CHIEF WORKS INSPECTOR- MECHANICAL

The Chief Works Inspector: Mechanical position is a senior technical role based at the Tshwane District Maintenance Hub and falls within the Maintenance directorate of the Department of Community Safety. The post is an OSD-graded position that offers a benefits package and places the successful candidate at the centre of mechanical maintenance oversight and project delivery in the public service environment. The role is essentially a supervisory and advisory one: the incumbent will ensure that both routine and unplanned maintenance work, as well as minor new works, are planned, specified, inspected, and completed in accordance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and quality standards. The position also carries responsibility for mentoring and guiding Works Inspectors, managing workflows, and supporting broader departmental strategic objectives.

Candidates must hold a National Diploma in the T/N/S streams or an equivalent qualification, or an N3 certificate combined with a passed trade test in the mechanical environment. Alternatively, registration as an Engineering Technician is accepted. A minimum of three years of appropriate experience is required. The role demands a sound knowledge of the Public Service Regulatory Framework and the department’s strategy, as well as strong skills in communication, computer literacy, analysis, presentation, report writing, and financial management. The ideal candidate is a team worker who can also work independently, remains professional and confidential, performs well under pressure, and is quality-driven.

The main duties cover the full technical lifecycle of maintenance and minor works projects. The post holder will prepare specifications for unplanned maintenance and minor new work, develop bills of quantities, and propose associated costs. They will inspect new and maintenance work on project sites to confirm compliance with regulations and legislation, while ensuring proper quality control. The role includes compiling estimates for repairs and costs, developing and maintaining an electronic record system for current and completed work, and generating progress reports. The incumbent must also develop and interpret plans and sketches, draw up quotation and bid documents, and adjudicate quotations and bids by providing sound recommendations. Liaison with stakeholders on technical aspects is a key function, as is advising and guiding contractors on legislative compliance and procedures. Financial and contractual responsibilities include verifying invoices, certifying progress payments, processing variation orders, making recommendations on deadline extensions, briefing contractors and consultants, and certifying fee claims. The role also involves effective contract administration, resolving project problems, gathering information for the extended public works programme, and identifying skills development needs. The Chief Works Inspector must train and develop Works Inspectors, provide advice on legislation and policies, and ensure quality control and efficient workflow among staff. They are also responsible for monitoring the proper use of equipment, stores, and expenditure, and for administering the departmental performance management and development system.

Several important conditions apply to this vacancy. The department encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates from designated groups, including coloured, Indian and white applicants, to apply. Applicants with disabilities must attach a confirmation certificate from a registered medical practitioner. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment. Personnel suitability checks, including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification verification, and employment verification, will be conducted on suitable candidates. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment and may use alternative recruitment processes. Placement will be determined by corridor coordination and departmental needs. Due to the likely high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and applicants who have not received feedback within three months of the closing date should assume their application was unsuccessful.