ARTISAN PRODUCTION GRADE A-C: MECHANICAL WELDER

This position is for a qualified mechanical welder within the Facilities Maintenance Services directorate of the Department of Community Safety, specifically under the Routine Maintenance sub-directorate, based at Walter Sisulu. As an Artisan Production Grade A-C, the successful candidate will be responsible for the full spectrum of mechanical welding and maintenance work that keeps departmental facilities and equipment in safe, functional condition. The role operates within the framework of public service legislation, departmental policies, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and legal compliance requirements, ensuring that all technical outputs align with recognised standards and the production capability of the workshop.

Candidates must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate in the relevant mechanical discipline and have a minimum of zero to two years of experience after qualifying. A valid driver’s licence is essential. The role demands sound knowledge of public service legislation, policies and regulations, departmental policies and procedures, OHS requirements, and legal compliance. Technical proficiency with computer-aided applications and a solid understanding of production processes are also required. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in technical report writing, problem solving and analysis, decision making, teamwork, creativity, self-management, communication, computer use, and planning and organising. Personal attributes such as reliability, customer focus, and being a team player are equally important.

The duties are comprehensive and hands-on. The artisan will produce designs according to client specifications and within production limits, then manufacture objects using appropriate materials and equipment according to job specifications and recognised standards. Quality assurance of produced objects is a key responsibility, as is inspecting equipment and facilities for technical faults, repairing them according to standards, and testing repaired equipment or facilities against specifications. The incumbent must service equipment and facilities according to schedule and render quality assurance on all serviced and maintained items. Administrative responsibilities include compiling and submitting reports, providing inputs to the operational plan, keeping and maintaining a job register, and supervising and mentoring staff. A commitment to continuous individual development by keeping up with new technologies and procedures is expected.

Several special conditions apply to this post. Shortlisted candidates must undergo two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise and one integrity or ethical conduct assessment, both scored as additional criteria during the interview. A full personnel suitability check will be conducted, covering vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification. The department encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, including coloured, Indian and white applicants, to apply; a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner must accompany applications where applicable. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to appoint and may place the successful candidate according to corridor coordination and departmental needs. Given the large expected volume of applications, no acknowledgement will be sent, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.