Job Description

Job Title
Mechanical Technician (Officer- post level 10/11): Facilities Management (Job ID 6239)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People & Operations -> Facilities Management -> University Estates
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Semi-Skilled
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
15/9/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website:

https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll

- Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

Duties and responsibilities:

Inspect workmanship and all mechanical equipment. Responsible for daily work task operations. Responsible for quality control on repairs and new mechanical installations. Assist with signing off on the preventive planned maintenance job cards. Request allocations to mechanical contractors depending on the scope of work. Obtain quotations as per pre-determined specifications. Sign off on invoices after inspection of completed work. Evaluate and advertise Official quotations. Make informed decisions on behalf of the Section Head in his absence. Available for after-hours services. Available for monthly service trips to the Qwaqwa Campus. Manage the Building Management System (BMS). Manage the Atbro Systems Preventive contract (Strategic planning for service week). Manage the Mechanical Preventive contract (Generators, Boilers, Industrial Air conditioning, mechanical pumps, heat pumps, autoclaves, etc.). Manage the Elevator Preventive Service contract Manage the swimming pool Chemical Supply and Dosing contract. Manage tasks related to Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Responsible for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) mandatory certifications (Annexure B, Fire Curtains, pressure vessels, boilers, Liquid Petroleum Gas). Responsible for organising/prioritiaing tasks related to preventative procedures. Strategic planning for mechanical preventative maintenance strategies. Identify common fault locations on various mechanical equipment, provide resolution and follow through.

Inherent Job Requirements:

An N6 Engineering qualification on NQF Level 5 (attach a copy). Trade test (Industrial Refrigeration) qualification (attach a copy). Minimum of two (2) years' post-qualification relevant experience as a technician. Valid driver's license code 8 or 10 (attach a copy).

Recommendations:

Experience in applicable mechanical contracts, such as Preventive Maintenance contracts done per the company to service specific institutions. Knowledge in Air Conditioning, Industrial Air Conditioning, Domestic Emergency Power Generators, Steam systems, LP Gas, Diesel burners, Boilers, Pressure Vessels, Water softening, and Heat pumps. Experience / Good knowledge of working on complex sites (such as universities).

Competencies

Key Competencies Required:

Results-Oriented:

The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.

Strategic Thinking:

The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

Business Acumen:

The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together. Building Coalitions: The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Required Documents

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

15 September 2025

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R 447 323.31 - R 562 750.48 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2558 / 2876 / 2979 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.