ARTISAN PRODUCTION GRADE A-C: MECHANICAL FITTER

This vacancy is for a Mechanical Fitter positioned as an Artisan Production Grade A to C within the Maintenance Directorate, based at the Discovery Facility Maintenance Hub. The role forms part of a broader maintenance component responsible for keeping departmental facilities and equipment in a safe, functional and compliant condition. As a qualified artisan, the incumbent will be expected to apply trade-specific knowledge to design, produce, repair, test and service mechanical objects and systems, while also supporting operational planning and staff development. The position is graded according to the Occupation Specific Dispensation, meaning remuneration is linked to recognised post-trade experience.

To be considered, candidates must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate and have between zero and two years of relevant experience, though the offer will be adjusted according to the applicant’s level of recognised experience after the trade test. A valid driver’s licence is mandatory, along with a range of technical and behavioural competencies. These include knowledge of Public Service legislation, policies and regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, departmental policies and procedures, legal compliance, and computer-aided technical applications. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong technical report writing, problem-solving, analytical and decision-making abilities, as well as teamwork, creativity, self-management, communication and computer literacy, planning and organising skills, and a customer-focused, reliable and team-oriented attitude.

The core duties are practical and varied. The successful candidate will produce designs according to client specifications and within the limits of production capability, manufacture objects using appropriate materials and equipment, and ensure quality assurance of all produced items. The role also involves inspecting equipment and facilities for technical faults, repairing and testing them against specifications, and servicing equipment according to schedule. The artisan must render quality assurance for serviced and maintained equipment, compile and submit reports, contribute inputs to the operational plan, maintain job records and registers, and supervise and mentor junior staff. Staying current with new technologies and procedures for continuous professional development is also expected.

Applicants are reminded of several important conditions attached to this post. The application process requires the newly prescribed Z83 form fully completed and signed, accompanied by a comprehensive CV; only shortlisted candidates need to submit certified copies of qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. All shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, which will be scored as an additional criterion during interviews. Personnel suitability checks, including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit, qualification and employment verification, will also be conducted. The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups including Coloured, Indian and White applicants, with a medical practitioner’s confirmation required for disability. Applications are not accepted via post, email or hand delivery, and those who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should regard their application as unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the post or to use alternative recruitment processes.