Post)
  • Betterment Team (Umzimkhulu) – Ref No: DOT 204/2026 (X1 Post)
  • Maintenance Team (Matatiele) – Ref No: DOT 205/2026 (X1 Post)
  • Grader Team (Umzimkhulu) – Ref No: DOT 206/2026 (X1 Post)
• Cost Centre Pietermaritzburg:
  • Drainage/Betterment Team (Cedara) – Ref No: DOT 207/2026 (X1 Post)
  • Betterment Team (New Hanover) – Ref No: DOT 208/2026 (X1 Post)

Durban Region

• Cost Centre Metro:
  • Grader Team (Inanda) – Ref No: DOT 209/2026 (X1 Post)
  • Grader Team (Mount Edgecombe) – Ref No: DOT 210/2026 (X1 Post)

Ladysmith Region

• Cost Centre Estcourt – Ref No: DOT 211/2026 (X14 Posts)
• Cost Centre Dundee – Ref No: DOT 212/2026 (X11 Posts)
• Cost Centre Newcastle – Ref No: DOT 213/2026 (X2 Posts)

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 10 certificate (NQF Level 2)
• Valid Driver’s Licence Code EC with PrDP
• Operating Certificate / Departmental Competency Pink Card for specialised equipment
• Five (5) years’ driving and operating specialised equipment experience

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies Required:

• Communication skills
• Ability to read and write
• Good eyesight
• Teamwork
• Skills in the operation of the equipment
• Physical inspection of vehicles and the ability to interpret instructions for proper use of all controls for safe operation of vehicles
• Interpret and follow operating manuals, maintenance manuals, and service charts

Key Duties

Perform activities in respect of operation through, inter alia, the following:

Operation of Specialised Equipment

• Operating specialised equipment
• Load and offload goods/equipment
• Inspection and maintenance of equipment and report defects
• Keep log sheets of vehicles and machineries
• Application of safety and precautionary measures
• Cleaning and lubrication of machinery equipment
• Grading of gravel roads and re-gravelling / shoulder maintenance

Driving Services

• Transportation of work teams and materials/equipment
• Detect and repair minor mechanical problems on the vehicles and take steps to have them repaired (check level and condition of oil, fuel, tyres, and water)
• Inspection of the vehicle/equipment and report defects
• Complete vehicle logbook and trip authorisation for the vehicle

Enquiries

• Ms T Nkosi (Ladysmith) – Tel No: (036) 638 4400
• Ms G Hlabisa (Pietermaritzburg) – Tel No: (033) 392 6600
• Ms S Mthethwa (Durban) – Tel No: (031) 700 2222

Important Notes

• It is the intention of this Department to consider equity targets when filling these positions.
• Candidates will be subjected to a practical assessment.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in accordance with the instructions contained in the official Public Service Vacancy Circular (PSV Circular 29 of 2026). Candidates are encouraged to apply via the KZN online e-Recruitment system or follow the hand-delivery / postal instructions provided in the circular.

Official Circular: https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/vacancies/2026/PSV%20CIRCULAR%2029%20of%202026.pdf

Applicants must quote the correct reference number for the specific team and location they are applying for. Failure to do so may result in the application not being considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The Department reserves the right not to fill any of the advertised posts.

Why Apply for these Driver Operator Positions?

With 35 posts available across KwaZulu-Natal, this is a significant recruitment drive for experienced operators of graders, earthmoving, and specialised road maintenance equipment. Successful candidates will play a hands-on role in maintaining and improving the provincial road network.

These permanent Level 03 positions offer job security, structured public service employment, and the opportunity to utilise specialised operating skills in a meaningful way. Preference will be given in line with the Department’s employment equity targets, and all shortlisted candidates will undergo a practical assessment.

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If you meet the requirements (Grade 10, Code EC with PrDP, operating competency, and 5 years’ relevant experience) and are ready to contribute to road maintenance in KwaZulu-Natal, prepare your application carefully, quote the correct reference number, and submit it before the closing date indicated in the official circular.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is an equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity.