Scale Assistant – Grain Field Chickens Abattoir
- Company: Grain Field Chickens, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd
- Location: Reitz, Free State
- Department: Other
- Employment Type: Not specified
- Post Date: 16 September 2026
- Closing Date: 23 September 2026
Job Overview
Grain Field Chickens, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, is seeking a Scale Assistant to join its abattoir operations in Reitz, in the North-Eastern Free State.
The successful candidate will assist qualified artisans with semi-skilled activities related to the installation, repair and maintenance of equipment. The role will focus particularly on weighing scales, inkjet printing equipment and related machinery within the processing plant.
Job Description
The Scale Assistant will support artisans with maintenance and engineering activities while ensuring that workshop areas, weighing equipment and inkjet machinery are properly maintained and operational.
The successful candidate should have relevant experience in a chicken abattoir or manufacturing environment, a basic understanding of poultry plant machinery and a strong commitment to health and safety.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist artisans with installation, repair and maintenance activities.
- Maintain, clean and organise the workshop.
- Oversee scales, product distribution equipment and inkjet printing machinery throughout the processing plant.
- Ensure that scales are functioning correctly.
- Maintain and service weighing and inkjet equipment in the Processing Plant.
- Assist with inspections according to job cards issued.
- Complete daily paperwork before the end of each shift, including check sheets and job cards.
- Perform maintenance on scale equipment during weekends according to the shift roster.
- Assist with measures and installations aimed at reducing equipment downtime.
- Assist with breakdowns and other engineering work as instructed by the Shift Coordinator or Engineering Manager.
- Perform other duties as required by management.
Requirements
- Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 equivalent.
- N2 Certificate in Electrical or Mechanical studies.
- Related scale or mechanical courses will be advantageous.
- At least 2 years’ experience in a similar position within a chicken abattoir or manufacturing plant.
- Thorough understanding of health and safety requirements.
- Basic knowledge and awareness of poultry plant machinery.
- Willingness to work overtime, including shifts, weekends and public holidays when required.
Skills and Competencies
- Good observation and analytical skills.
- Strong communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Good client service orientation.
- Conflict-handling skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Ability to follow directions and instructions.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Reliable and safety-conscious approach to work.
Important Application Information
Applicants should take note of the following when applying through the VKB Career Portal:
- Use Google Chrome when accessing the application portal.
- Submit a clear copy of your CV in PDF or Word format.
- The CV must not contain handwriting.
- Only upload your CV in the designated Upload CV section.
- Do not upload a PDF containing additional documents such as an ID or driver’s licence in the CV section.
- The application form provides separate sections for supporting documents.
- If uploading a profile picture, ensure that it is at least 300 × 300 pixels.
Additional Information
Grain Field Chickens and VKB Group reserve the right to expire the vacancy at their discretion.
VKB Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Its approved Employment Equity Plan and targets will be considered during the recruitment process in line with the VKB Group Employment Equity and Transformation Strategy. The group also actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.
Personal information collected through the career portal will be used for recruitment purposes and, where applicable, purposes connected with employment.