CHIEF ARTISAN: ELECTRICAL

This is a senior electrical maintenance leadership position within the Maintenance directorate, based at the Boilers site in Tshwane. The Chief Artisan: Electrical is responsible for overseeing and coordinating technical services and support across workshops, field operations, and technical offices, working closely with technicians, artisans, and associated personnel. The role sits at a supervisory level, requiring a blend of hands-on technical expertise and managerial capability to ensure that all electrical maintenance activities align with departmental objectives, statutory requirements, and quality standards.

Candidates must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate and have at least ten years of post-qualification experience as an Artisan or Artisan Foreman, with proof of recognised experience requested for shortlisted applicants. A valid driver’s licence is essential. The ideal incumbent will demonstrate sound knowledge of Public Service legislation, policies and regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, departmental strategies, and legal compliance requirements. Strong competencies in project management, technical report writing, problem solving, decision making, creativity, communication, computer literacy, planning, and organising are required, along with technical design and analysis knowledge. Personal attributes such as teamwork, change management, financial management, customer focus, and responsiveness are also important.

Key duties include managing outside service providers for cleaning, gardening, and waste services; providing technical services and support alongside technicians and artisans; promoting safety in line with statutory and regulatory requirements; and contributing inputs to technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to incorporate new technology. The Chief Artisan must ensure quality assurance according to specifications, provide budgeting inputs, compile and submit reports, and consolidate inputs into the technical operational plan. The role also involves updating databases, managing artisans and associated personnel and assets, undertaking research and literature studies on engineering technology, and liaising with relevant bodies and councils on technical matters. Furthermore, the position requires managing the development, motivation, and utilisation of human resources to maintain a competent knowledge base, as well as setting and monitoring performance standards for subordinates and taking corrective action where needed.

This is an OSD-graded position with associated benefits. Applicants should note that the department encourages youth, people with disability, coloured, Indian, and white candidates to apply, and a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner must accompany applications from persons with disabilities. All shortlisted candidates will undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and suitable candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks such as vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment. Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form accompanied by a comprehensive CV; only shortlisted candidates will need to submit certified copies of qualifications. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and applicants who do not receive a response within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.