The Lilongwe Water Board is a Statutory Corporation established in 1947 and re-constituted in 1995 under the Water Works Act (Cap 72). It is responsible for the provision of water supply and sanitation services to the City of Lilongwe and other surrounding areas designated as its supply area.
The Board is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates of Malawi origin to fill the following position that exist within the Board
Job Summary
- Employer: Lilongwe Water Board
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Utilities
- Closing Date: 2026-10-20
Key Responsibilities
- Carrying out operation of water abstraction, production and transmission plant within prescribed standards
- Attending to immediate problems from the water production system
- Applying water treatment chemicals
- Conducting daily checks on performance of water production system
- Reporting and attending to faults or complaints from the dams, booster stations and reservoirs
- Checking water levels, silt deposition and algae growth and all intake works
- Maintaining general cleanliness of the water production premises
- Supervising and appraising staff under his/her charge
- Monitoring tank water levels and tank performance for corrective measures in addressing discrepancies
- Resetting water plant voltages
- Preparing daily operational data
- Carrying out the operation of the Damn
- Enforcing safety precautions
- Carrying out Dam inspection through reading and reporting instrumentation
- Demonstrating outstanding commitment to service delivery programs of the Board by personally identifying and reporting water bursts/leakages to the Customer Care Division, of which verifiable repair records shall be tendered to be used as one of the components for assessment during one’s performance appraisal time
Requirements
- A minimum of Level one (1) Water Treatment Certificate Plus MSCE;
- A minimum of two years’ experience in water treatment and plant operation
How to Apply
Address: P.O Box 96,
REF Code: LWB 8
About the Company
Lilongwe Water Board is a statutory corporation established under the Water Works Act, responsible for water supply and sanitation services in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. The board manages the abstraction, treatment, and distribution of potable water to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the city and surrounding areas. It operates water treatment plants, maintains an extensive network of pipelines and reservoirs, and implements revenue collection systems to sustain its operations. Lilongwe Water Board also engages in water conservation education and infrastructure expansion projects to meet growing demand in one of Malawi's fastest-growing urban centers.
Providing safe water for life
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a Plant Operator at Lilongwe Water Board?
Most employers in Malawi's utilities sector require a minimum of MSCE with credits in Mathematics and Physical Science, plus a Diploma or Certificate in Water Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. Additional certifications in water treatment operations or plant maintenance from recognized institutions like Mzuzu University or The Polytechnic are highly advantageous.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Plant Operator?
You will monitor and control water treatment processes, operate pumps and filtration systems, conduct routine water quality tests, and maintain daily operational logs. The role also involves troubleshooting equipment faults, coordinating with maintenance teams, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
How is the work culture and what expectations should I have as a Plant Operator in Malawi?
Utility employers in Malawi typically expect punctuality, reliability, and strict adherence to safety protocols due to the critical nature of water supply services. Shift work including nights, weekends, and emergency call-outs is common, and respect for hierarchy with clear reporting lines is standard in most organizations.
What career progression opportunities exist for Plant Operators at water boards in Malawi?
With experience and additional qualifications, you can advance to Senior Plant Operator, Shift Supervisor, or Plant Manager positions. Some operators transition into specialized roles in water quality management, engineering, or administrative positions within the utility sector.
What benefits typically come with a Plant Operator position in Malawian utilities?
Standard benefits usually include annual leave, medical aid contributions, and pension schemes through NBS Bank or similar providers. Some employers also provide housing or transport allowances, overtime pay for shift work, and professional development opportunities.
How do I apply for a Plant Operator role and what do employers look for in candidates?
Monitor job advertisements in national newspapers, the Lilongwe Water Board website, and public service commission announcements. Employers prioritize candidates with relevant technical credentials, practical experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated commitment to public service and safety.