CHIEF ARTISAN: MECHANICAL (BOILERS)

The Chief Artisan: Mechanical (Boilers) role is a senior technical leadership position based at the Steve Biko Facility Maintenance Hub, operating within the Maintenance directorate of the Department of Community Safety. This post is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair and safe operation of boiler systems and related mechanical infrastructure across the facility. The incumbent will act as a technical authority, managing teams of artisans and associated personnel while coordinating with technicians in field, workshop and technical office settings. The role sits within a government context, meaning the post holder must align all activities with public service legislation, departmental policies and statutory requirements, while also contributing to strategic planning, budgeting and quality assurance.

To be considered, 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 ideal candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Public Service regulations, departmental strategies and computer-aided technical applications. Additional competencies include project management, technical report writing, technical consulting, problem solving, decision making, creativity, communication, computer literacy, planning and organising. The role also demands technical design and analysis knowledge, along with personal attributes such as teamwork, change management, financial management and customer focus.

The duties of the Chief Artisan are extensive and managerial in nature. The post holder will manage outside service providers responsible for cleaning, gardening and waste services, while also directing technical services and support in conjunction with technicians and artisans. Safety promotion is a central duty, ensuring full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. The role involves providing inputs into technical manuals, standard drawings and procedures to incorporate new technology, as well as ensuring quality assurance in line with specifications. Budgeting, report compilation and submissions, and contributions to the technical operational plan are also key responsibilities. The incumbent will update databases, manage artisans and related personnel and assets, and undertake research and literature studies on technical and engineering developments to improve expertise. Liaison with relevant bodies and councils on technical matters is expected, as is the management of human resources to maintain a competent knowledge base. The role further requires setting and monitoring performance standards for subordinates and taking corrective action to achieve departmental objectives.

This is a graded government position offering a competitive salary and benefits. The Department of Community Safety actively encourages youth, people with disability, and candidates from coloured, Indian and white population groups to apply; a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner must accompany applications from persons with disabilities. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, and will undergo personnel suitability checks including criminal record, citizenship, credit, qualification and employment verification. The department reserves the right not to appoint or to use alternative recruitment processes, and final placement will depend on corridor coordination and departmental needs. Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form along with a comprehensive CV, with certified copies of qualifications only required for shortlisted applicants; foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Late, incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be considered. Given the high volume of applications, correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only, and those who do not receive a response within three months should accept that their application was unsuccessful.