ARTISAN FOREMAN GRADE A: PROCLAIMED FISHING HARBOURS MANAGEMENT

This position is for an Artisan Foreman Grade A within the Proclaimed Fishing Harbours Management unit of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, based in Cape Town at Paarden Eiland. It is an OSD-graded role, reflecting its technical and supervisory nature. The foreman will be responsible for overseeing and undertaking a wide range of repairs and maintenance tasks across the department’s proclaimed fishing harbour infrastructure, ensuring that buildings, roads, mechanical systems and marine equipment remain operational and safe.

To be considered, candidates must hold an appropriate trade test certificate in Electrical, Fitting, or Fitting and Turning, together with at least five years’ relevant post-qualification experience working as an Artisan. The role demands a solid understanding of maintenance procedures and technical management, as well as practical experience and knowledge of dry docking and welding. Familiarity with the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 and its regulations is essential, as is a basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993. Successful applicants will also need sound skills in general administration, basic financial principles and equipment management, and must possess a valid driver’s licence.

The core duties are diverse and hands-on. The foreman will conduct repairs and maintenance of civil infrastructure, including state buildings, road infrastructure, perimeter walls, road markings and traffic signs. This includes facilitating tarred surface repairs and looking after electrical and mechanical installations, water and sewage reticulation. A significant part of the role involves keeping 10 winch motors, 8 cranes and hydraulic equipment in good working order, as well as maintaining sewage pumps, sewage and storm water channels, and general plumbing and gutters. The post also requires participation in harbour projects and programmes, attending site meetings, and manufacturing equipment and parts. The foreman will design, manufacture and maintain specialised repair and maintenance equipment, conduct urgent repairs to slip arms in the workshop, and handle emergency repairs and associated administration.

This is a permanent position within the public service, and the department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the department’s equity plan, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to produce certified copies of their qualifications, identity document and driver’s licence before the interview, and any foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA. Appointment is subject to security screening and vetting, including criminal record, citizenship, credit worthiness, reference checks and qualification verification. Successful candidates will need to sign a performance agreement and employment contract. The department reserves the right not to fill the post. If applicants do not hear from the department within three months of the closing date, they should assume their application was unsuccessful. By applying, candidates consent to the processing of their personal information in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013.