CHIEF ARTISAN GRADE A-C: MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL/BUILDING)

This position is for a Chief Artisan graded at levels A through C, based at the Bheki Mlangeni Facility Maintenance Hub and operating within the Maintenance directorate of the Department of Community Safety. The role is a senior technical leadership post for an experienced artisan specialising in mechanical, electrical or building disciplines, tasked with overseeing the delivery of technical services and maintenance functions across the department’s facilities. As Chief Artisan, the incumbent will work alongside technicians, fellow artisans and associated personnel to ensure that all field, workshop and technical office activities run safely, efficiently and in line with relevant legislation. The role carries significant managerial responsibility, including supervising artisans and related staff, managing assets, and ensuring that human resources are developed and deployed effectively to maintain a skilled and competent technical team.

Applicants must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate and have at least ten years of post-qualification experience as an Artisan or Artisan Foreman, with proof of recognised experience required for shortlisted candidates. A valid driver’s licence is essential. The role demands a strong working knowledge of several key legislative frameworks, including the National Building Regulation and Building Standards Act, municipal regulations, 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 with its regulations. Candidates should also bring project management skills, technical report writing, consulting ability, problem-solving and analytical thinking, sound decision-making, creativity, communication proficiency, computer literacy, and strong planning and organising capabilities. Technical design and analysis knowledge is also required, alongside personal attributes such as teamwork, change and financial management, and a customer-focused, responsive approach.

The core duties involve managing technical services in conjunction with other technical staff, promoting safety in line with statutory requirements, and contributing to technical manuals, standard drawings and procedures. The Chief Artisan will ensure quality assurance according to specifications, provide inputs into the budgeting process, compile and submit reports, and help shape the technical operational plan. The role also includes updating databases, conducting research and literature studies to improve technical expertise, and liaising with relevant bodies and councils on engineering-related matters. Beyond technical work, the position requires managing subordinate performance by setting and monitoring standards, correcting deviations, and fostering a motivated, capable workforce to meet departmental objectives.

This is an OSD-graded post with an all-inclusive salary package and benefits. The department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, with a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner required where applicable. Shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, and successful candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit, qualification and employment verification. The department reserves the right not to appoint and may use other recruitment processes, with placement determined by corridor coordination and departmental needs. Only the new Z83 application form accompanied by a comprehensive CV is required initially; certified qualifications are requested only from shortlisted applicants, and foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate.