CHIEF ARTISAN GRADE A-C: ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL

This position is for a Chief Artisan Grade A-C specialising in electrical and mechanical work, based at the Edenvale District Facility Maintenance Hub within the Maintenance directorate. The role is a senior technical and supervisory post within the Department of Community Safety, tasked with overseeing technical services and support across field, workshop, and technical office activities. As a Chief Artisan, the incumbent will work alongside technicians, artisans, and related personnel to ensure that maintenance functions are delivered efficiently, safely, and in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The broader context involves managing the technical operational plan, contributing to budgeting processes, and ensuring that all work meets the required quality assurance specifications. This is an OSD-graded role offering a competitive salary package with benefits, and it forms part of the department’s broader infrastructure and immovable asset management responsibilities.

Candidates wishing to apply must hold an appropriate trade test certificate and have at least ten years of post-qualification experience as an artisan. Proof of this recognised experience will be requested from shortlisted applicants, so accurate documentation is essential. A valid driver’s licence is also required. The role demands a sound working knowledge of several key pieces of legislation, including the National Building Regulation and Building Standards Act, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, the Government Immovable Asset Management Act, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, along with associated municipal regulations. In addition to technical expertise, applicants need strong planning and organising abilities, effective verbal and written communication skills, and computer literacy. Personal attributes such as teamwork, change management, financial management, customer focus, and responsiveness are equally important for success in this environment.

The core duties are wide-ranging and include managing technical services in collaboration with technicians and artisans, promoting safety in line with statutory requirements, and providing input into technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures to incorporate new technology. The Chief Artisan will also be responsible for quality assurance, compiling and submitting reports, consolidating inputs into the technical operational plan, and updating databases. People management forms a significant part of the role, including managing artisans and related personnel and assets, overseeing the development and motivation of human resources, and setting and monitoring performance standards for subordinates to correct deviations and achieve departmental objectives. The position also involves undertaking research and literature studies on technical and engineering technology to improve expertise, as well as liaising with relevant bodies and councils on technical matters.

Additional important information for prospective applicants relates to the application and selection process. Applications must be submitted using the new Z83 form, with all relevant sections completed and signed, and accompanied by a comprehensive CV. Only shortlisted candidates will need to submit certified copies of qualifications, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department will not accept posted, emailed, or hand-delivered applications, and late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, and suitable candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks including vetting, criminal record verification, citizenship, credit record, qualification, and employment verification. The department encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups including coloured, Indian, and white applicants to apply, and persons with disabilities must attach a confirmation certificate from a registered medical practitioner. As only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, those who do not receive a response within three months of the closing date should accept that their application was unsuccessful. The department also reserves the right not to make an appointment and may use alternative recruitment processes, with placement subject to corridor coordination and departmental needs.