Safety, Health and Environmental Officer – KZN Public Works & Infrastructure
Department: KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure
Position: Safety, Health and Environmental Officer – Workplace Safety
Reference Number: KZNPG/20260822/4609
Advert Reference: SHE/WS/SR082026
Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Region: Southern Region
Employment Type: Permanent
Salary: R338,106 per annum
Salary Level: 07
Number of Posts: 1
Closing Date: 4 September 2026
Job Overview
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is looking for a suitably qualified Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Officer to join its Southern Region team in Pietermaritzburg.
This is a permanent government opportunity within Workplace Safety Human Resource Management, focused on occupational health and safety, environmental and workplace risk management, disaster preparedness, injury-on-duty administration and the implementation of health and safety programmes.
The successful candidate will contribute to maintaining safe working environments across the region while supporting compliance with relevant workplace safety requirements and departmental policies.
Key Responsibilities
The Safety, Health and Environmental Officer will be responsible for a range of workplace safety and administrative functions, including:
- Conducting occupational health and safety audits.
- Identifying and monitoring workplace health and safety risks.
- Coordinating and integrating the disaster management contingency plan.
- Supporting regional preparedness for emergencies and disasters.
- Administering injury-on-duty (IOD) matters.
- Providing guidance on occupational health and safety programmes.
- Supporting the implementation of health and safety policies across the regions.
- Assisting with ensuring that workplace safety requirements and procedures are followed.
- Monitoring compliance with relevant safety programmes.
- Providing advice and guidance to employees and management on workplace health and safety matters.
- Supervising staff within the relevant function.
- Training and developing staff.
- Supporting the continuous improvement of safety practices and workplace procedures.
- Performing duties associated with the effective management of workplace safety within the department.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- NQF Level 6 qualification in one of the following fields:
- Safety Management
- Environmental Science
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Minimum of 1 year’s relevant experience.
- Proficiency in relevant word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation software.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- A SAMTRAC certificate.
Candidates should ensure that their qualifications and experience are relevant to the duties of the Safety, Health and Environmental Officer position.
Technical and Computer Skills
The role requires candidates to be comfortable working with common workplace software and technology.
Applicants should have proficiency in relevant:
- Word-processing software.
- Spreadsheet applications.
- Presentation software.
These skills will assist with preparing reports, maintaining safety records, analysing information and presenting workplace safety-related findings and recommendations.
Professional Skills and Attributes
The successful candidate should be able to work independently while also contributing effectively within a regional team environment.
Important qualities for the role include:
- Strong organisational ability.
- Attention to detail.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to analyse workplace safety issues.
- Ability to conduct audits and identify areas of risk.
- Ability to provide clear guidance to employees and management.
- Ability to manage sensitive workplace matters professionally.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to supervise and develop staff.
- A strong understanding of workplace safety principles.
- Professionalism and accountability.
- Commitment to maintaining safe and compliant working environments.
Role Focus
This position is particularly suited to professionals with an interest or background in occupational health and safety, safety management or environmental science.
The successful candidate will work within a government environment where safety compliance, risk management and employee wellbeing are important parts of the department’s operations.
The position also provides an opportunity for an appropriately qualified SHE professional to contribute to the implementation of safety programmes across the Southern Region while gaining further experience in a structured public-sector environment.
Employment Details
Employer: KZN Public Works and Infrastructure
Department: Workplace Safety Human Resource Management
Position: Safety, Health and Environmental Officer
Location: Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal
Region: Southern Region
Salary: R338,106 per annum
Salary Level: 07
Employment: Permanent
Posts Available: 1
Reference: KZNPG/20260822/4609
Advert Reference: SHE/WS/SR082026
Closing Date: 4 September 2026
Application Information
Only applicants who meet the stipulated requirements should apply.
Applicants applying through the KZN Provincial Government’s e-Recruitment system must upload their CV. Applicants should clearly indicate the post name and reference number when applying.
Appointments are subject to the relevant verification processes, including qualification and reference checks and, where applicable, security clearance.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Closing date: 4 September 2026.