Chief Engineer: Structural and Bridges Mpumalanga

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-

The Chief Engineer: Structural and Bridges is responsible for providing technical leadership and specialist engineering services in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, and culverts. The role requires a strong educational foundation in Civil Engineering, extensive professional experience, and registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Key responsibilities include leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex infrastructure programmes, and ensuring infrastructure is safe, functional, and cost-effective.

**Job Title: Chief Engineer: Structural and Bridges**

**Company: Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport**

**Requirements:**

To be considered for this esteemed role, applicants must possess a strong educational foundation and extensive professional experience. A minimum requirement is a Grade 12 certificate, complemented by a recognized Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Civil Engineering, attaining a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 7 as recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Furthermore, registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) is compulsory. A minimum of ten (10) years' relevant experience in civil and structural engineering, including at least five years' post-professional registration experience, is essential.

Applicants must demonstrate extensive relevant experience in the design, construction, and contract administration of roads, bridges, and buildings, including experience after professional registration. Additionally, a strong track record of leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and managing complex infrastructure programmes, consultants, and contractors is required. A recognized Bridge Inspector certification is considered an added advantage.

**Key Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:**

This role demands a high level of technical expertise and leadership acumen. Successful candidates will possess advanced knowledge of structural behavior and the design of reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, steel, and masonry structures. A thorough understanding of applicable engineering codes, design standards, construction specifications, and quality assurance procedures is also essential. Furthermore, knowledge of geotechnical conditions, foundations, hydrology, hydraulics, drainage, and their implications for structural integrity is required.

Competence in structural inspections, condition ratings, failure investigations, remaining-life assessments, and maintenance planning is also necessary. In addition, knowledge of procurement, infrastructure delivery, occupational health and safety, environmental requirements, and professional engineering responsibilities is required. Familiarity with relevant legislation, codes of practice, and technical standards (e.g., SANS, TMH, COLTO, and SANRAL guidelines) is also essential.

Applicants must possess strong analytical, report-writing, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. The ability to exercise independent engineering judgment is also crucial. Strong leadership and team management abilities to drive high-performance teams are also required.

**DUTIES and Responsibilities:**

As the Chief Engineer: Structural and Bridges, you will be responsible for providing specialist engineering services and technical leadership in the planning, investigation, design, construction, supervision, contract administration, inspection, rehabilitation, and maintenance of culverts, bridges, and buildings. Your primary objective will be to ensure that infrastructure is safe, functional, durable, and cost-effective throughout its service life.