Driver Operator (Earthmoving & Non-Earthmoving Equipment)
Department: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport
Position: Driver Operator – Earthmoving & Non-Earthmoving Equipment
Reference: KZNPG/20260808/4482
Advert Reference: DOT 203/2026
Job Level: SR 03
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Blacktop Team (Underberg), Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal
Salary: R170,226 per annum
Posts Available: 1
Closing Date: 28 August 2026
Job Overview
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is inviting applications for a Driver Operator (Earthmoving and Non-Earthmoving Equipment) to join the Blacktop Team based in Underberg, Ixopo.
This is a permanent government position for an experienced driver and specialised equipment operator. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating specialised earthmoving and non-earthmoving equipment, providing driving services and supporting road maintenance activities within the department.
The role requires practical experience in operating specialised equipment, transporting work teams and materials, carrying out basic vehicle and machinery inspections, maintaining equipment and ensuring that all operations are conducted safely and according to the relevant procedures.
Candidates must have significant experience in driving and operating specialised equipment and must meet the required licence and competency requirements.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for operating specialised equipment and supporting various road maintenance activities.
Duties include:
- Operating specialised earthmoving and non-earthmoving equipment.
- Loading and offloading goods and equipment.
- Conducting inspections of vehicles, machinery and equipment.
- Identifying and reporting defects.
- Keeping accurate log sheets for vehicles and machinery.
- Applying all required safety and precautionary measures.
- Cleaning and lubricating machinery and equipment.
- Grading gravel roads.
- Assisting with re-gravelling activities.
- Performing shoulder maintenance on roads.
- Ensuring machinery and equipment are operated safely and correctly.
The role requires someone who understands the importance of maintaining equipment properly and following operating procedures at all times.
Driving Responsibilities
The successful candidate will also provide driving services as part of the department’s operations.
This includes:
- Transporting work teams.
- Transporting materials and equipment.
- Operating departmental vehicles safely.
- Inspecting vehicles before use.
- Checking oil levels and condition.
- Checking fuel levels.
- Checking tyre condition.
- Checking water levels.
- Identifying minor mechanical problems.
- Taking appropriate steps to have defects repaired.
- Reporting vehicle and equipment faults.
- Completing vehicle logbooks.
- Completing trip authorisations.
The driver operator must ensure that vehicles and equipment remain in a safe and serviceable condition and that any problems are reported promptly.
Road Maintenance Activities
An important part of the position involves supporting road maintenance operations.
The successful candidate may be required to operate equipment used for:
- Gravel road grading.
- Re-gravelling.
- Road shoulder maintenance.
- Loading and offloading materials.
- Moving equipment and materials.
- General road maintenance activities.
Candidates should therefore be comfortable working in practical, outdoor environments and operating heavy or specialised equipment as required.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following 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 years’ driving and specialised equipment operating experience.
The five years of relevant experience is particularly important, as this is not an entry-level driving position.
Candidates should have proven experience operating specialised equipment and must be able to demonstrate their ability to perform the duties safely and effectively.
Knowledge and Skills
The ideal candidate should have:
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to read and write.
- Good eyesight.
- Strong teamwork skills.
- Practical skills in operating specialised equipment.
- Ability to physically inspect vehicles and equipment.
- Ability to interpret instructions.
- Understanding of vehicle and equipment controls.
- Ability to operate vehicles and machinery safely.
- Ability to read and follow operating manuals.
- Ability to understand maintenance manuals.
- Ability to use service charts.
- Knowledge of basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.
Safety awareness is particularly important because the position involves operating specialised machinery and working around vehicles, equipment and road maintenance activities.
Safety and Equipment Maintenance
The Driver Operator will be expected to take responsibility for the basic care and safe operation of vehicles and equipment.
This includes conducting inspections, checking operating conditions and reporting faults before they become more serious problems.
The successful candidate will also be expected to keep machinery clean and properly lubricated and to follow the required maintenance and safety procedures.
Any defects identified during inspections must be reported through the appropriate channels.
Practical Assessment
Candidates should be aware that practical assessments will be conducted as part of the recruitment process.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate their practical ability to operate the relevant equipment and perform duties associated with the position.
Employment Equity
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Equity targets will be considered when filling the position.
Only candidates who meet the stipulated requirements should apply.
Application Process
Applicants can apply through the KZN Provincial Government online e-Recruitment system.
Applications may also be:
- Hand delivered to the Office of the Department of Transport, Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House, 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg.
- Couriered through postal services to the Recruitment & Selection Section, Human Resource Administration Directorate, Private Bag X 9043, Pietermaritzburg, 3200.
Applicants are encouraged to use the online e-Recruitment system.
When applying, candidates should clearly indicate the name of the position and the relevant reference number.
For online applications, applicants must upload a copy of their CV. Certified supporting documents do not need to accompany the initial application and will be requested from shortlisted candidates.
Important Conditions
Applicants should note that:
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only candidates who meet the requirements will be considered.
- Qualifications may be verified.
- Reference checks may be conducted.
- Employment may be subject to security clearance where applicable.
- Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA where applicable.
- Recruitment agency applications will not be considered.
- The department reserves the right not to make an appointment.
- If you are not contacted within two months after the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Enquiries
Applicants can contact:
Ms T Nkosi – Ladysmith: 036 638 4400
Ms G Hlabisa – Pietermaritzburg: 033 392 6600
Ms S Mthethwa – Durban: 031 700 2222
Job Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Driver Operator – Earthmoving & Non-Earthmoving Equipment |
| Department | KZN Transport |
| Reference | KZNPG/20260808/4482 |
| Advert Reference | DOT 203/2026 |
| Location | Blacktop Team (Underberg), Ixopo |
| Employment | Permanent |
| Job Level | SR 03 |
| Salary | R170,226 per annum |
| Education | Grade 10 / NQF Level 2 |
| Licence | Code EC + PrDP |
| Experience | 5 years’ driving & specialised equipment experience |
| Posts | 1 |
| Closing Date | 28 August 2026 |
This is a strong opportunity for an experienced heavy-vehicle driver and specialised equipment operator looking for permanent employment with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. If you have the required Code EC + PrDP, specialised equipment competency and five years’ experience, make sure your application is submitted before 28 August 2026.