Reference Number: CBH09/2026
Number of Posts: 1
Employment Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Sector: Public Health | Environmental Health | Healthcare Risk Waste Management
Job Overview
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, through Catherine Booth Hospital, invites suitably qualified, registered, and motivated Environmental Health Practitioners to apply for the position of Environmental Health Practitioner (Waste Management Officer).
This strategic role is central to ensuring safe, compliant, and sustainable healthcare risk waste management across the hospital and its attached clinics. The incumbent will be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving healthcare waste management systems in line with national legislation, departmental prescriptions, and best environmental health practices.
Working within a complex public healthcare environment, the Environmental Health Practitioner will play a critical role in protecting patients, healthcare workers, support staff, contractors, communities, and the environment from risks associated with healthcare waste. The position requires strong technical expertise, leadership capability, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to influence compliance across multidisciplinary teams.
This opportunity is ideal for a registered Environmental Health Practitioner who is passionate about environmental protection, public health safety, regulatory compliance, and strengthening waste governance systems within public healthcare institutions.
Employer Information
Employer: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health
Institution: Catherine Booth Hospital
Province: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Carter-Rinehart Booth Hospital is a public healthcare institution committed to delivering safe, high-quality healthcare services while upholding environmental health standards, infection prevention controls, and legislative compliance. The hospital prioritises sustainable healthcare practices, effective waste governance, and continuous improvement to protect public health and the environment.
Salary and Benefits
Annual Salary Range: R359,517 – R420,402 per annum
Additional Benefits
- 13th Cheque (Service Bonus, in accordance with Public Service Regulations)
- Medical Aid (Optional)
- Home Owner’s Allowance (subject to meeting prescribed requirements)
- Pension benefits through the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)
- Leave benefits aligned with Public Service Regulations
Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of the Environmental Health Practitioner (Waste Management Officer) is to ensure the effective management of healthcare risk waste in compliance with applicable legislation, policies, and standards.
The role focuses on developing and implementing institutional waste management systems, coordinating waste governance structures, monitoring compliance, managing service providers, conducting inspections and audits, and building staff capacity through training and awareness.
Through proactive environmental health management, the position contributes directly to infection control, environmental protection, occupational safety, and sustainable health care service delivery.
Minimum Requirements
- Standard 10 / Senior Certificate / Grade 12
- Degree or National Diploma in Environmental Health
- Current registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an Environmental Health Practitioner (2026)
- A minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience after registration with the HPCSA
- For foreign-qualified applicants: one (1) year of relevant experience post-HPCSA registration
- Valid Driver’s License
Knowledge, Skills, Training, and Competencies
Legislative and Regulatory Knowledge
- Public Service prescripts and administrative frameworks
- Healthcare Risk Waste Management legislation and standards
- Environmental health legislation and compliance requirements
- South African Nursing Council (SANC) Rules and Regulations
Departmental policies, guidelines, and circulars
Occupational Health and Safety principles related to waste management
Technical and Professional Skills
- Healthcare waste segregation, handling, storage, transportation, and disposal
- Waste management planning and implementation
- Hygiene inspection methodologies
- Environmental health auditing and reporting
- Oversight of external waste management contractors
- Monitoring compliance with waste management standards
Management and Leadership Competencies
- Leadership and coordination skills
- Organisational decision-making capability
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Basic financial management and budget monitoring
- Knowledge of Human Resource Management principles
Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. Healthcare Risk Waste Management Systems
- Manage healthcare risk waste services for Catherine Booth Hospital , and all attached clinics
- Ensure adequate availability of waste management resources and equipment
- Monitor waste volumes, segregation practices, and disposal processes
- Ensure safe handling and storage of healthcare waste across all service areas
2. Waste Governance and Committee Coordination
- Establish, coordinate, and support the Institutional Waste Management Committee
- Implementation resolutions and decisions taken by the Waste Management Committee
- Liaise with Institutional Management and District Office on waste-related matters
- Provide technical input and guidance on waste governance processes
3. Compliance Monitoring, Auditing, and Inspections
- Conduct regular institutional waste management audits
- Participate in District-level audits and assessments
- Ensure adherence to legislative and departmental waste standards
4. Waste Management Planning and Improvement
- Develop, implement, and maintain an institutional Waste Management Plan
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the waste management plan
- Review and update waste management strategies based on audit findings
- Support continuous improvement initiatives in waste governance
5. Training, Capacity Building, and Awareness
- Train healthcare workers, support staff, and contractors on waste management principles
- Promote correct waste segregation and handling practices
- Support infection prevention and control through waste management education
- Ensure ongoing staff awareness of environmental health risks
6. Contractor and Service Provider Management
- Manage and monitor external waste collection and disposal service providers
- Ensure contractor compliance with contractual and legislative requirements
- Review service delivery performance and report deviations
- Coordinate corrective actions with service providers where necessary
7. Reporting and Administrative Functions
- Compile waste management reports for institutional and district management
- Maintain accurate waste management records and documentation
- Support management with environmental health advice and compliance reporting
- Perform delegated administrative and management duties
Professional Conduct and Values
- High ethical standards and professional integrity
- Accountability and transparency
- Commitment to public health and environmental protection
- Respect for diversity and inclusivity
- Alignment with public service values and Batho Pele principles
Employment Equity Statement
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is committed to Employment Equity.
- Preference will be given to African Male candidates, in line with Employment Equity targets
- Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Appointments will be made in accordance with the Department’s Employment Equity Plan and operational requirements
Security Clearance and Vetting
- Security clearance and vetting
- Criminal record checks
- Qualification verification
- Reference checks with nominated referees
- Verification of previous employment
Application Process
Required Documents
- A completed Application for Employment Form (new Z83 version)
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) indicating at least three (3) contactable reference persons
- Certified copies of qualifications and supporting documents will be required only from shortlisted candidates and must be submitted on or before the interview date.
Submission Details
Postal Applications
Catherine Booth Hospital
Private Bag X105
Amatikulu
3801
Hand Delivery
KwaKhoza Reserve
Ezingwenya Area
Next to Mehlwana Primary School
uMlalazi Municipality – Ward 15
Amatikulu
3801
Enquiries: Mr E. Kleinhans at Tel: (035) 474 8407 / 8408 / 8409
Important Application Notes
- The reference number CBH09/2026 must be clearly indicated on the Z83 form
- Failure to comply with application instructions will result in disqualification
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- No subsistence and travel (S&T) allowance will be paid for interviews
- No resettlement allowance will be paid upon appointment
- Applicants who do not receive feedback should regard their application as unsuccessful
Closing Date: 06 March 2026
- Late applications will not be considered.
Why Work as an Environmental Health Practitioner at Catherine Booth Hospital?
This role provides a meaningful opportunity to safeguard public health and the environment within a public healthcare setting. As an Environmental Health Practitioner (Waste Management Officer), your work will directly contribute to infection control, environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and sustainable healthcare delivery.
Your expertise will support safer healthcare environments, strengthen waste governance systems, and protect communities served by Catherine Booth Hospital.