CHIEF ARTISAN: MECHANICAL (BOILERS)

This position is for a Chief Artisan specialising in mechanical systems, with a specific focus on boilers, based at Chris Hani Baragwanath within the Maintenance directorate of the Department of Community Safety. The role is a senior technical leadership post, graded under the Occupation-Specific Dispensation (OSD) remuneration structure, and is responsible for overseeing technical services and support across field, workshop, and technical office environments. The incumbent will work alongside technicians, artisans, and associated personnel to ensure that all mechanical and boiler-related maintenance activities are executed efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act. This is not purely a hands-on role; it requires a blend of technical expertise, supervisory capability, and administrative acumen to manage assets, people, and processes within a public sector context.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate Trade Test Certificate in the relevant mechanical discipline and have at least ten years of post-qualification experience as an Artisan or Artisan Foreman. A valid driver’s licence is essential, and shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their recognised experience. The role demands a strong working knowledge of Public Service legislation, policies, and regulations, as well as departmental strategies and procedures. Familiarity with computer-aided technical applications, legal compliance requirements, and production processes is also expected. The ideal candidate should demonstrate project management skills, technical report writing and consulting abilities, problem-solving and analytical thinking, sound decision-making, creativity, and effective communication. Good planning, organising, and computer skills are necessary, alongside technical design and analysis knowledge. 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. The Chief Artisan will manage technical services and support by coordinating activities in the field, workshop, and technical office. A key responsibility is promoting safety in line with statutory and regulatory frameworks. The role also involves contributing to technical manuals, standard drawings, and procedures, ensuring that new technology is incorporated where appropriate, and maintaining quality assurance according to specifications. Financial duties include providing inputs into the budgeting process, while administrative tasks include compiling and submitting reports, consolidating inputs into the technical operational plan, and updating databases. The position also entails managing artisans and related personnel and assets, undertaking research and literature studies on technical and engineering technology, and liaising with relevant bodies or councils on technical matters. Furthermore, the incumbent is responsible for human resource development, motivation, and utilisation, as well as managing subordinates by setting key performance areas, monitoring performance standards, and correcting deviations to meet departmental objectives.

There are several important notes for prospective applicants. This advertisement is part of a specific Public Service circular, and the department encourages applications from youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from Coloured, Indian, and white population groups, in line with equity targets. A confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner must accompany applications from people with disabilities. Suitable candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one integrity-based, which will be scored as part of the interview process. Personnel suitability checks, including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification, will be conducted. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment and may use alternative recruitment processes. Candidates will be placed according to corridor coordination and departmental needs. Applications must be submitted using the prescribed application process, with a fully completed Z83 form and a comprehensive CV; foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and those who do not hear within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.