ARTISAN PRODUCTION GRADE A-C: WELDER

The Welder position is an artisan production grade role within the Maintenance Directorate, based at the Charlotte Maxeke Facility Maintenance Hub. This is a government post that supports the operational upkeep of a major public health facility, meaning the work directly contributes to a safe, functional and well-maintained environment for patients, staff and visitors. The role is graded as Artisan Production Grade A to C, reflecting a structured public service career path for skilled tradespeople. As a welder within this hub, the incumbent will be expected to apply technical expertise across a range of maintenance and production tasks, ensuring that metalwork, repairs and equipment servicing are completed to recognised standards and in line with departmental policies.

To be considered for this position, applicants must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate in welding or a related field, with between zero and two years of relevant post-trade experience. A valid driver’s licence is also required. The ideal candidate will bring a working knowledge of Public Service legislation, policies and regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and departmental strategies and procedures. Familiarity with computer-aided technical applications, legal compliance requirements and production processes is essential. In addition, the role demands strong technical report writing, problem-solving, analytical and decision-making abilities, along with creativity, planning and organising skills. Candidates should be reliable, customer-focused team players who can communicate effectively and manage their own workload. Self-management and continuous learning are also key attributes, as the department expects the artisan to keep up with new technologies and processes.

The core duties of this welder role are broad and hands-on. The successful candidate will produce designs according to client specifications, working within the limits of production capability, and will fabricate objects using appropriate material and equipment in line with job specifications and recognised standards. Quality assurance is a central responsibility, both for newly produced objects and for repaired or serviced equipment. The incumbent will inspect facilities and equipment for technical faults, carry out repairs to set standards, test repaired items against specifications and service equipment according to an approved schedule. Administrative duties include compiling and submitting reports, providing inputs to the operational plan, maintaining job records and registers, and supervising or mentoring junior staff. This combination of technical production, maintenance, quality control and supervisory responsibilities means the role requires both practical skill and the ability to work within a structured public sector environment.

There are several notable conditions attached to this vacancy. It is a permanent post with benefits, and the salary offer is based on recognition of experience after the trade test, with shortlisted candidates required to provide proof of recognised experience. Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 form, accompanied by a comprehensive CV, and only shortlisted candidates will 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 exercise and one integrity assessment, and the selection panel will score both technical exercises as additional criteria during the interview process. Suitable candidates will also be subject to a personnel suitability check covering vetting, criminal records, citizenship, credit records, qualifications and employment history. The department encourages youth, people with disability, and candidates from designated groups including coloured, Indian and white applicants to apply, and confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner is required where applicable. The department has the right not to fill the post, and will not accept posted, emailed or hand-delivered applications, so applicants must follow the prescribed submission route. Due to the large volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those who have not heard anything within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.