Preparation Plant Operator- Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd x1
Job Details
- Position: Preparation Plant Operator
- Company: Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture
- Location: Villiers, Free State
- Department: Other
- Post Date: 8 July 2026
- Closing Date: 14 August 2026
- Employment Type: Not specified
Job Overview
Free State Oil, a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture, is looking for a dedicated and safety-conscious Preparation Plant Operator to operate and monitor the preparation plant and ensure efficient, safe and reliable production.
The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring plant processes and equipment, achieving daily production targets, maintaining product quality, performing basic troubleshooting and ensuring compliance with food safety and Occupational Health and Safety standards.
About Free State Oil
Free State Oil (Pty) Ltd is a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd and operates in the edible oil industry from Villiers in the Eastern Free State.
As part of the VKB Group, Free State Oil operates within an agricultural business that spans the food supply chain, including farming, processing, logistics and local and international market channels.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 qualification.
- A relevant Degree or Diploma in Production, Engineering, Process Operations or a related field will be advantageous.
- A valid driver’s licence.
- Previous experience in a preparation, processing, crushing or manufacturing plant environment will be advantageous.
- Ability to continuously add value to the plant’s operations and overall function.
Key Responsibilities
The Preparation Plant Operator will be responsible for:
- Operating and monitoring preparation plant processes and equipment.
- Ensuring daily production targets are achieved safely and efficiently.
- Following production schedules to maximise productivity and minimise downtime.
- Starting, operating and shutting down machinery according to standard operating procedures and manufacturer specifications.
- Monitoring process parameters and making adjustments to maintain optimal performance and product quality.
- Conducting routine plant inspections.
- Identifying operational problems and potential risks.
- Performing basic maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Clearing blockages to minimise production interruptions.
- Maintaining high housekeeping standards within the plant.
- Ensuring compliance with quality control and food safety requirements.
- Following relevant legislation and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures.
- Working closely with maintenance, quality and production teams.
- Completing operational records, checklists and reports accurately.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should have:
- Strong service orientation.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Accurate and thorough approach to work.
- Computer literacy.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.
- Good communication skills.
- Strong teamwork abilities.
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Commitment to safety and quality standards.