BOILER OPERATOR

The Boiler Operator position sits within the Maintenance component of the Department of Community Safety, based at the laundry facility in Dunswart. This is a hands-on, shift-orientated role responsible for the safe, efficient and continuous operation of boilers that support the laundry’s daily functioning. The post is graded in line with the Occupation Specific Dispensation and carries the standard benefits associated with a public service position. The operator will work both independently and as part of a maintenance team, and will also take on supervisory functions, ensuring that staff under their oversight follow operational and safety procedures.

To qualify, candidates must have a Grade 10 certificate together with an equivalent recognised National Steam Certificate, as well as at least one year of relevant hands-on boiler operating experience. The department is looking for someone with sound knowledge of low-pressure norms and standards, maintenance works norms and standards, maintenance tools, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to plan and organise, staff supervision capability, and good written and verbal communication are also required. The ideal candidate will be people-centred, professional, honest, and committed to transformation and Batho Pele principles, with strong ethics and a keen attention to detail.

The duties are wide-ranging and cover every aspect of boiler operation and upkeep. The incumbent will request chemicals from stores, test the quality of water in softeners and the returning condensate flow, fill chemical tanks as prescribed, top up salt in brine tanks, and check the working condition of chemical pumps. They will test total dissolved solids and carry out blow-downs according to prescripts, constantly monitor steam pressure, check the correct temperature of hot well tanks, adjust the stoker for efficient steam delivery, and report any defects immediately. The operator must also check feed water pump levels and hot well tanks to ensure sufficient water supply to the boiler, keep standby boilers and the funnel full of water and chemicals, control the flow of fuel, and receive and sign off on coal deliveries. Maintaining a clean, safe and well-kept boiler environment, ensuring the proper use of protective clothing, cleaning brine tanks and water filters as prescribed, and removing ash from boilers, grit arresters and smoke boxes are all central duties. Accurate logging of recordings in the logbook, providing shift reports, maintaining shift and overtime registers, performing supervisory functions, and handling related ad hoc tasks complete the role.

This position carries several special conditions. Shortlisted candidates must undertake both a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and the department will conduct personnel suitability checks including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit, qualification and employment verification. The department encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from Coloured, Indian and White population groups to apply, and applicants with disabilities must attach a confirmation from a registered medical practitioner. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates; anyone who has not been contacted within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.