ARTISAN PRODUCTION GRADE A-C: CARPENTER

This position is for a qualified carpenter to work as an Artisan Production Grade A-C within the Facilities Maintenance Services directorate, specifically in the Routine Maintenance sub-directorate, based at the Smangaliso Mkhatshwa centre. The role sits within the broader public service environment and is focused on maintaining, repairing, and producing wooden structures and related items across departmental facilities. As part of the routine maintenance team, the successful candidate will be expected to respond to client specifications, ensure that all produced or repaired objects meet recognised standards, and contribute to the overall operational plan of the unit.

Candidates must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate for carpentry and have between zero and two years of relevant experience. A valid driver’s licence is required. The role demands a working knowledge of Public Service legislation, policies and regulations, as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Familiarity with departmental policies, strategies and procedures is also essential, alongside knowledge of legal compliance and production processes. Applicants should be comfortable using computer-aided technical applications and possess strong technical report writing skills. Additional competencies include problem solving and analysis, decision making, teamwork, creativity, analytical thinking, self-management, communication, computer literacy, and the ability to plan and organise work effectively. Personal attributes such as being a team player, customer-focused and reliable are important for success in this environment.

The core duties involve producing designs according to client specifications and within the production capability of the workshop. The carpenter will produce objects using appropriate materials and equipment, ensuring that quality assurance is applied to all outputs. The role also includes inspecting equipment and facilities for technical faults, repairing them according to set standards, and testing repaired items against specifications. Servicing equipment and facilities according to a schedule is another key responsibility, along with performing quality assurance on all serviced and maintained items. The incumbent must compile and submit technical reports, provide inputs to the operational plan, and keep an accurate job record or register. Supervision and mentoring of staff form part of the responsibilities, so the ability to guide less experienced colleagues is expected. The post also requires keeping up with new technologies and procedures to support continuous individual development.

This is an OSD-graded artisan post, with recognition of experience after the trade test taken into account when determining the offer. Shortlisted applicants must be prepared to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment, and may also be subjected to personnel suitability checks such as vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification and employment verification. The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, with a confirmation of disability required from a registered medical practitioner where applicable. Appointment is subject to departmental needs and corridor coordination, and the department reserves the right not to make an appointment. Candidates who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.