Are you looking for a rewarding civil engineering opportunity within Sri Lanka's public and plantation infrastructure sectors? The Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) has officially announced vacancies for the post of Engineering Assistant. Qualified and motivated individuals are invited to apply for this full-time position located in Sri Lanka. Below is a comprehensive guide to the vacancy, including detailed job roles, eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, application processes, and background information about the organization to help you prepare a successful application.
About the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT)
The Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) is a premier organization dedicated to enhancing the living standards, physical infrastructure, social well-being, and overall quality of life for the plantation community in Sri Lanka.
Historical Background and Governance
* Establishment: Originally established on September 18, 1992, the organization underwent a formal renaming and structural expansion on October 10, 2002.
* Governance Model: The PHDT operates under a unique Tripartite Governance Model. It is governed by a Board of Directors representing three key stakeholders:
1. The Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL)
2. Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs)
3. Plantation Trade Unions (TUs)
* Leadership: Executive leadership and strategic directives are headed by the Director General.
* Head Office Location: The main administrative headquarters of the PHDT is situated in Battaramulla, Western Province, Sri Lanka.
* Collaborative Network: The organization works in close partnership with relevant government ministries, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and regional bodies to execute large-scale development programs.
Core Areas of Operation
The PHDT focuses on a broad spectrum of infrastructure and socio-economic initiatives across Sri Lankan tea, rubber, and coconut estates, including:
* Construction and maintenance of housing schemes for plantation workers.
* Safe drinking water supply networks and modern sanitation facilities.
* Regional road networks, bridge building, and community infrastructure.
* Early childhood development centers, health clinics, and social welfare programs.
Job Details
* Position Name: Engineering Assistant
* Hiring Organization: Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT)
* Employment Type: Full-Time / Regular
* Job Location: Sri Lanka (Estate/Regional Office sites as assigned)
* Industry: Civil Engineering / Infrastructure Development / Public Sector Trust
* Age Limit: Must be below 36 years of age as of the application closing date.
* Application Closing Date: December 8, 2025
Role Overview
The Engineering Assistant plays a crucial operational role within the engineering and infrastructure department of the PHDT. This position involves direct field supervision, technical assessment, quality management, and coordination of infrastructure projects across plantation estates. The selected professional will work alongside senior civil engineers and project officers to ensure that construction and maintenance projects meet government standards, safety norms, and strict project timelines.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
As an Engineering Assistant at the Plantation Human Development Trust, the candidate will be responsible for executing civil engineering tasks, handling field-level administration, and maintaining overall construction standards. Primary duties include:
1. Infrastructure Maintenance & Supervision
* Overseeing and assisting in the structural maintenance of housing schemes, water supply lines, sanitation networks, roads, and institutional buildings within plantation estates.
* Regularly visiting construction sites to ensure field operations conform strictly to approved technical plans, blueprints, and architectural drawings.
2 Technical Planning & On-Site Assistance
* Supporting senior civil engineers in preliminary engineering surveys, layout planning, and site measurements.
* Assisting in the preparation of technical documents, bill of quantities (BOQ), material estimation, and initial project budget calculations.
3. Field Inspections & Reporting
* Conducting routine site inspections to audit structural stability, construction progress, and raw material quality.
* Preparing weekly and monthly site progress reports, physical measurement sheets, and analytical site updates for regional and head office management.
4. Technical Issue Resolution
* Identifying operational bottlenecks, material shortages, or technical maintenance faults on-site and working collaboratively with contractors and laborers to resolve them efficiently.
5. Quality Assurance & Workplace Safety
* Ensuring that all construction activities adhere strictly to national engineering standards, quality benchmarks, and environmental regulations.
* Enforcing standard occupational safety, health, and risk management guidelines for all site workers and sub-contractors.
Requirements and Qualifications
Candidates applying for the Engineering Assistant position must meet a combination of formal educational credentials, professional/technical certifications, and core competencies.
Minimum Educational Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following educational standards recognized by the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka:
* G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L):
* Must have passed the G.C.E. O/L examination in a minimum of **four (4) subjects in one sitting**.
* Must possess at least **four (4) Credit passes (C grade or above)**, which MUST include:
1. Sinhala or Tamil language
2. Mathematics
3. English language
* G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L):
* Must have passed a minimum of *three (3) subjects in one sitting* (Mathematical Science, Bio-Science, or Technology streams are highly preferred).
Technical & Professional Qualifications
* A Diploma or National Vocational Qualification (NVQ Level 5 or NVQ Level 6) in Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, or a closely related technical field from a recognized polytechnic, university college, or technical institute (e.g., NDT, HNDE, NDES, City & Guilds, or equivalent).
Experience & Essential Skills
* Field Experience: Prior work experience in civil engineering projects, site supervision, drafting, or maintenance works is considered a strong distinct advantage.
* Technical Plan Reading: Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and work with engineering drawings, CAD plans, and structural details.
* Language & Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, along with fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil to effectively interact with estate managers, workers, and field laborers.
* Analytical Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and site estimation capabilities to deal with engineering challenges under field conditions.
* Physical Capability: Willingness and physical ability to perform fieldwork, travel across plantation terrains, and inspect outdoors under varying weather conditions.
Job Benefits and Advantages
Working with the Plantation Human Development Trust offers a meaningful career path for technical professionals seeking to contribute directly to social development and rural infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
* Career Development: Exposure to large-scale, multi-disciplinary infrastructure development projects in water sanitation, housing, and civil construction.
* Stable Work Environment: Opportunity to serve within an esteemed, semi-government trust governed by national policy stakeholders (GOSL, RPCs, and TUs).
* Skills Enhancement: Hands-on experience working directly with senior civil engineers, project directors, and international development frameworks.
* Competitive Package: Attractive remuneration package, allowance structures, and professional benefits in accordance with PHDT organizational norms.
Other Details and Application Guidelines
Age Limit & Eligibility Criteria
* Applicants must be below 36 years of age on the official closing date of applications.
* Applicants must be citizens of Sri Lanka and meet all physical and character standards required for public service/trust employment.
Work Location & Employment Terms
* Status: Full-Time
* Primary Station: Sri Lanka (Assignment details regarding regional office deployment will be provided during selection).
How to Apply
1. Prepare a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume outlining your personal details, educational qualifications, NVQ/Diploma details, work experience, and contact numbers.
2. Attach clear copies of relevant certificates (G.C.E. O/L, G.C.E. A/L, Diploma/NVQ transcripts, and service letters).
3. Include contact details for two non-related referees who can attest to your technical competence and character.
4. Address and send your application via registered post or email as specified in the official newspaper advertisement/gazette notice issued by the PHDT.
5. Ensure your application reaches the PHDT Head Office in Battaramulla on or before the closing date.
Important Date
* Application Closing Date: December 8, 2025
Disclaimer
* Important Notice for Job Seekers:
This job post is published strictly for general information and educational purposes to assist job seekers in Sri Lanka. jobwalat is an independent job portal and is not directly affiliated with, operated by, or connected to the Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT) or any Government Ministry of Sri Lanka.
We do not recruit employees directly, charge fees for job applications, or process selection decisions. All interested candidates are advised to verify the original advertisement from official government publications, the PHDT official portal, or national daily newspapers before submitting personal documents or original credentials. All trademarks, logos, and organizational names remain the property of their respective official owners.
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