BOILER OPERATOR

This position offers an opportunity for an experienced and certified boiler operator to join the Maintenance directorate of the Department of Community Safety, specifically within the Mechanical Services section at the District Maintenance Hub in Tshwane. The role is central to ensuring that boiler systems operate safely, efficiently, and in line with the maintenance norms and standards that govern public works infrastructure. As a Boiler Operator, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation, monitoring, and maintenance of boilers and associated equipment, while also supervising support staff and maintaining accurate records. This is an excellent fit for a safety-conscious individual who takes pride in maintaining a clean, well-organised, and hazard-free working environment.

To qualify for this role, candidates must have a Grade 10 certificate as well as an equivalent recognised National Steam Certificate. At least one year of appropriate, hands-on experience operating boilers is essential. The role demands a solid working knowledge of norms and standards for low-pressure operations, maintenance works norms, maintenance tools, and the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required, along with the ability to plan, organise, and supervise staff. The ideal candidate is people-centred, professional, and committed to transformation and the Batho Pele principles. Honesty, integrity, a strong ethical orientation, and attention to detail are all vital attributes for this position, as the safety of people and the reliability of equipment depend on scrupulous behaviour.

The duties are varied and hands-on. You will be required to request and manage chemicals from stores, test the quality of water in softeners and returning condensate flow, fill chemical tanks, top up salt in brine tanks, and check the working condition of chemical pumps. The role also involves testing total dissolved solids, performing blow-down procedures according to prescripts, and constantly monitoring steam pressure and temperature in hot well tanks. You will need to adjust the stoker for efficient steam delivery, control fuel flow, and check feed water pump levels to ensure sufficient water supply to the boiler. Standby boilers and funnels must always be kept full of water and chemicals. You will be expected to keep the boiler environment clean and safe, ensure proper use of protective clothing, clean the brine tank and water filter, and remove ash from boilers, grit arresters, and smoke boxes. Accurate logging of all readings in the logbook is crucial, as is receiving and signing off on coal deliveries, providing shift reports, and maintaining shift and overtime registers. You will also perform supervisory functions and any related ad hoc duties as needed.

This post is subject to several important conditions. The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, with a confirmation of disability required from a registered medical practitioner where applicable. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity test, and will be subject to personnel suitability checks such as criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification, and employment verification. Only shortlisted candidates will need to submit certified copies of qualifications, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. If you have not been contacted within three months of the closing date, you should consider your application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to appoint and may use alternative recruitment processes. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a technically skilled operator ready to contribute to safe and effective boiler maintenance within a government setting.