Employment and Labour Principal Inspector: Mechanical Engineering Vacancy 2026
Employment and Labour
Manufacturing & Engineering (merSETA)
More Employment and Labour posts →Monthly stipend
R605 742 per annum
Closing date
20 Nov 2026
11 days left
- Opportunity
- Permanent
- Minimum education
- Degree (NQF 7)
- Location
- Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- NQF level
- NQF 6
- SETA
- merSETA
- Posted
- 07 Nov 2026
Sourced from the DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular (dpsa.gov.za) — the issuing body's official advert, last confirmed there by our scraper on 8 November 2026.
Applications go directly to the email address in the advert — never through SetaJobs.
We rewrite adverts for readability; the closing date, requirements and application method come from the source advert — confirm them there before you apply. How we source listings →
How this salary compares
At R50 479 a month, this post pays above the median of R28 176 for permanent posts (33 listings that publish a figure). The middle half of that group pays between R23 309 and R40 600.
- 25th percentile
- R23 309
- Median
- R28 176
- 75th percentile
- R40 600
This post sits in the 86th percentile of that group. Figures are the advertised package converted to a monthly amount — before tax, pension and medical contributions, so take-home pay is lower.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 33 comparable posts open on this site that publish a figure. Amounts advertised per year are divided by twelve; a quoted range is taken at its midpoint.
Opportunity Overview
The Department of Employment and Labour is seeking a dedicated Principal Inspector for Mechanical Engineering based at the Durban Labour Centre. This key role involves overseeing health and safety standards related to mechanical engineering, ensuring compliance with crucial occupational health and safety legislation.
The successful candidate will contribute significantly to maintaining safe working environments across various industries within the province. This position is a vital part of the Department's commitment to protecting workers and promoting safe work practices.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A three-year National Diploma (NQF6) or an undergraduate bachelor’s degree (NQF7) in Mechanical Engineering.
- Four (4) years of functional experience in Health and Safety Inspections, with a specific focus on Mechanical Engineering.
- A valid Driver’s licence.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Departmental Policies and procedures, Batho Pele Principles, Public Service Act and Regulations, OHS Act and Regulations, OHS standards, COIDA, and OHS Management System.
- Proficiency in Facilitation, Planning and Organizing, Computer literacy, Interpersonal skills, Problem Solving, Interviewing, Presentation, Innovation, Analytical thinking, Research, and Project management.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Providing inputs into the development and ensuring the implementation of Mechanical Engineering policies and strategies for the Department of Employment and Labour in terms of OHS Legislation.
- Conducting complex inspections for Mechanical Engineering regularly as per the OHS programme.
- Conducting technical research on the latest trends of Mechanical Engineering in terms of Occupational Health and Safety.
- Providing support for enforcement action, including the preparation of reports for legal proceedings.
What the Work Involves
As a Principal Inspector, you will primarily be based at the Durban Labour Centre, though your duties will involve conducting inspections at various sites. Your day-to-day work will involve meticulously inspecting mechanical engineering operations to ensure they meet stringent Occupational Health and Safety standards.
This includes active involvement in policy implementation and continuous research into new mechanical engineering trends to proactively enhance safety measures. You will also be instrumental in preparing detailed reports that support enforcement actions and legal proceedings, contributing directly to worker safety across the province.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply via email, post, or hand delivery. Please ensure your application reaches the Department by 20 November 2026.
- By Email: Send your application to Jobs-KZN16@labour.gov.za
- By Post: Address your application to Specialist OHS, KZN Provincial Office: PO Box 940, Durban, 4000.
- Hand Delivery: Submit your application to 267 Anton Lembede Street, The Royal Hotel Building, Durban, 4001.
This listing in context
What the 131 opportunities we currently hold say about this one.
- Live permanent posts
- 45
- In KwaZulu-Natal
- 2
- Closing within 7 days
- 1
16% of the 45 live permanent posts we hold ask for Degree (NQF 7). The commonest requirement is Grade 12 / Matric, at 40%.
Live permanent posts stay open for a median of 14 days between posting and closing date.
Calculated by SetaJobs from the 131 listings open on this site right now, and updated as they change. Browse all 9 opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal.
What you'll need to apply
Send only the Z83 and your CV. Attaching certified copies now is not required, and an incomplete Z83 is the single commonest reason applications are rejected.
- A completed Z83 form
- Your CV
What this kind of post involves
A permanent post is ongoing employment with no end date, carrying full benefits and, in the public service, a defined salary level with annual notch progression. These are advertised competitively and the selection process is considerably more formal than for programme placements.
How permanent posts work: the week, the qualification and where it leads →Watch out for this
The screening is mechanical and happens before anyone reads your CV: the advert’s own application instructions are applied as written, and an incomplete or unsigned form is discarded whatever the rest of the application says.
About merSETA & this sector
merSETA covers manufacturing, engineering and related services — the home of apprenticeships that lead to Red Seal artisan status.
