Maintenance Assistant x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Maintenance Assistant
- Company: Grain Field Chickens Abattoir
- Parent Company: VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd
- Location: Reitz, Free State
- Department: Other
- Post Date: 31 August 2026
- Closing Date: 7 September 2026
- Education: Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 equivalent
- Technical Qualification: N2 Certificate in Electrical or Mechanical
- Experience: 2 years in a similar position in a chicken abattoir or manufacturing plant
- Work Schedule: Must be willing to work overtime, shifts, weekends and public holidays when required
Job Description
Grain Field Chickens Abattoir is seeking a Maintenance Assistant to support a qualified artisan with day-to-day maintenance activities. The successful candidate will assist with maintaining machinery, equipment, buildings and infrastructure while helping to minimise plant downtime and ensure smooth production.
The role requires someone with relevant technical knowledge, strong attention to detail and a good understanding of workplace health and safety requirements. The successful candidate must also be familiar with poultry plant machinery and be able to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Assisting the qualified artisan with maintenance activities.
- Maintaining, cleaning and organising the workshop.
- Helping to minimise plant downtime and unnecessary production losses.
- Conducting daily inspections of machinery and tools within the production plant.
- Recording and reporting inspection findings.
- Ensuring monthly planned maintenance is completed on machinery and tools.
- Continuously inspecting conveyors to ensure they remain operational and functional.
- Repairing relevant buildings and infrastructure when requested by management.
- Assisting with plant breakdowns and repairs to minimise downtime.
- Applying and enforcing ISO, HACCP, Occupational Health and Safety, and 20 Keys requirements in the workplace.
- Liaising with internal departments to maintain service and product quality.
- Following all applicable safety procedures and requirements.
- Performing additional duties as assigned by management.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 equivalent.
- N2 Certificate in Electrical or Mechanical.
- Related 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, shifts, weekends and public holidays when required.
Skills & Competencies
- Good observation and analytical skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent client service orientation.
- Ability to handle conflict.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Ability to follow directions and instructions.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.