Mechanical Technician (Officer- post level 10/11): Facilities Management

The University of the Free State (UFS) is looking for a dedicated Mechanical Technician to join its Facilities Management team in Bloemfontein. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity within the University Estates division. If you have an N6 Engineering qualification, a Trade Test in Industrial Refrigeration, and at least two years of relevant experience, we encourage you to apply!

About the Role

As a Mechanical Technician, you will play a crucial role in maintaining and managing mechanical equipment and systems across the university campuses. This position involves both hands-on work and administrative duties, ensuring the smooth operation of vital facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect and ensure the quality of all mechanical equipment and workmanship.
• Manage daily work tasks and operations.
• Oversee quality control for repairs and new mechanical installations.
• Assist with signing off preventive planned maintenance job cards.
• Request and allocate work to mechanical contractors based on scope.
• Obtain quotations according to specifications and sign off invoices upon completion.
• Evaluate and advertise official quotations.
• Make informed decisions in the absence of the Section Head.
• Be available for after-hours services and monthly service trips to the Qwaqwa Campus.
• Manage the Building Management System (BMS).
• Oversee various preventive maintenance contracts including Atbro Systems, General Mechanical (Generators, Boilers, Industrial Air Conditioning, pumps, heat pumps, autoclaves), Elevator Services, and Swimming Pool Chemical Supply/Dosing.
• Manage tasks related to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) mandatory certifications (e.g., Annexure B, Fire Curtains, pressure vessels, boilers, LPG).
• Organise and prioritise tasks related to preventative procedures and develop strategic mechanical preventative maintenance strategies.
• Identify common faults in mechanical equipment, provide resolutions, and follow through.

Requirements for this Position

Inherent Job Requirements:

• An N6 Engineering qualification (NQF Level 5). (Please attach a copy)
• A Trade Test qualification in Industrial Refrigeration. (Please attach a copy)
• A minimum of two (2) years’ relevant post-qualification experience as a technician.
• A valid driver’s license (Code 8 or 10). (Please attach a copy)

Recommended Skills and Experience:

• Experience with applicable mechanical contracts, especially preventive maintenance contracts for specific institutions.
• Strong 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 or good knowledge of working on complex sites, such as universities.

Key Competencies

• Results-Oriented: Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle high-stress situations calmly and effectively.
• Strategic Thinking: Attention to detail, striving for perfection, and maintaining an organised approach to work.
• Business Acumen: Adherence to rules and regulations, and proficiency in MS Office.
• Leading: Cooperative and good-natured, encouraging teamwork.
• Building Coalitions: Makes decisions through consultation and collaboration, working effectively under supervision.

Remuneration and Benefits

The annual remuneration package, including benefits, ranges from R 447,323.31 to R 562,750.48 per annum. The exact salary will depend on the budget available, relevant work experience, and qualifications.

Fringe benefits (subject to specific conditions) include a pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus, and study benefits.

Application Process

IMPORTANT: INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To apply, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, along with the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained. (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your South African Identity Document (ID) or passport for foreign nationals.
• Confirmation of employment (e.g., a letter, contract, service certificate, or recent payslip) from your current or most recent employer (for external applicants only).

Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments, so we recommend merging some documents into fewer files to avoid upload issues.

Closing Date: 15 September 2025

Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible.

Enquiries

For enquiries, please contact 051 401 9813 or email PhokaR@ufs.ac.za. You can also call 051 401 2558 / 2876 / 2979 for assistance.

About the University of the Free State (UFS)

The UFS is a designated employer committed to diversity, excellence, and redress in achieving its equity targets. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including candidates with disabilities, in line with the University’s Employment Equity Plan.

The University processes personal information according to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). All personal data provided will be treated confidentially.

The University reserves the right not to fill this post. Only applications from candidates who meet all inherent requirements will be considered, and communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates. If you do not hear back within six weeks of the closing date for applications, please assume your application was unsuccessful.