Driver Operator (Earthmoving and Non-Earthmoving Equipment)
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport
Job Details
Reference Number: KZNPG/20260808/4483
Advert Reference: DOT 204/2026
Job Title: Driver Operator (Earthmoving and Non-Earthmoving Equipment)
Job Level: SR 03
Vacancy Type: Internal & External
Employment Type: Permanent
Department: KZN Transport
Component: PMB Region
Work Centre: Betterment Team (Umzimkhulu), Cost Centre, Ixopo
Location: Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal
Number of Posts: 1
Salary: R170,226 per annum
Closing Date: 28 August 2026
About the Position
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is recruiting for a Driver Operator (Earthmoving and Non-Earthmoving Equipment) to join the Betterment Team based in the Umzimkhulu area, with the position located at the Ixopo cost centre.
This is a permanent government opportunity for an experienced driver and specialised equipment operator. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating specialised earthmoving and non-earthmoving equipment, transporting departmental work teams and materials, supporting road maintenance activities and ensuring that vehicles and machinery are operated safely and maintained appropriately.
The role is practical and operational in nature and requires an individual who is comfortable working with vehicles, machinery and specialised equipment. The successful candidate must understand safety procedures, be able to identify equipment defects and have the practical ability to operate machinery according to instructions and applicable operating requirements.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will perform a range of equipment operating, driving and road maintenance duties.
Responsibilities will include:
- Operating specialised earthmoving and non-earthmoving equipment.
- Loading and offloading goods, materials and equipment.
- Conducting inspections of vehicles, machinery and equipment.
- Identifying and reporting defects and mechanical problems.
- 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 road shoulder maintenance.
- Transporting work teams to required locations.
- Transporting materials and equipment.
- Checking vehicle oil, fuel, tyres and water.
- Identifying minor mechanical problems and taking appropriate steps to have them repaired.
- Completing vehicle logbooks.
- Completing trip authorisations for departmental vehicles.
- Ensuring vehicles and equipment remain in a safe and serviceable condition.
The Driver Operator will be expected to follow departmental procedures and ensure that all equipment is operated responsibly and safely.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 10 certificate / NQF Level 2.
- A valid Code EC Driver’s Licence with PrDP.
- An Operating Certificate or Departmental Competency Pink Card for specialised equipment.
- Five years’ experience in driving and operating specialised equipment.
The position requires substantial practical experience, making this an opportunity suited to candidates who already have a strong background in operating specialised equipment and driving heavy vehicles.
Applicants should ensure that they meet all licence, competency and experience requirements before submitting an application.
Essential Skills and Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to read and write.
- Good eyesight.
- Strong teamwork abilities.
- Practical competence in operating specialised equipment.
- Ability to conduct physical inspections of vehicles and equipment.
- Ability to understand and follow instructions.
- Ability to interpret controls for the safe operation of vehicles and machinery.
- Ability to read and follow operating manuals.
- Ability to understand maintenance manuals and service charts.
- Strong awareness of workplace safety requirements.
The successful candidate should be dependable, safety-conscious and able to work effectively as part of a road maintenance team.
Practical Assessment
Candidates should note that practical assessments will form part of the recruitment process. Applicants may therefore be required to demonstrate their ability to operate relevant specialised equipment and perform duties associated with the position.
The department will also consider applicable employment equity targets when filling the vacancy.
Application Information
Applications can be submitted through the KZN Provincial Government online e-Recruitment system.
Applicants may also hand-deliver applications to:
Office of the Department of Transport
Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House
172 Burger Street
Pietermaritzburg
Alternatively, applications may be couriered through postal services to:
Recruitment & Selection Section
Human Resource Administration Directorate
Private Bag X 9043
Pietermaritzburg
3200
Applicants are encouraged to apply through the online KZN e-Recruitment system.
When applying, candidates must clearly indicate the name of the position and reference number they are applying for. Online applicants must upload a copy of their CV. Certified supporting documents will be requested from shortlisted candidates where required.
Important Application Conditions
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only applicants who meet the stipulated requirements should apply.
The appointment will be subject to relevant qualification verification, reference checks and any applicable security clearance or verification processes. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA where applicable.
Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered. The department also reserves the right not to make an appointment.
If an applicant has not been contacted within two months after the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.
Enquiries
For further information regarding the vacancy, applicants can contact:
Ms T Nkosi – Ladysmith: 036 638 4400
Ms G Hlabisa – Pietermaritzburg: 033 392 6600
Ms S Mthethwa – Durban: 031 700 2222
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport |
| Position | Driver Operator |
| Specialisation | Earthmoving & Non-Earthmoving Equipment |
| Location | Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Employment | Permanent |
| Salary | R170,226 per annum |
| Education | Grade 10 / NQF Level 2 |
| Licence | Code EC + PrDP |
| Specialised Equipment Requirement | Operating Certificate / Departmental Competency Pink Card |
| Experience | 5 years’ driving & specialised equipment experience |
| Posts Available | 1 |
| Closing Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Reference | KZNPG/20260808/4483 |
| Advert Reference | DOT 204/2026 |
This is an opportunity for an experienced specialised equipment operator to secure permanent employment with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport while contributing to road maintenance and transport operations in the province.