ARTISAN PRODUCTION: MECHANICAL

This position is for an Artisan Production specialising in mechanical work, based at the Far East Rand District Facility Maintenance Hub under the Maintenance directorate. The role is central to keeping the Department of Community Safety’s facilities and equipment in a reliable, safe and functional condition. As a production artisan, the post holder will be expected to translate client specifications into practical designs, manufacture objects using appropriate materials and tools, and ensure that all outputs meet recognised standards. The post also supports broader maintenance operations, including inspecting, repairing, testing and servicing equipment and facilities, and contributing to the operational plan. The salary offer recognises experience gained after obtaining a Trade Test Certificate, meaning a newly qualified artisan and someone with up to two years of relevant experience can be considered, with progression based on proven expertise.

Candidates must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate in a relevant mechanical discipline and have between zero and two years of experience. A valid driver’s licence is required. The department looks for a solid understanding of public service legislation, policies and regulations, including the OHS Act, as well as knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and legal compliance. Practical production process knowledge and familiarity with computer-aided technical applications are important. The successful candidate will need strong technical report-writing ability, problem-solving and analytical thinking, decision-making skills, and the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team. Creativity, self-management, good communication, computer skills, and planning and organising abilities are also expected. A team player attitude, customer focus and reliability are regarded as essential personal attributes.

The duties are wide-ranging. The artisan will produce designs and objects according to job specifications, while ensuring quality assurance throughout the production process. This includes inspecting equipment and facilities for mechanical faults, carrying out repairs and testing repaired items against specifications, and servicing equipment on schedule. The role also involves quality assurance of serviced and maintained equipment, compiling and submitting technical reports, maintaining job records or registers, and providing inputs to the operational plan. In addition, the artisan may be expected to supervise and mentor more junior staff, and must keep up to date with new technologies and procedures to support continuous professional development.

Applications for this post are subject to strict prescripts. A fully completed and signed Z83 form must be accompanied by a comprehensive CV, and only shortlisted candidates will be asked to produce certified copies of qualifications. Foreign qualifications must carry a SAQA evaluation certificate. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity/ethical conduct assessment, and these will be scored as part of the interview process. A personnel suitability check, covering vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification and employment verification, will also be conducted. The Department reserves the right not to appoint and may apply other recruitment processes. Placement will depend on corridor coordination and departmental needs. The Department encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, including coloured, Indian and white applicants, to apply; applicants with disabilities must attach a confirmation from a registered medical practitioner. Due to the expected high volume, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those who do not hear within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.