CHIEF ARTISAN GRADE AREF NO: S.4/3/2/91 Component: Building Maintenance (Re-advert)

This position is for a Chief Artisan Grade A within the Building Maintenance component of the Limpopo Department of Education, based in the Vhembe district at Malamulele. It is a re-advertised role, graded under the Occupational Specific Dispensation system. The incumbent will lead technical services for building maintenance, coordinating with technicians, artisans, and associates across field, workshop, and technical office activities. The role requires ensuring safety compliance, contributing to technical manuals and standards, and maintaining quality assurance in line with specifications.

Candidates must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate in Carpentry and have at least ten years of post-qualification experience as an Artisan or Artisan Foreman. A valid driver’s license is required, except for applicants with disabilities. The role demands a range of technical competencies including project management, technical design and analysis, computer-aided technical applications, legal compliance, technical report writing, technical consulting, and production process knowledge. Generic competencies include problem solving, decision making, teamwork, creativity, change management, financial management, customer focus, communication, computer skills, and planning and organising.

The duties are broad. The Chief Artisan manages technical services and support, promotes safety according to statutory requirements, and provides input into technical manuals and procedures to incorporate new technology. Administrative responsibilities include contributing to the budgeting process, compiling and submitting reports, consolidating inputs to the technical operational plan, and updating databases. The role also involves managing artisans, related personnel, and assets. Financial management duties include controlling and monitoring expenditure to ensure efficient cash flow, and managing the commercial value of discipline-related activities. People management is central: developing, motivating, and utilising human resources, setting and monitoring performance standards, and correcting deviations to achieve departmental objectives. The post holder must also maintain and advance expertise through continuous individual development, research and literature studies on technical or engineering technology, and liaison with relevant bodies or councils on technical matters.

Applicants should note the special conditions. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed Z83 form, accompanied by a CV; all other documents are only required from shortlisted candidates. Photostat or faxed copies are not accepted. Withdrawal of an application must be done in writing. Successful candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, including criminal record, citizenship, financial and asset record checks, as well as qualification and employment verification, and may be subject to security clearance. Due to the volume of responses, receipt is not acknowledged and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; those who do not hear within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and employment decisions will be informed by employment equity considerations. Enquiries can be directed to the named contact officials at the provided telephone number. This is a key technical leadership role within the department’s building maintenance unit, requiring a blend of hands-on carpentry expertise, managerial skill, and financial acumen.