Hiring Now | Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services | Pretoria Regional Office | Permanent Positions Available
The Department of Public Works is urgently hiring two Food Service Aids: Cleaning Services at its Pretoria Regional Office in Gauteng. If you have an ABET Level 4 / Grade 9 certificate and are looking for a stable, permanent entry-level government position in catering support and cleaning services, this is your opportunity to join a leading national government department — with no prior experience required.
🍽️ Don’t miss this opportunity — vacancies are filling fast. Apply today.
Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services Job Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services |
| Reference Number | 2026/230 |
| Industry | Catering Support Services / Cleaning Services / Government Administration |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Number of Posts | ×2 Posts |
| Salary | R144 024 per annum |
| Location | Pretoria Regional Office, Gauteng |
| Minimum Qualification | ABET Level 4 / Grade 9 or equivalent |
| Experience Required | None — no experience required |
| Closing Date | To be confirmed — apply immediately |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Accepting Applications Now |
About the Role
The Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services is an entry-level support role within the catering and cleaning services function at the Department of Public Works Pretoria Regional Office. In this position, you will set up crockery, cutlery, and equipment for meetings, prepare refreshments and beverages for officials, collect and wash dishes, glasses, cups, and cutlery after meetings, clean kitchen appliances including microwaves and fridges, and maintain and control stock levels of dishwashing supplies. You will also be responsible for keeping all dishwashing tools safe, clean, and in efficient working condition, and reporting any equipment in need of repair or replacement.
This is a hands-on, service-oriented role suited to a candidate with at least an ABET Level 4 / Grade 9 qualification who is reliable, organised, and takes pride in maintaining a clean, well-stocked kitchen environment. No prior work experience is required. Candidates must have a working knowledge of operating kitchen and cleaning equipment, handling hazardous materials such as insecticides and cleaning chemicals, and the applicable Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requirements.
Key Responsibilities of a Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services
Catering Support & Meeting Preparation
- Set up crockery, cutlery, and equipment for meetings as required by officials and management.
- Prepare refreshments and beverages — including water, tea, coffee, milk, sugar, and cold drinks — for meetings and office use.
- Ensure all catering setups are completed timeously, neatly, and to the required standard before meetings commence.
- Assist with any additional catering support requirements as directed by the supervisor.
Kitchen Utensil & Dishwashing Services
- Collect and wash glasses, plates, cups, cutlery, and other kitchen utensils after meetings and throughout the working day.
- Wash glasses and teacups for officials as required during and between meetings.
- Ensure all washed items are clean, hygienic, and properly stored after each wash cycle.
- Maintain a hygienic, well-organised dishwashing area at all times.
Kitchen Appliance & Equipment Cleaning
- Clean microwaves, fridges, and other appliances used in the kitchen regularly and thoroughly.
- Ensure all kitchen surfaces, countertops, and work areas are kept clean and hygienic throughout the working day.
- Apply knowledge of handling hazardous cleaning materials safely and in line with OHSA requirements.
- Operate all kitchen and cleaning equipment safely and in accordance with applicable guidelines.
Dishwashing Supplies Stock Control
- Maintain and control stock levels of dishwashing supplies to ensure the kitchen is always adequately stocked.
- Keep dishwashing tools safe, clean, and in an efficient working condition at all times.
- Monitor supply levels and report low stock to the supervisor before shortages affect service delivery.
- Organise and maintain all dishwashing items and supplies in a neat, accessible, and well-managed manner.
Equipment Fault Reporting & General Support
- Report any item of equipment that needs to be repaired or replaced to the supervisor promptly.
- Apply knowledge of operating kitchen and cleaning equipment to identify performance issues before they escalate.
- Maintain awareness of occupational health and safety requirements relevant to kitchen and cleaning environments.
- Perform any other catering or cleaning support duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Minimum Requirements – Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services
Educational Qualifications:
- ABET Level 4 / Grade 9 or equivalent qualification (essential)
Experience:
- No experience required — this is an entry-level post
Knowledge Requirements:
- Knowledge of operating kitchen equipment
- Knowledge of handling hazardous materials — insecticides, cleaning materials, etc.
- Knowledge of operating cleaning equipment
- Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety (OHSA)
Skills & Competencies:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Basic literacy
- Technical skills relevant to kitchen and cleaning operations
- Planning and organising skills
- Accuracy in all tasks
- Effective communication skills
Core Values We Look For in a Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services
✅ Hygiene Standards & Cleanliness
A government office kitchen that serves officials and meeting participants must be kept to the highest hygiene standards at all times. We value food service aids who approach every dishwashing, cleaning, and appliance maintenance task with genuine care — ensuring that every item returned to service is spotless, hygienic, and safe to use.
✅ Safety Consciousness & OHSA Compliance
Handling hazardous cleaning materials, operating kitchen equipment, and working in a food preparation environment all carry health and safety responsibilities. We value candidates who apply their knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act consistently — using cleaning chemicals correctly, operating equipment safely, and maintaining a hazard-free working environment at all times.
✅ Reliability & Service Readiness
Meeting setups, refreshment preparation, and dishwashing services are time-sensitive tasks that officials depend on. We value food service aids who show up prepared, complete catering setups before meetings begin, and ensure that the kitchen is always clean, stocked, and ready to serve — without being reminded or supervised at every step.
✅ Stock Awareness & Resource Responsibility
Maintaining adequate dishwashing supply levels and keeping equipment in good working condition requires attention and initiative. We value candidates who monitor stock levels proactively, report equipment faults promptly, and take responsibility for the resources in their care — preventing disruptions to service delivery through good planning and organisation.
✅ Interpersonal Professionalism & Team Support
Food service aids work closely with colleagues, supervisors, and officials throughout the day. We value candidates who engage politely, respond to requests willingly, and contribute positively to a cooperative, professional working environment — understanding that their role is an essential part of the Department’s day-to-day operational support.
Career Growth Opportunities in Government Support Services & Administration
Starting as a Food Service Aid in a national government department is a practical entry point into a long-term public sector support services career. For motivated individuals, progression is clear:
- Food Service Aid → Cleaner / Household Aid: Facilities Support
- Cleaner / Household Aid → Administration Clerk: Facilities & Support Services
- Administration Clerk → Administration Officer: Government Support Services
- Administration Officer → Assistant Director: Facilities & Support Services
Your career path is in your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions – Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services Jobs
What is the minimum qualification required for this post? An ABET Level 4 / Grade 9 or equivalent qualification is the minimum requirement. This is the lowest entry qualification in this batch of DPW vacancies, making the post accessible to candidates who have not completed Grade 12 but are ready and willing to work.
Is any prior experience required? No. This is a fully entry-level post and no prior work experience is required. Candidates who are reliable, hygienic-minded, and willing to work hard in a kitchen and cleaning environment are encouraged to apply.
How many posts are available? There are two (×2) permanent posts available at the Pretoria Regional Office. Both posts carry the same reference number 2026/230 and the same salary of R144 024 per annum.
What hazardous materials will I be working with? This role involves the handling of cleaning chemicals, insecticides, and other hazardous cleaning materials used in kitchen and office cleaning. Candidates must be aware of safe handling procedures and apply their knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act when using these materials at all times.
What kitchen equipment will I be required to operate? The role involves operating standard kitchen equipment including microwaves, fridges, dishwashing equipment, and general catering setup tools. Candidates must also be able to operate cleaning equipment used in the kitchen and surrounding areas. No specialist culinary training is required.
What is the closing date and how do I apply? No closing date has been specified in the advertisement — apply immediately to avoid missing this opportunity. Submit your application by email quoting reference number 2026/230 in all correspondence. Direct all enquiries to Mr S Kutu at (012) 310 5993.
How to Apply for This Food Service Aid: Cleaning Services Job
Ready to start your government career at the Department of Public Works Pretoria Regional Office? Applications are open now. Quote reference number 2026/230 in all correspondence.
👉 Apply via Email: RecruitPTA26-51@dpw.gov.za
📞 Mr S Kutu – Tel: (012) 310 5993
⚠️ Ensure reference number 2026/230 is clearly quoted in all correspondence and on all application documents submitted.
⚠️ No closing date has been advertised — submit your application immediately to avoid missing this opportunity.
Apply early — government vacancies close quickly.
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