BOILER OPERATOR

This position offers an opportunity to work as a Boiler Operator within the Maintenance component at the Tshwane Cullinan Maintenance Hub. The role is set in a technical maintenance environment where the focus is on the safe, efficient and reliable operation of boiler plant and equipment. The operator will be part of a broader maintenance team, providing support to public works infrastructure and helping to ensure that buildings and facilities receive the steam, heating and related services they depend on. It is a hands-on position that also carries supervisory responsibility, so the post calls for someone with solid practical boiler experience, good technical judgement and the ability to manage people and records effectively.

To be considered, candidates must have at least Grade 10 and a recognised National Steam Certificate, together with a minimum of one year of appropriate hands-on experience in boiler operating. The department is looking for people who understand low-pressure norms and standards, maintenance works norms and standards, and the use of maintenance tools. Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act is essential because the work takes place in a potentially hazardous environment. Strong interpersonal skills, planning and organising abilities, staff supervision capability, and clear written and verbal communication are also required. The ideal candidate will be people-centred, professional and ethical, with a strong sense of collective responsibility, honesty, integrity, attention to detail and a commitment to Batho Pele principles and transformation.

The main duties are varied and practical. The operator must request chemicals from stores, test the quality of water in softeners and returning condensate flows, fill chemical and brine tanks, check chemical pumps and test total dissolved solids before carrying out blow-downs according to prescribed procedures. The job also involves monitoring steam pressure constantly, checking the temperature of hot well tanks, adjusting the stoker for efficient steam delivery, controlling the flow of fuel and ensuring that feed water pumps and hot well tanks have enough water for the boiler. Standby boilers and funnels must always be kept full of water and chemicals. The operator is responsible for maintaining a clean and safe boiler environment, ensuring proper use of protective clothing, cleaning brine tanks and water filters, and removing ash from boilers, grit arresters and smoke boxes. All readings must be logged in the logbook as required, and the operator is expected to perform supervisory functions, receive and sign off coal deliveries, provide shift reports, maintain shift and overtime registers, report defects immediately, and carry out related ad hoc duties.

The post is advertised through the public service recruitment circular and carries the normal conditions attached to a government position. Applicants are required to complete the prescribed application form and attach a recently updated comprehensive CV. Certified copies of qualifications are only requested from shortlisted candidates, and any foreign qualification must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Shortlisted candidates will be expected to undertake pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. All appointments are subject to personnel suitability checks, including verification of qualifications, criminal record, citizenship, credit record and employment history. The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities and designated groups, and candidates with disabilities must attach a confirmation letter from a registered medical practitioner. If applicants do not receive a response within three months after the closing date, they should accept that their application was unsuccessful.