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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare the following:

• Updated CV
• Certified copy of trade qualification
• Certified copy of driver’s license
• Supporting certificates and qualifications

Ensure all applications are submitted before the closing date.

Closing Date: 22 May 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.