Principal Porter (Permanent position)

This permanent Principal Porter position is based at Karl Bremer Hospital within the Northern/Tygerberg Sub-structure of the Chief Directorate: Metro Health Services in the Western Cape Department of Health. The role sits within the hospital’s support services environment and carries direct supervisory responsibility for the day-to-day management of porters, while also ensuring that mortuary operations run smoothly, safely and in line with relevant legislation and policies. As a Principal Porter, the incumbent acts as a key link between the portering team and the Support Services Managers, providing effective operational support and helping to maintain high standards of service delivery in a busy public health facility.

The minimum educational requirement is a General Education and Training Certificate (GETC), equivalent to Grade 9 or STD7. Candidates must also hold a valid driver’s licence and be willing to work night shifts, public holidays, weekends, overtime and be available for standby duty. The role demands appropriate supervisory experience of staff, as well as experience in mortuary administration. In addition, applicants should have computer skills in MS Office, Excel and Word, and must demonstrate knowledge of death administration legislation and relevant policies, together with a sound understanding of infection prevention and control measures. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a practical or written assessment as well as an oral assessment as part of the selection process.

Key responsibilities include the overall supervision and management of porters, which involves allocating work, monitoring performance and ensuring that portering services are delivered efficiently. The Principal Porter is also responsible for managing mortuary equipment, assets and consumables, ensuring that resources are properly maintained, accounted for and used appropriately. A central part of the role is ensuring effective and efficient mortuary administration and the correct handling of bodies, in line with legal requirements and departmental protocols. This includes maintaining accurate records, liaising with relevant stakeholders and upholding dignity and respect in all dealings. The position further requires providing effective and efficient support to Support Services Managers, assisting with operational planning, reporting and problem-solving within the support services function.

The post is advertised as a permanent position and offers an annual salary with service benefits, including a 13th cheque, employer’s contribution to the pension fund, and housing and medical aid allowances. This is an opportunity for an experienced, organised and compassionate individual to take on a supervisory role in a hospital environment where attention to detail, adherence to regulations and the ability to lead a team are essential. The nature of the work demands reliability, emotional resilience and a commitment to maintaining a safe, hygienic and respectful mortuary and portering service.