Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer vacancy 2026: discover the requirements, salary, duties, application process, closing date, and key tips for applicants.
Introduction
The Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer vacancy is an opportunity for suitably qualified South Africans who want to build a career in public-sector security. The latest advertised position is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, and offers a salary of R170,226 per annum at Salary Level 3.
According to the available vacancy information, the post carries reference number DPWI 77/07/2026 and has a closing date of 11 September 2026. Applicants should carefully check the official government vacancy circular before submitting an application because government recruitment advertisements can be amended, withdrawn, or updated.
This article explains the vacancy in simple language. It covers the position details, qualifications, PSIRA requirements, duties, skills, application preparation, selection process, and frequently asked questions.
Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer Vacancy Overview
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is responsible for important public infrastructure and government property. Security personnel play an important role in protecting buildings, employees, visitors, equipment, documents, and other departmental assets.
The current Security Officer vacancy provides an opportunity at Queenstown in the Eastern Cape.
Key Vacancy Details
| Vacancy Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | Security Officer |
| Department | Department of Public Works & Infrastructure |
| Reference Number | DPWI 77/07/2026 |
| Salary | R170,226 per annum |
| Salary Level | Level 3 |
| Location | Queenstown, Eastern Cape |
| Experience | 0–2 years’ work-related experience |
| Qualification | National Senior Certificate |
| Security Registration | PSIRA Grade C |
| Driver’s Licence | Required |
| Closing Date | 11 September 2026 |
| Employment Sector | South African Public Service |
The vacancy information states that applicants need a National Senior Certificate, a basic security officer’s course with Grade C registration through PSIRA, a valid driver’s licence, and 0–2 years of relevant work-related experience.
Why This Security Officer Opportunity Matters
Government security positions can offer applicants the chance to gain practical experience in a structured working environment.
A Security Officer isn’t simply someone who stands at a gate. The role can involve access control, visitor management, patrols, monitoring vehicles, protecting departmental assets, maintaining registers, and responding appropriately to security incidents.
For someone who wants to develop a long-term career in security, the position may also provide useful experience with public-sector security procedures.
What’s more, working in a government environment requires professionalism, honesty, discipline, good communication, and respect for established procedures.
Main Requirements for the Security Officer Position
Applicants should meet the stated minimum requirements before applying.
The advertised requirements include:
- A National Senior Certificate or equivalent.
- A Basic Security Officer’s Course.
- PSIRA Grade C registration.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- 0–2 years’ work-related experience.
- The ability to communicate effectively.
- The ability to read and write.
- Knowledge of relevant security procedures.
- Willingness to follow departmental policies and security instructions.
The vacancy listing also identifies knowledge areas such as access control, movement of equipment and stores, visitor management, security procedures, emergency procedures, security patrols, PSIRA requirements, and Batho Pele principles.
National Senior Certificate
The National Senior Certificate is an important requirement for this vacancy.
Applicants should make sure their qualification information is accurate and that supporting documents are available when required by the recruitment process.
Don’t simply assume that being experienced in security will replace an advertised educational requirement. Government recruitment processes generally assess candidates against the requirements contained in the official advertisement.
PSIRA Grade C Registration Explained
One of the most important requirements is PSIRA Grade C registration.
PSIRA refers to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, which regulates the private security industry in South Africa.
For this particular vacancy, applicants should have the required Grade C registration as specified in the advertisement.
If you’re applying for a security position, make sure your registration details are accurate and that your supporting documentation is ready.
A common mistake is to submit an application without checking whether the security registration requirement has been met. It’s better to verify everything before applying than to discover a problem later.
Valid Driver’s Licence Requirement
A valid driver’s licence is also listed among the requirements for the Queenstown Security Officer position.
Applicants should ensure that their licence is valid and that the information included in the application is correct.
Where a vacancy specifically requires a driver’s licence, candidates should not leave this information out of their CV.
If the application form asks for licence details, provide them accurately.
Security Officer Duties and Responsibilities
The Security Officer will be expected to perform duties that support the protection of departmental facilities and assets.
These responsibilities can include:
Access Control
Access control is one of the central responsibilities of a security officer.
The officer may be required to:
- Monitor people entering and leaving premises.
- Confirm visitors’ appointments.
- Direct visitors to the correct service point.
- Maintain admission or access registers.
- Control access to restricted areas.
- Prevent unauthorised persons from entering.
- Monitor the movement of equipment and departmental property.
Good access control requires attention to detail. A small error at an entry point can create a larger security problem, so officers need to remain alert and follow procedures consistently.
Patrols and Premises Monitoring
Security officers may also conduct patrols around buildings and premises.
During patrols, officers can check for:
- Unlocked doors.
- Possible safety hazards.
- Suspicious objects.
- Fire hazards.
- Exposed electrical hazards.
- Water leaks or other maintenance concerns.
- Unusual activity.
- Damage to government property.
Problems should be reported through the appropriate channels rather than ignored.
Visitor Management Responsibilities
Government buildings receive employees, contractors, service providers, members of the public, and other visitors.
A Security Officer may need to determine why a visitor has arrived and contact the relevant employee or department.
Professional visitor management requires patience and good communication.
The officer should remain polite while still applying security procedures.
This is where Batho Pele principles can become important. Public servants are expected to support good service delivery while following the rules that protect public resources.
Protecting Government Assets
Another important part of the role is protecting departmental equipment, stores, documents, and other assets.
Security Officers may monitor the movement of items entering or leaving the premises.
Records and registers can help establish what has moved, when it moved, and whether the required authorisation was provided.
This responsibility requires honesty and attention to detail.
A strong Security Officer understands that protecting government property is part of protecting public resources.
Emergency and Incident Procedures
Security staff may also be expected to respond appropriately when an incident or emergency occurs.
The available vacancy information refers to emergency procedures and security-related responsibilities.
An officer should therefore understand the importance of:
- Reporting incidents promptly.
- Following emergency procedures.
- Remaining calm under pressure.
- Protecting people from unnecessary risk.
- Escalating serious incidents to the appropriate personnel.
- Completing required reports and registers.
- Following departmental security instructions.
The goal isn’t to act recklessly. Instead, officers should follow established procedures and seek appropriate assistance when necessary.
Skills That Can Help You Succeed
Meeting the minimum requirements is important, but personal skills also matter.
A successful Security Officer should ideally demonstrate:
| Skill | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Communication | Helps with visitors, colleagues and reporting |
| Alertness | Supports effective observation |
| Reliability | Security work requires consistency |
| Integrity | Officers handle sensitive situations and assets |
| Teamwork | Security operations often involve multiple personnel |
| Patience | Useful when dealing with visitors and staff |
| Discipline | Helps ensure procedures are followed |
| Record keeping | Registers and reports must be accurate |
| Problem solving | Helps identify and report unusual situations |
| Professionalism | Represents the department at points of access |
These skills can also make your CV stronger when they are supported by real examples from your experience.
Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer Salary
The advertised salary is R170,226 per annum, which is associated with Salary Level 3.
This is a public-service salary and should be understood in the context of the applicable government employment conditions.
Applicants shouldn’t judge the opportunity on salary alone. Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer Public-sector employment can also provide structured workplace experience and exposure to government systems and procedures.
However, candidates should always read the official advertisement carefully for information about benefits, conditions of service, working hours, and any other applicable terms.
Where Is the Position Located?
The Security Officer position is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
This is important because applicants should consider whether they can reasonably work at the advertised centre.
Before applying, check the official advertisement for the exact workplace information and any additional location details.
Applicants shouldn’t assume that a vacancy advertised by a national department is available nationwide. Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer Individual posts normally have specific centres and reference numbers.
Closing Date for Applications
The advertised closing date is 11 September 2026.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.
Government recruitment systems and application processes can require documents, registration, or additional steps. Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer Technical problems or missing paperwork can create unnecessary pressure.
A smart approach is to prepare your application well before the deadline.
Important Reminder
The closing date shown in secondary vacancy listings should always be checked against the official government vacancy circular.
The Department of Public Service and Administration publishes public-service vacancy information through its official channels. DPSA official website
How to Prepare Your Application
Before submitting an application, create a simple checklist.
Step 1: Read the Official Advertisement
Start with the official advertisement rather than relying only on social-media posts or third-party job websites.
Check:
- Reference number.
- Salary.
- Centre.
- Requirements.
- Closing date.
- Application method.
- Required documents.
- Enquiry details.
Step 2: Update Your CV
Your CV should clearly show:
- Full name and contact details.
- Education.
- Security qualifications.
- PSIRA registration.
- Driver’s licence.
- Relevant security experience.
- Previous employers.
- Relevant skills.
- References where appropriate.
Keep the CV clear and easy to read.
Step 3: Check Your Documents
Make sure your supporting documents are available and match the information in your application.
Don’t provide false information.
Misrepresentation can result in disqualification and can create serious problems if discovered after appointment. Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer Government vacancy notices commonly warn applicants about this issue, and the current vacancy information also includes such a warning.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
A strong application can still fail if basic instructions aren’t followed.
Here are mistakes applicants should avoid:
- Applying after the closing date.
- Leaving out the reference number.
- Providing incorrect personal information.
- Forgetting to include security qualifications.
- Failing to mention PSIRA registration.
- Submitting an incomplete application.
- Ignoring the required application method.
- Sending documents to the wrong address.
- Using a CV with major spelling or formatting problems.
- Providing information that cannot be verified.
It’s better to take a few extra minutes to check the application than to rush it.
What Happens After You Apply?
Submitting an application doesn’t guarantee an interview.
Government departments generally assess applications against the advertised requirements before creating a shortlist.
Shortlisted candidates may then be contacted for further assessment or an interview.
The vacancy information indicates that candidates can be subject to departmental recruitment procedures and that the department reserves the right to review or withdraw advertised posts where appropriate.
Possible Selection Areas
Depending on the official recruitment process, candidates may be assessed on:
- Relevant qualifications.
- Security experience.
- PSIRA registration.
- Communication.
- Understanding of security procedures.
- Reliability.
- Professional conduct.
- Ability to perform the duties.
- Suitability for the advertised position.
The best approach is to prepare honestly and thoroughly.
Tips for a Strong Security Officer Interview
If you’re shortlisted, prepare before the interview.
Know the Job
Read the advertisement again.
Be ready to explain what you understand about:
- Access control.
- Visitor management.
- Security patrols.
- Asset protection.
- Incident reporting.
- Emergency procedures.
- Professional conduct.
Prepare Practical Examples
Instead of saying only, “I’m responsible,” think of a real situation that demonstrates responsibility.
For example, you might explain how you followed workplace procedures, dealt professionally with a difficult visitor, maintained accurate records, or identified and reported a safety concern.
Keep your answers truthful.
Dress Professionally
A neat and professional appearance can help create a positive first impression.
Arrive on time and bring any documents that the department has requested.
Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer: Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may suit candidates who have a background in security and meet the advertised requirements.
It may be particularly relevant to people who:
- Have a National Senior Certificate.
- Hold the required basic security training.
- Have PSIRA Grade C registration.
- Have a valid driver’s licence.
- Have 0–2 years of relevant work experience.
- Are comfortable following formal procedures.
- Can communicate clearly.
- Can work responsibly as part of a team.
- Are interested in public-sector employment.
- Can work at the advertised Queenstown centre.
However, applicants should always use the official vacancy notice to determine whether they qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the salary for the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer?
The advertised salary is R170,226 per annum, at Salary Level 3.
2. Where is the Security Officer position located?
The current vacancy is based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
3. What is the reference number?
The reference number is DPWI 77/07/2026. Applicants should use the exact reference number where the application instructions require it.
4. What qualification is required?
The advertised minimum educational requirement is a National Senior Certificate. Applicants also need the specified basic security officer training and PSIRA Grade C registration.
5. Is PSIRA Grade C required?
Yes. The vacancy information specifically lists Grade C registration with PSIRA as a requirement.
6. Is work experience required?
The current listing states 0–2 years’ work-related experience. Applicants should check the official advertisement for the precise wording and interpretation of the experience requirement.
7. Is a driver’s licence required?
Yes. A valid driver’s licence is included among the stated requirements.
8. When does the vacancy close?
The advertised closing date is 11 September 2026. Always verify the closing date against the authoritative government circular before submitting your application.
9. What does a Security Officer do?
The role can involve access control, visitor management, premises patrols, monitoring the movement of equipment and stores, protecting departmental assets, identifying security concerns, and following emergency and security procedures.
10. Where can I check official government vacancies?
Applicants can check the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) for official public-service vacancy information. Visit the DPSA official website
Final Thoughts
The Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer vacancy offers a useful opportunity for qualified security candidates in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
With a salary of R170,226 per annum, Salary Level 3, and requirements including a National Senior Certificate, PSIRA Grade C registration, basic security training, a valid driver’s licence, and relevant work-related experience, the post is worth considering if your qualifications match the advertisement.
Remember, though, that government vacancies can change. Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer Always verify the reference number, requirements, closing date, application method, and other conditions against the official vacancy circular before applying.
If you meet the requirements, don’t leave your application until the last minute. Department of Public Works & Infrastructure Security Officer Prepare your CV, check your supporting documents, confirm your PSIRA information, and submit your application according to the official instructions.
A careful application can make all the difference. Good luck to everyone who meets the requirements and applies for this opportunity.