Off-Campus Accommodation Inspector (post level 12) (Contract appointment: 3 years) (Job ID: 6251) – (1941)

The University of the Free State (UFS) is looking for an Off-Campus Accommodation Inspector to join its Student Affairs division in Bloemfontein. This is a 3-year contract position, playing a vital role in ensuring quality and accredited off-campus housing for students.

About the University of the Free State

The University of the Free State (UFS) is a leading South African institution dedicated to academic excellence, diversity, and community engagement. Located in Bloemfontein, UFS strives to provide a supportive and enriching environment for its students, including ensuring safe and suitable accommodation options.

About the Role

As an Off-Campus Accommodation Inspector, you will be responsible for the administration, evaluation, communication, and inspection of off-campus student accommodation. Your work will ensure that housing providers comply with UFS accreditation requirements, policies, and procedures, contributing to a safe and conducive living environment for students.

Key Responsibilities (What You’ll Do)

• Administration & Evaluation:
  • Ensure all necessary documents are complete and correct for accreditation.
  • Verify documentation and accreditation status.
  • Create and manage inspection schedules for off-campus student addresses.
  • Maintain accurate records of all correspondence with service providers, students, SAPS, and Mangaung Metro.
  • Ensure accredited service provider files meet UFS audit requirements.
  • Follow up on police/neighbourhood watch reports and accreditation withdrawals.
• Communication:
  • Respond to emails and phone calls related to accredited off-campus accommodation.
  • Liaise with potential service providers, students, and visitors, addressing queries.
  • Inform service providers about UFS policies, procedures, and directives.
  • Send accreditation applications and communicate inspection outcomes to service providers.
  • Organise meetings with service providers and Mangaung Metro.
  • Communicate with students about their private accommodation applications.
• Inspections:
  • Confirm availability of service providers for pre- and post-inspections.
  • Conduct inspections for applicants who meet minimum document compliance (90%).
  • Ensure all inspections follow the provided checklist.
  • Compile detailed reports for each inspection and weekly summaries of findings.

Requirements (What You Need)

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech Degree, or Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) in Building Science or Civil Engineering.
• At least one (1) year of relevant work experience in duties similar to those described.
• A valid driver’s license (proof required).

Advantageous Skills & Experience:

• A postgraduate qualification.
• Experience in building inspections.
• Experience with construction projects.
• Ability to interpret building plans.
• Basic knowledge of relevant building legislation.
• Basic knowledge of rezoning/consent use protocols.

Required Competencies (Who You Are)

• Results Orientated: Sets high standards, achieves goals, adapts to change, reliable and dependable.
• Strategic Thinking: Plans effectively, is creative and open-minded in problem-solving.
• Business Acumen: Adheres to rules, follows regulations strictly, proficient in MS Office.
• Leading: Maintains high personal motivation, energy, and enthusiasm; cooperative and encourages teamwork.
• Building Coalitions: Interacts well with others, builds personal connections, makes decisions collaboratively under supervision.

Salary & Benefits

The annual remuneration package, including benefits, ranges from R388,426.59 to R487,479.38, depending on budget, relevant work experience, and qualifications. Fringe benefits may include a pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave, sick leave, service bonus, and study benefits (subject to specific conditions).

Assumption of Duties: 1 December 2025.

Application Process

Closing Date: 8 October 2025.

To Apply:

Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Please use the following direct link to apply for this specific vacancy:

Apply for Off-Campus Accommodation Inspector at UFS

Kindly Note:

• Applications submitted via any other platform will not be considered.
• The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. We recommend merging documents into fewer files to avoid upload issues.
• INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED! You must submit ALL documents listed under “Minimum Requirements” as well as the following standard documents:
  • A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
  • Copies of your qualifications, or official proof (include SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications).
  • A copy of your South African Identity Document or passport (for foreign nationals).
  • Confirmation of employment (letter, contract, service certificate, or recent payslip) from your current or most recent employer (for external applicants only).

Important Information

The UFS is an Employment Equity designated employer and aims to achieve its equity targets. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities.

The University processes personal information in line with POPIA. Any information provided will be treated as confidential and processed according to POPIA rights.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. Only applications from candidates meeting all inherent requirements will be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you are not contacted within six weeks of the closing date, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

Enquiries: For any questions, please contact 051 401 7659 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Additional assistance can be found at 051 401 9848/ 9813/ 9810/ 9814/ 2979.