Employer: Lifa Magwentshu (Residential) Project Type: Two-Storey Residential Block of Flats (Ground and First Floor)   Location: ERF 771 Dobsonville Gardens (or specified site location)   Engagement Type: Part-time / Milestone-based Contract   Reporting To: Project Owner / Client We are seeking an experienced and meticulous Site Engineer or Construction Technician to oversee the construction of a two-storey residential building comprising multiple dwelling units. The project will be executed by an independent team of labourers led by a foreman, rather than a traditional construction company. The primary role of the Site Engineer/Technician is to act as the client's representative, ensuring that all work is carried out according to the approved architectural and structural plans, maintaining high quality standards, and strictly adhering to the South African National Standards (SANS) and National Building Regulations.   2. Key Responsibilities and Duties The successful candidate will be responsible for the technical oversight and quality assurance of the construction process. This involves conducting critical stage inspections and providing technical guidance to the foreman and labour team.   2.1 Pre-Construction and Planning The engineer will review all approved architectural drawings, structural plans, and engineering specifications prior to the commencement of work. They must ensure that the foreman and the construction team fully understand the technical requirements, building lines, and site layout. Establishing a clear communication channel with the client and the foreman is essential to preempt potential issues.   2.2 Critical Stage Inspections and Approvals A core responsibility is to inspect and approve work at critical milestones before the next phase of construction can proceed. The engineer must be present on-site to verify the following critical points:   | | | | --- | --- | | Construction Phase     Site Clearance and Setting Out | Key Inspection Requirements | | Verification of building lines, boundary pegs, and accurate setting out of the foundation trenches according to the site plan. | | Foundation and Footings | Inspection of trench depth, soil compaction, and placement of steel reinforcement before the pouring of foundation concrete. | | Surface Bed and Floor Slabs | Checking the damp-proof membrane (DPM), hardcore filling, soil poisoning, and steel mesh reinforcement prior to casting the ground floor slab. | | Superstructure (Brickwork) | Regular checks on mortar mix quality, bricklaying alignment (plumb and level), installation of damp-proof courses (DPC), and placement of brickforce. | | First Floor Suspended Slab | Rigorous inspection of formwork, scaffolding support, and complex steel reinforcement layouts before the critical pouring of the first-floor concrete slab. | | Roof Structure | Verification of timber or steel roof trusses, anchoring mechanisms, and compliance with roofing specifications before the installation of roof coverings. | | Services Integration | Ensuring that plumbing (water supply and drainage) and electrical conduits are correctly positioned within walls and slabs before closing up or plastering. |