Mechanical Shift Technician

Job Purpose

The Mechanical Shift Technician is responsible for executing mechanical maintenance, fault finding, repairs, and inspections during allocated shifts to ensure the safe, reliable, and continuous operation of mechanical equipment supporting zinc mining and processing operations, in compliance with statutory, safety, and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety, Health & Statutory Compliance
• Carry out all work in compliance with Mine Health and Safety legislation, site standards, and safe‑work procedures.
• Apply lock‑out/tag‑out, isolations, permit‑to‑work, and working‑at‑heights or confined‑space procedures.
• Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and task risk assessments.
• Identify, report, and address unsafe conditions, leaks, or mechanical hazards.
• Maintain safe, tidy work areas and ensure equipment is left in a safe condition after maintenance.

Mechanical Maintenance & Repairs

• Perform planned, breakdown, and corrective mechanical maintenance during shift operations.
• Maintain and repair equipment including:
• Crushers, screens, feeders, and conveyors
• Mills, pumps, agitators, and thickeners
• Gearboxes, bearings, couplings, and drive systems
• Slurry pipelines, valves, chutes, and mechanical structures
• Strip, inspect, repair, and reassemble mechanical assemblies to specification.
• Conduct alignments, component change‑outs, and installations.

Breakdown Response & Shift Support

• Respond promptly to mechanical breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
• Diagnose faults and implement effective repairs under production pressure.
• Prioritise shift work in consultation with operations and supervision.
• Support plant start‑ups, shutdowns, and changeovers as required.

Preventive Maintenance & Inspections

• Execute scheduled preventive maintenance tasks as per maintenance plans.
• Conduct routine inspections and condition monitoring.
• Identify wear patterns, misalignment, vibration, leaks, or abnormal noise.
• Report repeat failures and improvement opportunities to supervision.

Tools, Equipment & Housekeeping

• Use mechanical tools, lifting equipment, and rigging safely and correctly.
• Maintain personal and shared tools in good working condition.
• Perform housekeeping in plant areas, workshops, and mechanical rooms.
• Ensure guards, covers, and safety devices are reinstalled after maintenance.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete job cards and work orders accurately in the CMMS (SAP / Pragma / equivalent).
• Record spares usage, work completed, defects found and follow‑up actions.
• Provide clear shift handover information to incoming teams.

Teamwork & Development

• Work effectively with fellow artisans, technicians, electricians, and operators.
• Assist with mentoring apprentices or assistants when required.
• Participate in training, refresher courses, and skills development initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Trade Test Certificate – Mechanical Fitter
• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4
• Valid mechanical trade authorisation for mine work
• Medically fit for mine and shift work

Advantageous

• Experience in mineral processing equipment
• Rigging and lifting certification
• Basic hydraulics and pneumatics training
• Condition monitoring or vibration awareness

Experience Requirements

• 3–6 years post‑trade mechanical experience

Experience in:

• Mining or heavy industrial environments
• Shift‑based maintenance roles
• Processing plants (zinc advantageous)

Technical Competencies

• Mechanical fault finding and repair
• Rotating and fixed plant maintenance
• Bearing, gearbox, and coupling maintenance
• Welding and fabrication support
• Reading mechanical drawings and manuals
• Use of CMMS systems