Maintenance Assistant – Grain Field Chickens Abattoir (Reitz)
- Location: Reitz, Free State
- Company: VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd – Grain Field Chickens
- Department: Other
- Closing Date: 5 August 2026
Job Overview
Grain Field Chickens, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, is seeking a Maintenance Assistant to join its abattoir team in Reitz. This role is ideal for a technically minded individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will assist qualified artisans with the maintenance, inspection, and repair of production equipment, helping to ensure the smooth operation of the poultry processing plant while maintaining high safety and quality standards.
Job Description
As a Maintenance Assistant, you will support the maintenance team by carrying out inspections, assisting with machinery repairs, maintaining workshop cleanliness, and helping to reduce production downtime. You will also assist in maintaining buildings and infrastructure while ensuring compliance with health, safety, and food safety regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist qualified artisans with daily maintenance activities.
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe workshop.
- Perform daily inspections of production machinery and tools.
- Record and report inspection findings.
- Assist with planned preventative maintenance on machinery and equipment.
- Monitor conveyor systems to ensure continuous operation.
- Assist with repairing machinery breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
- Carry out maintenance and repairs on buildings and infrastructure as required.
- Apply and adhere to ISO, HACCP, Occupational Health and Safety, and 20 Keys principles.
- Work closely with internal departments to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Perform additional maintenance-related duties as assigned by management.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 or NQF Level 4 qualification.
- N2 Certificate in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
- Related mechanical training or courses will be advantageous.
- At least 2 years’ experience in a similar maintenance role within a chicken abattoir or manufacturing plant.
- Good understanding of Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
- Basic knowledge of poultry processing plant machinery.
- Willingness to work overtime, shifts, weekends, and public holidays when required.
Required Skills
- Strong observation and analytical skills.
- Good communication and teamwork abilities.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Customer service orientation.
- Ability to handle conflict professionally.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team.