ARTISAN PRODUCTION: REFRIGERATION/AIRCON

This position offers an opportunity for a qualified artisan to contribute to the upkeep of government facilities within the Department of Community Safety. Based at the Steve Biko Facility Maintenance Hub under the Maintenance directorate, the Artisan Production: Refrigeration/Aircon role is an OSD-graded post focused on the practical production, repair, and servicing of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems and equipment. The work supports the broader maintenance function of the department, ensuring that public buildings and facilities remain functional, safe, and compliant with prescribed standards.

Applicants must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate in the relevant discipline, backed by between zero and two years of post-trade experience, as the role is open to entry-level and recently qualified artisans. A valid driver’s licence is essential. The ideal candidate will bring solid knowledge of public service legislation, policies, and regulations, as well as an understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and departmental strategies and procedures. Familiarity with legal compliance requirements, production processes, and computer-aided technical applications is also required. In terms of personal competencies, the successful incumbent will need strong technical report writing, problem-solving, analytical, decision-making, planning, organising, and communication skills, along with creativity, teamwork, self-management, and computer proficiency. The department looks for a reliable, customer-focused individual who is a team player and committed to quality work.

The duties are broad and hands-on. The artisan will produce designs according to client specifications and within production capability limits, then manufacture objects using appropriate materials and equipment in line with job specifications and recognised standards. Quality assurance is a recurring theme: the post holder must render quality assurance of produced objects, as well as of serviced and maintained equipment and facilities. Other responsibilities include inspecting equipment and facilities for technical faults, carrying out repairs according to standards, testing repaired equipment against specifications, and servicing equipment on schedule. Administrative and supervisory tasks also form part of the role, such as compiling and submitting reports, providing inputs to the operational plan, maintaining job records and registers, and supervising and mentoring junior staff. The role also requires keeping abreast of new technologies and procedures for continuous individual development.

There are several important conditions attached to this vacancy. The department uses the standard Z83 application form, accompanied by a comprehensive CV, and will only request certified copies of qualifications from shortlisted candidates. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. All shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments—one practical exercise and one integrity or ethical conduct assessment—which will be scored as an additional criterion during interviews. Suitable candidates will also be subject to personnel suitability checks, including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification. The department encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from Coloured, Indian, and White population groups to apply, in line with equity targets; a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner must be attached where applicable. As the department will not accept posted, emailed, or hand-delivered applications, applicants must follow the prescribed submission route. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and those who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. The department also reserves the right not to make an appointment and may use alternative recruitment processes as needed.