This vacancy has closed. It closed on 17 July 2026 and is kept here for reference only.

CHIEF ARTISAN GRADE A (MECHANICAL)

Department of Water and Sanitation

Branch: Infrastructure Management: Central Operations

Reference number: 170726/12
Salary: R499 470 per annum, (OSD)
Centre: Tugela Vaal (O&M Jagersrust)
Province: Free State
Closing date: 17 July 2026
Circular: No 23 of 2026

Requirements

An appropriate Mechanical Trade Test Certificate. Ten (10) years post-qualification experience as Artisan/Artisan Foreman (Mechanical). The disclosure of a valid unexpired driver’s license. Practical experience gathered on Pumpstations or Government Water Schemes will be an added advantage. Project Management. Good writing and verbal communications skills. Technical report writing skills. Be able to read and interpret manufacturing drawings. Computer literacy preferably in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook). Good leadership qualities. Proven experience and knowledge in relation to Human Resources management. Knowledge of procurement policies and procedures in the public sector will be an added advantage. Proven knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Be prepared to travel to remote areas and work overnight away from home on regular basis. Standby and occasional overtime work, including weekends and public holidays.

Duties

Manage mechanical services and support in conjunction with Technicians/Artisans and associates in the field, workshop and technical office activities. Ensure that all machinery is maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications. (i.e. pumps, valves, compressors, hydraulic systems, pipelines, generators, sluices, auxiliary drives, cranes, water vessels, etc.) Ensure that planned maintenance schedules are utilized by the mechanical team. Accept appointment as GMR 2(7) for mechanical equipment. Ensure and promote that the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations are complied with. Provide inputs into existing technical problems, manuals, standard drawings and procedures to incorporate new technology. Ensure quality assurance in line with specifications. Provide inputs into the budgeting process. Compile and submit reports as required. Provide and consolidate inputs to the technical operational plan. Update databases. Manage artisans and related personnel and assets. Control and monitor expenditure according to budget to ensure efficient cash flow management. Manage the development, motivation and utilization of human resources for the discipline to ensure competent knowledge base for the continued success of technical services according to organizational needs and requirements. Manage subordinates’ key performance areas by setting and monitoring performance standards and taking actions to correct deviations to achieve departmental objectives. Continuous individual and team development to keep up with new technologies and procedures. Research/literature studies on technical/engineering technology to improve expertise. Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on technical/engineering-related matters. Perform any other related duties.

Where to send your application

Interested applicants must submit their applications via the online link https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za

Enquiries

Mr.MM Ndimande Tel No: (036) 880 8312

Note

Candidates may be required to complete a practical and theoretical test. Please be advised that the office will transition to a SANWRI agency.

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 23 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 3 July 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 9 September 2026.

This post is free to apply for. Nobody may charge you an application, registration or "background check" fee for a government job, and there is no register to join. If someone is asking for money, check them here first.