Cleaner Ref No: 051026/25 (X2 Posts) – Department of Water and Sanitation Vacancy in Gqeberha

Are you looking for an entry-level government job in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)? The Department of Water and Sanitation is inviting suitably qualified and interested applicants to apply for two Cleaner positions under the Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations branch.

The vacancies are based within Water Resources Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance, under the Directorate: Operations Southern. Successful candidates will be responsible for providing basic cleaning and housekeeping services while helping to maintain a clean, safe and hygienic working environment.

The position offers a salary of R144 024 per annum (Level 02) and is based in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth.

This opportunity may be suitable for candidates who have an ABET certificate and are interested in building experience within the public service environment. Although previous cleaning experience is not listed as a compulsory requirement, experience in cleaning services will be an added advantage.

Cleaner Vacancy Details

If you are considering applying, it is important to understand the basic information associated with this government vacancy.

Position: Cleaner
Reference Number: 051026/25 (X2 Posts)
Branch: Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations
Directorate: Operations Southern
Unit: Water Resources Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance
Salary: R144 024 per annum
Salary Level: Level 02
Centre: Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth
Number of Posts: 2

The successful applicants will perform a range of cleaning, housekeeping and related support duties. The position requires individuals who can follow instructions, work responsibly and apply basic health and safety practices when using cleaning equipment and chemicals.

Minimum Requirements for the Cleaner Position

Applicants should carefully check the requirements before submitting an application.

The minimum educational requirement is an ABET certificate. Candidates who have experience working in cleaning services will have an added advantage.

Applicants should also have basic knowledge in several areas related to cleaning and workplace safety.

These include:

Basic knowledge of cleaning principles.
Basic knowledge of the use of cleaning chemicals, including dilution and mixing.
Basic knowledge of cleaning equipment.
Basic knowledge of health and safety requirements.
Knowledge of basic record keeping.
Basic understanding of applying safety rules.
Basic understanding of applying or using chemicals correctly.
Good communication skills.
Good interpersonal relations.

These requirements show that the position is not only about cleaning offices and facilities. Cleaners are also expected to understand how to work safely, handle cleaning products responsibly and maintain equipment and supplies properly.

What Does a Cleaner Do?

The successful candidates will provide basic cleaning services at the designated workplace.

The main responsibility will be to ensure that offices, corridors, boardrooms, working areas, kitchens, storerooms, restrooms and other facilities remain clean, hygienic and presentable.

The duties can involve physical work and require attention to detail. Applicants should therefore be prepared to perform routine cleaning tasks and follow workplace procedures.

The department may also require employees to assist with other duties when necessary.

Cleaning Offices, Corridors and Boardrooms

One of the important responsibilities will be cleaning and maintaining office areas.

The successful candidates may be required to dust and wax floors, sweep, scrub, vacuum and shampoo floors where necessary.

Cleaning duties may also include maintaining corridors, elevators and boardrooms.

This means candidates should be comfortable using different cleaning methods and equipment depending on the type of surface or area being cleaned.

Maintaining clean offices and meeting spaces is important because these areas are regularly used by employees, visitors and members of the public.

Cleaning Walls, Windows and Doors

The Cleaner will also be responsible for cleaning walls, windows and doors.

These areas can accumulate dust, fingerprints and other dirt during normal daily operations. Regular cleaning helps maintain a professional and hygienic workplace.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to perform detailed cleaning tasks and ensure that commonly used areas are properly maintained.

Managing Waste and Bins

Another important duty is emptying and cleaning waste bins.

The successful candidates will also be required to collect and remove office waste.

Waste management is an important part of maintaining a safe workplace. Employees should follow the department's procedures when handling and removing waste.

The duties may require regular checking of bins in offices, working areas, kitchens, restrooms and other designated areas.

Freshening Offices and Working Areas

Cleaners will also be expected to freshen offices, boardrooms, working areas, kitchens and storerooms.

This can involve ensuring that areas are clean, tidy and ready for use.

A well-maintained workplace contributes to a more pleasant environment for employees and visitors. Cleaners therefore play an important supporting role in the daily operation of government facilities.

Cleaning Restrooms

Restroom cleaning forms another major part of the job.

Successful candidates will be responsible for cleaning restrooms and ensuring that essential supplies are available.

Their duties include:

Refilling hand-wash liquid soap.
Replacing paper towels.
Replacing toilet paper.
Emptying wash waste bins.
Cleaning wash waste bins.
Maintaining general restroom cleanliness.

Because restrooms are high-use areas, they may need regular attention throughout the working day.

Applicants should be comfortable performing these duties and following all relevant hygiene and safety procedures.

Looking After Cleaning Equipment

The Cleaner will also have responsibilities relating to cleaning equipment.

Candidates will be expected to keep and maintain cleaning equipment and manage stock of cleaning materials.

They may also be required to clean machines and equipment after use.

Examples mentioned in the vacancy include microwaves, vacuum cleaners and other equipment.

Proper maintenance of equipment helps ensure that it remains available and suitable for use. Applicants should therefore understand the importance of cleaning equipment after use and reporting problems when they occur.

Reporting Broken Machines and Equipment

If a machine or piece of equipment becomes damaged or stops working properly, the employee will be expected to report it.

This is important for workplace safety. Using damaged equipment can create unnecessary risks for employees and may also result in further damage.

Candidates should therefore be able to identify obvious problems with cleaning machines and equipment and report them through the appropriate channels.

Requesting Cleaning Materials

The successful applicants will also be responsible for requesting cleaning materials when supplies are running low.

This requires basic stock awareness and record keeping.

Cleaners should know which materials are available, monitor their use and communicate when additional supplies are needed.

Good organization can help prevent situations where important cleaning products or consumables run out unexpectedly.

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Health and Safety Responsibilities

Health and safety knowledge is particularly important for this position because cleaners may work with chemicals, machinery and various cleaning equipment.

Applicants should have a basic understanding of safety rules and the correct use of cleaning chemicals.

Chemical products should be used according to workplace procedures and the relevant instructions. Mixing or diluting chemicals incorrectly can create safety risks.

The vacancy specifically requires candidates to have basic knowledge of chemical use, including dilution and mixing, as well as an understanding of how to apply or use chemicals correctly.

Candidates should also follow all applicable workplace safety requirements when carrying out their duties.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Although this is a cleaning position, communication and interpersonal skills are also listed among the requirements.

Cleaners work alongside other employees and may interact with supervisors, colleagues, visitors and members of the public.

Good communication can help employees understand instructions, report equipment problems, request cleaning materials and communicate other workplace concerns.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate respectful and professional interaction with others.

Who Should Apply?

This vacancy may be suitable for individuals who meet the educational requirement of an ABET certificate and are interested in working in the public sector.

Candidates with previous cleaning-services experience may have an added advantage.

People applying should be prepared for practical, hands-on work and should understand that cleaning duties can involve standing, walking, bending, moving equipment and working across different areas of a facility.

Applicants should also be willing to follow workplace procedures and perform additional duties when required.

How to Prepare Your Application

Before applying, candidates should carefully review the official vacancy advertisement and make sure they meet all stated requirements.

Your application should accurately reflect your qualifications, experience and relevant skills.

If you have previous cleaning experience, make sure that it is clearly included in your application. You can also highlight relevant experience involving cleaning equipment, stock management, workplace safety, waste handling or the use of cleaning products.

Candidates should ensure that all required documents and information are provided according to the department's application instructions.

It is also important to use the correct reference number: 051026/25 when completing the application, particularly because the reference number helps the recruiting department identify the position for which you are applying.

Why This Government Job Opportunity Matters

Entry-level positions such as Cleaner provide an opportunity for individuals to enter the public service and gain workplace experience.

The role involves more than simply keeping buildings clean. Cleaners contribute to workplace hygiene, safety, organization and the day-to-day functioning of government facilities.

The position can also help employees develop practical workplace skills such as time management, communication, teamwork, equipment handling, stock monitoring and following occupational health and safety procedures.

For candidates seeking employment in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, these vacancies may therefore be worth considering if their qualifications and experience match the requirements.

Final Summary

The Department of Water and Sanitation is recruiting for two Cleaner positions under Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations, within Water Resources Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance.

The positions are based in Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth and offer a salary of R144 024 per annum at Salary Level 02.

Applicants require an ABET certificate, while experience in cleaning services will be an added advantage. Candidates should have basic knowledge of cleaning principles, cleaning equipment, chemical use, health and safety, record keeping and the correct application of safety rules.

The successful candidates will perform a wide range of duties, including cleaning offices, corridors, elevators, boardrooms, windows, doors, kitchens, storerooms and restrooms. They will also handle waste, maintain cleaning equipment, manage cleaning-material stock, report broken equipment and request supplies when necessary.

Anyone interested in this opportunity should carefully check the official government vacancy advertisement for the complete application process, closing date and required supporting documentation before submitting an application.

Job seekers are encouraged to verify all vacancy information directly from the official recruitment advertisement before applying.

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