Rainbow Chickens is seeking a skilled and experienced Maintenance Artisan to join its KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture Division based in Pietermaritzburg. This opportunity is ideal for a qualified Millwright or Electrician with strong mechanical and civil maintenance experience within a fast-paced FMCG or agricultural production environment.
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining agricultural machinery, equipment, structures, and plant systems while supervising maintenance teams and supporting production operations. The role requires a technically strong individual who can manage maintenance activities, troubleshoot equipment failures, supervise handymen and apprentices, and ensure all engineering work complies with health, safety, and operational standards.
This position offers excellent exposure to industrial maintenance within the poultry and agricultural sector and is suited to candidates who enjoy hands-on technical work combined with leadership responsibilities.
Job Purpose
The primary purpose of the role is to ensure the effective maintenance, repair, installation, and continuous operation of agricultural machinery and production equipment across the facility. The Maintenance Artisan will support operational efficiency by reducing downtime, improving equipment reliability, and maintaining safe working conditions throughout the plant.
The successful candidate will also play a key role in mentoring maintenance personnel, managing maintenance schedules, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance
Perform preventative and breakdown maintenance on agricultural machinery and production equipment
Repair and maintain mechanical, electrical, and civil infrastructure
Conduct inspections and fault-finding on plant equipment
Ensure machinery operates efficiently and safely at all times
Perform repairs according to maintenance schedules and operational requirements
Fabrication and Assembly
Interpret engineering and fabrication drawings
Carry out layout, cutting, bending, rolling, and assembly of metal components
Fabricate structures, silos, towers, tanks, boilers, and pipe systems
Perform flame cutting and plasma cutting tasks
Assemble metal plates, pipes, and industrial structures
Welding and Mechanical Work
Set up and operate welding equipment including:
SMAW
TIG
MIG welding systems
Perform welding and cutting according to quality standards and codes
Carry out mechanical maintenance and repair work as required by the business
Conduct pressure testing and welding quality inspections
Maintenance and Repair Duties
Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair faulty parts and components
Repair valves, fittings, tubes, and related equipment
Conduct preventative maintenance and emergency repairs
Ensure all maintenance records and reports are completed accurately
Rigging and Lifting
Set up rigging systems to move heavy materials and equipment
Operate safely when lifting and transporting heavy components
Ensure lifting activities comply with safety procedures
Safety and Compliance
Work safely in confined spaces and at heights
Maintain clean and safe working environments
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations
Issue certificates of compliance after engineering work completion
Report hazards, defects, and maintenance concerns immediately
Documentation and Reporting
Complete maintenance reports, inspection checklists, and work orders
Issue daily job cards and inspect completed work
Maintain accurate daily timesheets and maintenance documentation
Analyse maintenance reports and operational issues
Supervision and Team Management
Supervise maintenance handymen and support staff
Train and mentor apprentices and maintenance personnel
Support employee development according to departmental plans
Apply disciplinary procedures where necessary
Coordinate workloads and maintenance priorities effectively
Tools and Equipment
Operate and maintain:
Cutting torches
Welders
Grinders
Hand tools
Rigging equipment
Ensure proper care and safe use of tools and engineering equipment
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
Qualified Millwright or Electrician
Strong mechanical and civil maintenance experience
Valid Driver’s License Code 8 or 10 (compulsory)
Experience
Minimum of 3 years post-trade FMCG maintenance experience
Previous supervisory experience in maintenance operations
Poultry industry experience will be advantageous
Experience in agricultural machinery and equipment maintenance preferred
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
Mechanical and electrical fault-finding skills
Welding and fabrication expertise
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings
Knowledge of welding standards and quality requirements such as ASME
Knowledge of preventative and breakdown maintenance systems
Leadership and Communication
Strong communication skills across all organisational levels
Team leadership and supervisory ability
Ability to mentor and train apprentices and maintenance personnel
Problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
Computer and Administrative Skills
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office
Ability to complete reports and maintenance documentation accurately
Ability to prioritise workloads and work systematically
Personal Attributes
Strong physical fitness and stamina
Good hand-eye coordination
Ability to work in challenging industrial environments
Willingness to work overtime, standby, and callouts when required
Safety conscious and detail-oriented
Working Environment
The role is based within a busy poultry and agricultural production environment and may involve exposure to:
Heavy industrial machinery
Fabrication and welding activities
Outdoor and confined space work
Physically demanding maintenance tasks
Standby duties and emergency breakdowns
High-pressure operational environments
The successful candidate must be comfortable working in fast-paced production operations while maintaining high safety and maintenance standards.
Why Join Rainbow Chickens?
Joining Rainbow Chickens provides an opportunity to work for one of South Africa’s leading poultry and FMCG companies.
Benefits of the Role
Exposure to advanced agricultural and production systems
Opportunity to lead and mentor maintenance teams
Career growth within engineering and operations
Hands-on industrial maintenance and fabrication experience
Stable employment within a respected industry leader
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare the following:
I’m the Content Editor at Kasiyouth, with a background in journalism and digital media. I create engaging, reliable content to help South Africans access opportunities in careers, education, government grants, and NSFAS funding.
