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Semi-Skilled Mechanic

Full-time

Unitrans Recruitment

Minimum Education Level

Grade 12 | National Certificate

Summary

The Semi-Skilled Mechanic is responsible for providing hands-on mechanical assistance in the maintenance, repair, and servicing of heavy commercial vehicles, transport fleets, and
industrial or agricultural machinery used in transport, logistics, sugarcane haulage, mill-yard operations, and farming environments.

The role supports the reliability, safety, and roadworthiness of trucks, trailers, and heavy equipment , ensuring optimal fleet availability and operational continuity. Working under the
guidance of Senior Mechanics and the Workshop Foreman, the Semi-Skilled Mechanic performs routine preventative maintenance, assists in breakdown repairs, and supports both workshop and field-based mechanical operations.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

  • Minimum Grade 12
  • Code EC drivers licence 
  • Technical or vocational training in:
    o Mechanics
    o Diesel engines
    o Heavy equipment maintenance (advantageous)
  • Basic safety training (PPE use, hazard identification, manual handling)
  • 5 years’ experience in mechanical maintenance, workshop operations, or equipment servicing
  • Experience in transport fleets, logistics, agricultural, sugarcane, or industrial environments preferred
  • Exposure to trucks, trailers, heavy vehicles, or agricultural machinery advantageous

Technical Skills

  • Basic understanding of:
    o Diesel engines
    o Air and hydraulic brake systems
    o Suspension, steering, and driveline components
  • Ability to perform routine servicing and minor repairs under supervision
  • Knowledge of workshop tools, equipment, and maintenance practices
  • Basic maintenance record-keeping and parts tracking

Competencies

  • Strong safety awareness and attention to detail
  • Reliable, punctual, and disciplined
  • Willingness to learn and follow technical instruction
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills
  • Ability to work under pressure and adapt to operational demands
  • Physically fit for manual and technical work

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance and Mechanical Repairs

  • Assist with the inspection, fault-finding, and repair of mechanical issues on heavy vehicles, trucks, trailers, and equipment
    Perform routine preventive maintenance including:
    o Lubrication and greasing
    o Oil and fluid changes
    o Filter replacements
    o Basic mechanical adjustments
  • Support the replacement and repair of components such as:
    o Brakes, air systems, suspension, and steering
    o Hydraulics, hoses, and belts
    o Engine and driveline components under supervision
  • Assist with emergency roadside or field breakdowns to minimise operational downtime

Heavy Vehicles, Trucks and Transport Fleet Support

  • Assist with maintenance and servicing of road-going transport vehicles, including:
    o Long-haul and short-haul trucks
    o Cane haulage trucks and interlink combinations
    o Flatbeds, tippers, tankers, and logistics trailers
    o Articulated vehicles and abnormal-load equipment (where applicable)
  • Support inspections and maintenance of braking, steering, suspension, and driveline systems
    Assist in preparing trucks and trailers for:
    o Daily dispatch and operations
    o Roadworthiness inspections
    o Preventative maintenance schedules
    o Post-trip and post-season servicing

Heavy Equipment Support

  • Assist with maintenance and servicing of:
    o Tractors, loaders, harvesters
    o Forklifts and yard handling equipment
    o Earth-moving and support machinery
    o Trucks and Trailers
  • Support senior mechanics in equipment preparation before operation and after use
  • Assist with setting up and positioning machinery for safe operation

Workshop Support and Housekeeping

  • Maintain workshop tools, equipment, and machinery in good working order
  • Ensure the workshop, storage areas, and service bays are clean, organised, and free of hazards
  • Assist with stock control and storage of tools, parts, and consumables
  • Handle and store tools, oils, lubricants, and mechanical components safely

Field Support and Operational Assistance

  • Provide mechanical assistance on-site at farms, depots, transport yards, and mill-yard locations
  • Assist with moving, loading, unloading, and positioning heavy equipment and vehicle components
  • Support logistics and harvesting operations during peak and emergency periods

Safety, Health and Compliance

  • Strictly adhere to company health and safety policies and procedures
  • Use prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times, including safety boots, gloves, goggles, and reflective vests
  • Identify, report, and prevent unsafe conditions, defective machinery, or hazardous practices
  • Apply safe lifting techniques and hazard awareness when handling heavy parts or equipment
  • Comply with chemical handling and hazardous material procedures

Documentation and Reporting

  • Accurately record maintenance activities, repairs completed, and parts used
  • Report recurring breakdowns or mechanical issues to Senior Mechanics or the Workshop Foreman
  • Notify supervisors of low spare-parts stock or equipment requiring further attention
  • Assist with audits, inspections, and compliance checks

Communication and Teamwork

  • Follow instructions from the Workshop Foreman, Workshop Manager, and Senior Mechanics
  • Communicate clearly regarding vehicle condition, repair status, and downtime impacts
  • Work collaboratively with mechanics, electricians, drivers, operators, and logistics teams
  • Support efficient coordination across workshop, transport, and field operations
Vacancy posted 6 hours ago

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