Maintenance Handyman Vacancy at Rainbow Chicken

The ideal candidate must be practical, safety-conscious, reliable, detail-oriented, and capable of working independently as well as supporting the broader farm maintenance team.

ROLE PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this position is to maintain, service, inspect, and repair mechanical, civil, and electrical systems associated with agricultural machinery, poultry-house equipment, and general farm infrastructure.

The Maintenance Handyman will help ensure that farm equipment and facilities remain operational, safe, and in good working condition. This includes conducting routine inspections, performing preventative maintenance, attending to breakdowns, completing assigned repair work, and reporting defects that require further technical intervention.

The position also involves supporting farm operations through general building maintenance, plumbing repairs, fencing maintenance, equipment servicing, and the safe execution of assigned duties relating to biosecurity and farm hygiene.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 or an equivalent educational qualification.
• A Technical Senior Certificate or a similar technical qualification, such as N3, will be an added advantage.
• A valid Code 8 driver’s licence.
• Electrical modules M0-M4, as applicable to the role, are required.
• A practical understanding of mechanical and electrical maintenance principles will be beneficial.
• Additional training or experience in equipment servicing, fault-finding, plumbing, welding, or general farm maintenance will be an advantage.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of three years’ relevant experience in an electrical and mechanical working environment.
• Previous experience in the maintenance, servicing, and repair of machinery and equipment.
• Experience in a poultry-farming or agricultural production environment will be an added advantage.
• Practical experience in identifying equipment faults, carrying out routine inspections, and performing preventative maintenance.
• Experience using maintenance tools and equipment safely and correctly.
• The ability to follow maintenance schedules, complete job cards, and report work performed accurately.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

General Maintenance and Servicing of Farm Equipment

• Conduct routine inspections of machinery and equipment in accordance with supplier specifications, operating procedures, and maintenance manuals (BOPs).
• Perform preventative maintenance and scheduled servicing on agricultural machinery, equipment, and associated installations to minimise breakdowns and operational disruptions.
• Identify, diagnose, and repair mechanical and equipment-related faults as efficiently as possible.
• Respond to equipment breakdowns and carry out repairs in accordance with established maintenance procedures.
• Inspect agricultural machinery, equipment, buildings, and structures daily to identify potential defects, wear, damage, or safety risks.
• Report major faults, recurring problems, and equipment requiring specialised technical attention to the appropriate supervisor.
• Carry out quarantine and standby duties as assigned to support farm operations.
• Maintain and repair biosecurity fencing, electric fencing, gates, and related farm perimeter infrastructure.
• Ensure that all maintenance tools, equipment, and work areas are kept clean, organised, and safe.
• Complete allocated maintenance tasks within the required timeframes and maintain accurate records of work performed.
• Sign off completed maintenance tasks and submit job cards in accordance with company procedures.
• Follow all applicable occupational health and safety, biosecurity, and environmental requirements when performing maintenance activities.

Agricultural Machinery and Poultry Equipment Maintenance

The successful candidate will assist with the inspection, servicing, maintenance, and repair of agricultural machinery and equipment used in poultry production, including:

• Standby generators: Inspect generators, identify basic engine faults, check battery condition, and attend to diesel-related issues within the scope of the position.
• Water supply systems and meters: Inspect water supply installations, check meter integrity, identify leaks, and perform appropriate repairs.
• Air compressors: Conduct routine inspections, identify air leaks, and carry out maintenance in accordance with the applicable BOPs and operating procedures.
• Chicken trolleys: Inspect and maintain trolleys, ensuring that they remain safe, functional, and suitable for their intended use.
• Disinfection pump systems: Inspect pumps and associated components, identify faults, and assist with servicing and repairs.
• Gas heating systems: Inspect gas heaters, identify defects, and carry out authorised maintenance and repairs in accordance with safety requirements.
• Feed-line motors and gearboxes: Inspect motors, gearboxes, and associated components for damage, abnormal operation, or signs of wear.
• Drinker systems: Maintain drinker lines, water supply connections, filters, and related components to support a reliable water supply.
• Louvers, curtains, and winch units: Inspect, maintain, and repair ventilation components and operating mechanisms to ensure correct functionality.
• Fans and safety guards: Inspect fans, check the condition of safety guards, and report or repair faults that may affect safe operation.
• Lighting systems: Maintain poultry-house lights, dimming units, and lighting levels, including assisting with the correct positioning and levelling of lights.

All work must be completed in accordance with applicable procedures, equipment specifications, and the employee’s level of technical authorisation.

Civil and Building Maintenance

• Inspect and maintain water systems, including the main water supply and associated infrastructure.
• Perform general building maintenance and minor repairs involving doors, windows, locks, showers, and other farm facilities.
• Inspect roofs, roof structures, ceilings, and insulation for damage, deterioration, leaks, or other defects.
• Carry out plumbing repairs and attend to leaks, damaged pipes, faulty fittings, and other water-related maintenance issues around the farm.
• Maintain and repair quarantine quarters according to the approved maintenance schedule.
• Assist with general repairs to buildings, structures, walkways, and other farm infrastructure.
• Perform basic excavation and other maintenance-related ground preparation tasks when required.
• Operate lawnmowers, brush cutters, spades, garden forks, and other approved tools for grounds maintenance.
• Keep work areas neat and free from unnecessary obstructions, debris, and potential hazards.
• Identify and report structural defects or repairs that require specialised contractors or additional technical support.

Electrical Maintenance

• Carry out general electrical maintenance and authorised repairs on poultry-house lighting systems and associated equipment.
• Assist with equipment testing and basic electrical fault-finding when breakdowns occur.
• Inspect electrical installations and equipment for visible damage, loose connections, and other potential hazards.
• Perform general maintenance and repairs on specified electrical equipment within the limits of training and authorisation.
• Assist with the supervised replacement of single-phase and three-phase motors.
• Report electrical faults that require specialised intervention and ensure that unsafe equipment is not used until appropriately assessed.
• Use electrical tools and testing equipment correctly and in accordance with safety procedures.
• Ensure that electrical maintenance activities comply with relevant safety requirements and that isolation procedures are followed where applicable.

Electrical work must only be undertaken within the employee’s competence, training, and authorisation, with appropriate supervision where required.

Cull Handling, Incinerator Operation and Maintenance

• Assist with the safe handling, loading, and disposal of culled poultry in accordance with company procedures.
• Operate the incinerator in accordance with approved operating instructions, safety requirements, and environmental controls.
• Carry out routine cleaning and basic maintenance of the incinerator and its surrounding work area.
• Inspect the incinerator for visible defects and report mechanical, operational, or safety-related problems.
• Follow prescribed biosecurity, hygiene, and personal protective equipment requirements when handling poultry carcasses.
• Ensure that the handling and disposal process is performed responsibly to minimise contamination risks and maintain farm hygiene standards.
• Keep accurate records of assigned activities where required and ensure that waste is handled in accordance with applicable procedures.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following knowledge and practical skills:

• Attention to detail: Ability to identify defects, notice changes in equipment performance, and ensure that maintenance work is completed thoroughly.
• Accuracy in measurement: Ability to use measuring equipment correctly and take accurate measurements when inspecting, fitting, or repairing components.
• Mechanical aptitude: A sound practical understanding of mechanical components, machinery, motors, gearboxes, pumps, and other agricultural equipment.
• Electrical knowledge: Basic understanding of electrical systems, lighting installations, motors, equipment testing, and safe electrical maintenance practices.
• Welding and brazing: Practical knowledge of welding, brazing, and related techniques where required and appropriately authorised.
• Safe use of tools: Ability to operate electrical hand tools and general maintenance equipment safely and correctly.
• Pipework and plumbing: Experience cutting and joining PVC, galvanised, and compression pipes, including the correct fitting of joints and connections.
• Fault-finding: Ability to identify maintenance problems, investigate possible causes, and implement appropriate corrective action within the scope of the role.
• Preventative maintenance: Understanding of the importance of routine inspections, scheduled servicing, and early identification of equipment defects.
• Recordkeeping: Ability to complete job cards, document work performed, and report outstanding maintenance issues accurately.
• Communication: Ability to communicate maintenance concerns clearly and work cooperatively with supervisors and other team members.
• Time management: Ability to prioritise tasks, respond to breakdowns, and complete allocated maintenance work within agreed timeframes.
• Safety awareness: Commitment to following safety procedures, using protective equipment, and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Adaptability: Willingness to perform a variety of mechanical, electrical, civil, and general maintenance duties according to operational requirements.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate should be dependable, disciplined, proactive, and committed to maintaining high standards of workmanship. The role requires someone who takes responsibility for assigned tasks, approaches problems practically, and understands the importance of reliable equipment in supporting daily farm operations.

The candidate must be willing to work in a demanding agricultural environment, respond to reasonable operational requirements, and perform duties that may involve physical activity, outdoor work, and exposure to varying weather conditions.

A strong commitment to teamwork, workplace safety, biosecurity, cleanliness, and continuous improvement will be essential.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Comply with company policies, procedures, and applicable health and safety standards.
• Maintain professional conduct and respect workplace rules and operational instructions.
• Protect company property, tools, equipment, and facilities from damage or misuse.
• Maintain confidentiality where required and report incidents, hazards, and equipment defects promptly.
• Participate in maintenance planning and other work-related activities as directed by the supervisor.
• Perform other reasonable duties related to the position as required by operational needs.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Position: Maintenance Handyman

Location: Carolina

Closing Date: 30 October 2026

Interested candidates who meet the stated requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date. Applicants should ensure that their qualifications, relevant work experience, driver’s licence, and technical skills are clearly reflected in their application.

Only candidates who meet the requirements and are shortlisted may be contacted for further assessment. Applicants should ensure that all information supplied is accurate and complete.

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