KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport invites interested and suitably qualified applicants to apply for the position of Driver Operator (Earthmoving and Non-Earthmoving Equipment) available across multiple operational centres in KwaZulu-Natal. The opportunity is open to candidates with relevant experience in operating specialised equipment and supporting road maintenance activities within departmental teams.
The position offers a salary of R163 680 per annum (Level 03) and requires applicants to possess at least a Grade 10 certificate, a valid Code EC driver’s licence with PrDP, and an operating certificate or departmental competency pink card for specialised equipment. A minimum of five years’ experience in driving and operating specialised machinery is required for consideration.
- Position: Driver Operator (Earthmoving and Non-Earthmoving Equipment)
- Salary: R163 680 per annum (Level 03)
- Number of Positions: 102 posts
- Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Closing Date: 06 May 2026 (at 16h00)
Successful candidates will perform duties such as operating specialised road construction and maintenance equipment, transporting work teams and materials, inspecting vehicles and machinery, maintaining logbooks, and reporting defects. Responsibilities also include applying safety procedures, cleaning and lubricating equipment, and supporting gravel road grading and shoulder maintenance activities.
Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 application form accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae before the closing date of 06 May 2026 at 16h00. Applications can be submitted through the KwaZulu-Natal online e-Recruitment system or delivered to the Department of Transport as outlined in the official vacancy advertisement.
CENTRE
Pietermaritzburg Region
Cost Centre: Ixopo
Number of Posts: 15
Cost Centre: Grader Team 2 (Gowerford)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 40/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Gowerford)
Number of Posts: 2
Reference Number: DOT 41/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 1 (Underberg)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 42/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 2 (Underberg)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 43/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Ixopo)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 44/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Ixopo)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 45/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Umzimkhulu)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 46/2026
Cost Centre: General Maintenance Team (Umzimkhulu)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 47/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Umzimkhulu)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 48/2026
Cost Centre: Signs Team (Umzimkhulu)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 49/2026
Cost Centre: Blacktop Team (Cedarville) Sub-section
Number of Posts: 2
Reference Number: DOT 50/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Ixopo) Sub-section
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 51/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Kokstad) Sub-section
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 52/2026
Cost Centre: Blacktop Team (Taylors Halt)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 53/2026
Cost Centre: Service Wagon Team (Eston)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 54/2026
Cost Centre: Drainage/Betterment Team (Cedara) Sub-section
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 55/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (New Hanover)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 56/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 2 (Taylors Halt) Sub-section
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 57/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Nottingham Road) Sub-section
Number of Posts: 2
Reference Number: DOT 58/2026
Cost Centre: Depot Team (Taylors Halt)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 59/2026
Ladysmith Region
Cost Centre: Road Control / Project Documentation MGT (Dundee)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 60/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Helpmekaar)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 61/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Mangeni)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 62/2026
Cost Centre: Blacktop Team (Greytown)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 63/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 2 (Kranskop)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 64/2026
Cost Centre: Flying Squad Team (Cwaka)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 65/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Greytown)
Number of Posts: 3
Reference Number: DOT 66/2026
Cost Centre: Depot Team (Greytown)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 67/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Kranskop)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 68/2026
Cost Centre: Flying Squad Team (Greytown)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 69/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Dundee)
Number of Posts: 3
Reference Number: DOT 70/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Normandien)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 71/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Utrecht)
Number of Posts: 5
Reference Number: DOT 72/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Utrecht) Sub-section
Number of Posts: 2
Reference Number: DOT 73/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Newcastle)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 74/2026
Cost Centre: Flying Squad Team (Dannhauser)
Number of Posts: 7
Reference Number: DOT 75/2026
Cost Centre: Flying Squad Team (Dannhauser) Sub-section
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 76/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Hattingspruit)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 77/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Kingsley)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 78/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Groenvlei)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 79/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Dukuza)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 80/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Mbambazane)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 81/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 1 (Indaka)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 82/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Indaka)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 83/2026
Cost Centre: Blacktop Team (Emnambithi)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 84/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Emnambithi)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 85/2026
Durban Region
Cost Centre: Grader Team 3 (Harding)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 86/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Port Shepstone North)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 87/2026
Cost Centre: Depot Team (Port Shepstone South)
Number of Posts: 4
Reference Number: DOT 88/2026
Cost Centre: Blacktop Team (Harding)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 89/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Port Shepstone South)
Number of Posts: 7
Reference Number: DOT 90/2026
Cost Centre: Concrete Team (Umbumbulu)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 91/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Mount Edgecombe)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 92/2026
Cost Centre: Concrete Team (Metro)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 93/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Umbumbulu)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 94/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team 1 (St Helier)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 95/2026
Empangeni Region
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Emondlo)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 96/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Vryheid)
Number of Posts: 2
Reference Number: DOT 97/2026
Cost Centre: Blacktop Team (Vryheid)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 98/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 1 (Vryheid)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 99/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Paul Pietersburg)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 100/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Pongola)
Number of Posts: 2
Reference Number: DOT 101/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team (Belgrade)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 102/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 3 (Dennydalton)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 103/2026
Cost Centre: Betterment Team (Mahlabathini)
Number of Posts: 3
Reference Number: DOT 104/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 2 (Dennydalton)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 105/2026
Cost Centre: Signs Team (Nongoma)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 106/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Usuthu)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 107/2026
Cost Centre: Crusher Stone (Msebe)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 108/2026
Cost Centre: Grader Team 1 (Msebe)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 109/2026
Cost Centre: Maintenance Team (Maphophoma)
Number of Posts: 1
Reference Number: DOT 110/2026
REQUIREMENTS
- Grade 10 certificate (NQF Level 2); plus a valid Driver’s Licence Code EC with PrDP and Operating Certificate / Departmental Competency Pink Card for specialised equipment; plus 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 equipment
- Physical inspection of vehicles
- Ability to interpret instructions for safe operation
- Ability to interpret operating manuals, maintenance manuals and service charts
DUTIES
Perform activities in respect of operation through inter alia the following:
- Operating specialised equipment
- Load and offload goods/equipment
- Inspection and maintenance of equipment and reporting defects
- Keep log sheets of vehicles and machinery
- Application of safety and precautionary measures
- Cleaning and lubrication of machinery equipment
- Grading of gravel roads and re-gravelling/shoulder maintenance
Render driving services including:
- Transportation of work teams and materials/equipment
- Detect and repair minor mechanical problems
- Inspection of vehicles/equipment and reporting defects
- Completion of vehicle logbook and trip authorisation documentation
CLOSING DATE: 06 May 2026 (at 16h00). Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.
APPLICATIONS
Applications may be hand delivered to:
Department of Transport
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House
172 Burger Street
Pietermaritzburg
Or couriered via postal services to:
Recruitment & Selection Section
Human Resource Administration Directorate
Private Bag X9043
Pietermaritzburg
3200
Applicants may also visit any one of the Designated Online Application Centres (DOACs) where staff will assist with applying for jobs on the KZN online e-Recruitment system or receiving hardcopy applications. The list of Designated Online Application Centres (DOACs) is available at:
www.kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs
Applicants should only use one of the following methods when applying for a post:
- Apply through the online e-Recruitment system, or
- Submit a hardcopy application as directed
NOTE
Applications must be submitted on the NEW Application for Employment Form (Z83) obtainable from:
www.dpsa.gov.za-vacancies
The Z83 form must be completed in terms of DPSA Circular 03 of 2025.
The completed and signed Z83 must be accompanied by a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV). Dates of starting and leaving employment must be given as DD/MM/YYYY.
Only shortlisted candidates will be required to provide certified copies of required documents on or before the date of the interviews following communication from Human Resources.
Where a Senior Certificate is required for the post, a statement of results will not be accepted.
Where a tertiary qualification is required:
- Certificates must be submitted
- If the certificate will only be issued at graduation in the future, a statement of results together with a letter from the educational institution indicating the date of graduation will be accepted
Failure to comply with these instructions will lead to applications being disqualified.
If applying for more than one post, separate applications must be submitted for each post applied for.
Non-RSA Citizens / Permanent Residence Permit holders must provide a copy of their Permanent Residence Permit if shortlisted for an interview.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and to provide proof if shortlisted for an interview.
Under no circumstances will faxed applications be accepted.
Receipt of applications will not be acknowledged due to the volume of applications. If an invitation to attend an interview is not received within three (3) months of the closing date, applicants should assume their application was unsuccessful.
Where experience is required for the post, the successful candidate will be required to submit documentary proof of work experience prior to assuming duty.
A personnel suitability check (criminal record, citizenship, credit record checks, qualification verification and employment verification) will be conducted prior to employment.
Prior to appointment being made to an SMS post, the appointee must have completed the pre-entry certificate and must be in possession of such prior to taking up the post.
The Senior Management Pre-Entry Programme is a public service specific training programme applicable to applicants who aspire to join the SMS and ensures that potential SMS members have background knowledge of processes and procedures linked to the SMS.
The duration of the online Pre-Entry Programme is 120 notional hours.
Full details may be sourced at:
https://www.thensg.gov.za/training-course/sms-pre-entryprogramme/
All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job. Logistics will be communicated by the department.
Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment in compliance with the DPSA Directive on competency-based assessments.
The competency assessment will test generic managerial competencies using mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools.
Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date, time and place determined by the Department.
The Department of Transport reserves the right not to fill the advertised post(s) at any stage of the recruitment process.
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other designated groups are encouraged to apply.
All shortlisted candidates, including SMS candidates, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments:
- A practical exercise to determine suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements
- An integrity (ethical conduct) assessment