Artisan Foreman Grade A: Fitter & Plumber x2
Position Details
- Job Title: Artisan Foreman Grade A: Fitter & Plumber
- Reference Number: H/A/23/2026
- Number of Posts: 2
- 1 × Fitter
- 1 × Plumber
- Centre: Universitas Academic Hospital
- Salary: R397 329 per annum
- Benefits:
- 13th Cheque
- Homeowner Allowance
- Medical Aid (Optional, subject to prescribed requirements)
Job Purpose
The Artisan Foreman Grade A is responsible for supervising artisans and maintenance staff while ensuring the effective repair, maintenance, installation, and inspection of hospital infrastructure, engineering systems, and equipment. The position focuses on preventative maintenance, fault-finding, repair of operational and medical equipment, administration of maintenance activities, and ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
The successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining hospital engineering services and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare operations through effective maintenance management and technical leadership.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Qualifications
- Senior Certificate (Grade 12).
- Appropriate Trade Test Certificate recognized by South African Qualifications Authority.
Trade Qualification Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Completed apprenticeship training.
- Proof of passing a Trade Test in terms of Section 13(2)(h) of the Manpower Training Act, 1981 (as amended), or
- Trade Certificate issued under the provisions of the repealed Section 27 of the same Act.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years’ experience as a qualified Artisan.
Technical Knowledge Requirements
The successful candidate should possess knowledge of:
Mechanical and Maintenance Systems
- Steam reticulation systems.
- Steam boiler maintenance.
- Pump systems.
- Generator systems.
- Preventative maintenance principles.
- Mechanical repairs and installations.
- Welding techniques and applications.
- Fault-finding and troubleshooting.
Hospital Equipment Maintenance
- Autoclave maintenance and repairs.
- Medical equipment maintenance.
- Operational equipment maintenance.
- Equipment inspections and testing.
Electrical and Engineering Systems
- Medium-voltage substations.
- Switchgear systems.
- ISOLOCS systems.
- PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems.
- Generator applications.
- Electrical installations.
Building Services
- Plumbing systems.
- Water reticulation systems.
- Mechanical infrastructure.
- Plant room operations.
- Hospital engineering services.
Regulatory Knowledge
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act).
- Public Service legislation and regulations.
- Maintenance policies and procedures.
- Asset maintenance standards.
Additional Technical Competencies
Knowledge or experience in:
- Reading floor plans.
- Reading schematic drawings.
- Maintenance scheduling.
- Equipment inspections.
- Job card management.
- Preventative maintenance programmes.
- Maintenance reporting.
- Infrastructure maintenance planning.
Additional Advantageous Competencies
- Single-Phase Wireman’s Licence.
- Installation Electrician qualification.
- Generator maintenance knowledge.
- Switchgear maintenance experience.
- PLC operational knowledge.
Required Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills
- Mechanical maintenance.
- Fitting and machining.
- Plumbing installation and repairs.
- Welding.
- Equipment inspections.
- Fault diagnosis.
- Preventative maintenance.
- Technical troubleshooting.
Supervisory Skills
- Team leadership.
- Staff supervision.
- Work allocation.
- Performance monitoring.
- Quality control.
- Training and mentoring.
Administrative Skills
- Job card administration.
- Maintenance record keeping.
- Report writing.
- Register management.
- Planning and scheduling.
Computer Skills
- Basic computer literacy.
- Electronic maintenance systems.
- Microsoft Office applications.
Communication Skills
- Written communication.
- Verbal communication.
- Technical reporting.
- Stakeholder engagement.
Personal Attributes
- Honesty and integrity.
- Strong work ethic.
- Reliability.
- Accountability.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Good interpersonal relationships.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Maintenance Supervision
- Supervise maintenance personnel and artisans.
- Allocate maintenance work and monitor progress.
- Ensure maintenance work is completed according to required standards.
- Monitor productivity and performance of staff.
- Ensure quality workmanship at all times.
2. Job Request Management
- Monitor completion of maintenance requests (H24 system).
- Prioritize maintenance activities according to operational requirements.
- Track outstanding maintenance requests.
- Ensure timely completion of assigned work.
- Verify quality of completed repairs.
3. Repair and Maintenance Services
Provide maintenance and repair services relating to:
Fitter Functions
- Mechanical equipment repairs.
- Steam systems maintenance.
- Boiler maintenance.
- Pump maintenance.
- Generator maintenance.
- Welding and fabrication work.
- Mechanical fault diagnosis.
Plumber Functions
- Water supply systems.
- Drainage systems.
- Pipe installations.
- Leak detection and repairs.
- Sanitation systems.
- Plumbing infrastructure maintenance.
4. Preventative Maintenance
- Implement preventative maintenance programmes.
- Conduct routine inspections.
- Identify potential equipment failures.
- Schedule servicing activities.
- Ensure optimal equipment performance.
- Minimize equipment downtime.
5. Medical and Operational Equipment Maintenance
- Repair and maintain medical equipment where applicable.
- Maintain operational and engineering equipment.
- Conduct equipment inspections according to standards.
- Ensure equipment reliability and safety.
6. Inspection and Compliance
- Inspect infrastructure and equipment.
- Ensure compliance with maintenance standards.
- Apply Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
- Identify safety risks and hazards.
- Recommend corrective actions.
7. Maintenance Administration
- Maintain job cards and maintenance records.
- Update maintenance registers.
- Compile maintenance reports.
- Record completed work.
- Monitor maintenance documentation.
- Ensure proper filing and record keeping.
8. Staff Development
- Supervise subordinate staff.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship.
- Monitor employee performance.
- Assist with skills development.
- Promote safe working practices.
- Maintain discipline within the team.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
The successful candidate will be evaluated on:
- Completion of maintenance requests within required timeframes.
- Quality of repairs and maintenance work.
- Equipment reliability and availability.
- Compliance with maintenance standards and OHS requirements.
- Effectiveness of preventative maintenance programmes.
- Staff supervision and development.
- Accuracy of maintenance records and reports.
- Response time to maintenance emergencies.
- Asset preservation and infrastructure condition.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should:
- Be a qualified artisan with strong technical expertise.
- Have experience supervising maintenance teams.
- Possess strong fault-finding and troubleshooting abilities.
- Be knowledgeable in hospital or institutional maintenance environments.
- Demonstrate leadership and organizational skills.
- Be committed to workplace safety and quality standards.
- Have excellent problem-solving capabilities.
- Work effectively under pressure and during emergencies.
Career Development Opportunities
This position provides valuable experience and advancement opportunities in:
- Engineering Maintenance Management
- Facilities Management
- Hospital Engineering Services
- Mechanical Maintenance Supervision
- Infrastructure Maintenance Management
- Technical Operations Management
- Asset Management
- Engineering Project Management
Suitable Qualifications
Applicants with the following backgrounds are particularly suitable:
For Fitter Post
- Mechanical Engineering Trade
- Fitter and Turner
- Maintenance Fitter
- Mechanical Maintenance Artisan
For Plumber Post
- Plumbing Trade Qualification
- Building Services Plumbing
- Industrial Plumbing
- Maintenance Plumbing