Junior Boilermaker & Maintenance Specialist
Location: Sandringham, Johannesburg
Position Type: Permanent
Purpose of the Job
The Junior Boilermaker & Maintenance Specialist supports the organisation by maintaining and repairing hot water, cold water, and steam-based systems, including calorifier tanks, boilers, and associated piping infrastructure. The role includes boilermaking work, mechanical support, and progressive development into a general maintenance specialist capable of handling varied and complex challenges.
This position carries supervisory responsibility and plays a key role in guiding maintenance workers, promoting teamwork, and ensuring alignment with the organisation’s culture of excellence, service, and accountability.
Role and Responsibilities
Boilermaking & Fabrication
Hot Water, Steam & Cold Water Systems
- Conduct fault-finding, repairs, and preventive maintenance on:
- Steam lines and steam valves
- Calorifier (chlorifier) tanks
- Boilers and heat exchangers
- Hot water circulation pumps and reticulation
- Cold water supply pipes, valves, and fittings
- Inspect and maintain safety components such as pressure valves, steam traps, gauges, insulation, and safety controls.
- Troubleshoot issues relating to heat transfer, pressure fluctuations, leaks, flow restrictions, and system efficiency.
- Conduct minor installations, replacements, and commissioning of new components.
- Maintain accurate logs of pressure readings, temperatures, and repairs performed.
General Maintenance Duties
- Develop into a multi-skilled maintenance professional over time, covering plumbing, basic electrical, carpentry, painting, and general building work.
- Apply logical, systematic problem-solving approaches when diagnosing faults.
- Respond to maintenance requests efficiently and ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external contractors.
Supervisory & Leadership Responsibilities
- Oversee and guide a team of maintenance workers on daily tasks.
- Delegate work, monitor progress, and ensure quality standards are upheld.
- Provide coaching, technical guidance, and mentorship to junior team members.
- Support a positive team culture, professionalism, and alignment with organisational values.
Standby Duties
- Participate in standby schedule (1–2 weeks per month depending on roster).
- Respond to after-hours emergencies promptly to ensure continuity of essential services.
- Escalate significant risks or failures as needed.
Administration & Compliance
- Maintain job cards, service records, inspection logs, and maintenance reports.
- Ensure compliance with Occupational Health & Safety standards, particularly regarding steam systems and pressure vessels.
- Report hazards, risks, or system failures timeously.
Minimum Requirements
- Basic Boilermaking qualification (N2 or equivalent; trade test advantageous).
- Experience with steam systems, calorifier tanks, and hot water/boiler systems (highly advantageous).
- Understanding of cold-water reticulation and mechanical piping systems.
- Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport (mandatory).
- Able and willing to participate in standby rotation.
- Comfortable working in mechanical rooms, steam environments, and confined spaces
Qualifications and Education Requirements
- Minimum Requirements
- Basic Boilermaking qualification (N2 or equivalent; trade test advantageous).
- Experience with steam systems, calorifier tanks, and hot water/boiler systems (highly advantageous).
- Understanding of cold-water reticulation and mechanical piping systems.
- Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport (mandatory).
- Able and willing to participate in standby rotation.
- Comfortable working in mechanical rooms, steam environments, and confined spaces.
Preferred Skills
Technical Competencies
- Welding, cutting, grinding, and mechanical assembly.
- Knowledge of steam lines, calorifiers, safety valves, and pressure systems.
- Strong analytical ability for fault detection and problem-solving.
- Willingness to learn and expand into multiple maintenance areas.
Behavioural Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and mentor junior staff.
- High reliability, integrity, and accountability.
- Calm, structured, and solutions-driven under pressure.
- Commitment to organisational culture and service excellence.
Personal Attributes
- Hands-on, proactive, and eager to grow into a senior role over time.
- Resilient and comfortable dealing with complex mechanical challenges.
- Professional, respectful, and able to interact with staff, residents, and external service providers.
Working Conditions
- Work performed across multiple buildings, mechanical rooms, and plant spaces.
- Exposure to steam environments, heat, noise, and confined spaces.
- Requires physical effort including climbing, lifting, bending, and outdoor work.
- Standby duties are essential and may involve after-hours call-outs.