CHIEF ARTISAN: BUILDING

The Chief Artisan: Building position is a senior technical management role within the Facilities Maintenance Services Sub Directorate, specifically under the Routine component at Head Office Maintenance in the Department of Community Safety. The incumbent operates at the heart of the department’s building maintenance operations, ensuring that facilities remain safe, functional, and compliant with regulatory standards. This is a hands-on leadership post that combines technical expertise with operational planning, human resource management, and client liaison, making it ideal for an experienced artisan with strong supervisory and project management capabilities.

Candidates must possess an appropriate Trade Test Certificate and have at least ten years of post-qualification experience as an Artisan or Artisan Foreman. Proof of this recognised experience will be requested from shortlisted applicants. A valid driver’s licence is also required. The role demands a thorough working knowledge of Public Service legislation, policies and regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, departmental strategies and procedures, as well as legal compliance requirements. Familiarity with computer-aided technical applications and production processes is essential. In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate skills in project management, technical report writing, technical consulting, problem solving, decision making, creativity, communication, computer proficiency, planning and organising, and technical design and analysis. Personal attributes such as teamwork, change management, financial management, and a strong customer focus are equally important for effective performance in this environment.

The duties of the Chief Artisan are wide-ranging and centred on the efficient management of the division’s technical personnel and resources. The role involves managing technical staff, conducting division meetings, overseeing job assessments, and ensuring that all materials, tools, and equipment required for maintenance work are available and properly controlled. The incumbent will manage client interaction and relations, schedule work, and take overall responsibility for the division’s productivity. This includes developing and enforcing maintenance schedules and ensuring accurate record-keeping. The role also entails undertaking research and literature studies, then applying findings to improve workplace practices. As a senior manager, the Chief Artisan is responsible for signing performance agreements based on approved job descriptions and the department’s strategic and annual performance plans, managing human resources, and maintaining discipline. Other key responsibilities include providing equipment needed by personnel to achieve their outputs, facilitating skills transfer between staff and external technical assistants or consultants, planning and allocating work responsibilities, controlling work performance through quality assurance, and managing staff performance and development.

Several important conditions apply to this post. Shortlisted applicants will undergo two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise and one integrity or ethical conduct assessment, with both technical exercises scored as additional criteria 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 reserves the right not to make an appointment and may use alternative recruitment processes. Placement will be determined according to corridor coordination and departmental needs. 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 certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Applications must be submitted using the prescribed new Z83 form and a comprehensive CV, and all relevant fields must be completed accurately. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. This position offers a meaningful opportunity for an experienced building artisan to lead a maintenance division and contribute to the effective functioning of government facilities.