CHIEF ARTISAN: BUILDING

This Chief Artisan: Building post is located within the Maintenance Directorate at the Springs District Maintenance Hub, focusing on Building Services. The role sits within the Department of Community Safety and is central to the efficient delivery of building maintenance and technical support in the district. As a chief artisan, the incumbent will lead a team of artisans and technicians, ensuring that building infrastructure, workshops and technical office activities run smoothly and in compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks. The position demands strong leadership, technical expertise and the ability to coordinate maintenance projects while promoting a safe and healthy work environment.

Candidates must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate and have at least ten years of post-qualification working experience as an Artisan or Artisan Foreman. A valid driver's licence is also required, and proof of recognised experience will be requested from shortlisted applicants. The successful applicant will need a solid working knowledge of the National Building Regulation and Building Standards Act, municipal regulations, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations. In addition, the role calls for strong planning and organising skills, effective verbal and written communication, computer literacy, and personal attributes such as teamwork, change management, financial management, customer focus and responsiveness.

Key duties involve managing technical services and support alongside technicians and artisans across field, workshop and technical office settings. The chief artisan must drive safety promotion in line with legal requirements, provide input into technical manuals, standard drawings and procedures, and ensure quality assurance according to specifications. The role also includes contributing to budget processes, preparing and submitting reports, consolidating inputs into the technical operational plan, and updating databases. Managing artisans and related personnel and assets is a core responsibility, along with developing and motivating human resources to maintain a competent knowledge base. The incumbent must manage subordinates' key performance areas by setting and monitoring standards, correcting deviations, and controlling expenditure to achieve departmental objectives. Commercial value of discipline activities must be managed, with continuous individual development, research into new technologies, and liaison with relevant technical bodies and councils.

Applicants should note that the appointment process includes a practical exercise and an integrity assessment for all shortlisted candidates, along with personnel suitability checks such as vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification and employment verification. The department encourages youth, people with disability, and candidates from Coloured, Indian and white population groups to apply, and confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner must accompany the application. Foreign qualifications require a SAQA evaluation certificate. Applications must be submitted using the approved Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, and the department has stated that applications will not be accepted through posted, emailed or hand-delivered means. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within three months of the closing date, and applications will not be acknowledged. The department reserves the right not to appoint and may use alternative recruitment processes, with placement made according to corridor coordination and departmental needs. All applicants are advised to follow the official application instructions carefully, as late, incomplete or non-compliant submissions will not be considered.