Maintenance Mechanic - Plumbing

Maintenance Mechanic - Plumbing


Company
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa
Location
Pretoria
Posted
25 days ago
Via
BeBee
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Job Description
Introduction
The U.S. Consulate in Cape Town is seekling eligible and qualified applicants for a position of Maintenance Mechanic-Plumbing (Plumber) in the Facility Management Office.
Basic Function of Position
The incumbent reports to the Mechanical Engineer. The incumbent is employed as a journeyman level Maintenance Mechanic - Plumber to carry out skilled maintenance and repair work on the critical and non-critical mechanical and plumbing systems throughout the New Embassy Compound (NEC)/New Consulate Compound (NCC) functional/office buildings, on-compound ancillary support and residential buildings, above and below ground infrastructures, recreational facilities, and other owned/leased properties.
Required Qualifications
Education

Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of vocational training program from an accredited institute recognized as producing journeyman level plumbers and mechanical system specialists trained in the maintenance of commercial or industrial buildings/facilities is required. Training through a recognized apprenticeship program provided by a trade union is considered acceptable.

Work Experience A minimum of three (3) years exoperience working as a journey-level plumber in the repair and maintenance of plumbing/mechanical systems in commercial or industrial facilities is required. Must have experience working with PVC, CPVC, copper, galvanized, concrete, and black pipe, circulation and well pumps, and water treatment equipment.

Language

English - Limited Knowledge - Speaking, reading and writing

Job Knowledge The incumbent is required to have a thorough, technical understanding of major building plumbing/mechanical systems and equipment, with a specialty in plumbing systems. Familiarization with general mechanical systems, including domestic hot and cold-water piping systems, wastewater piping systems and vent stacks, storm water management systems, chilled water systems, water treatment facilities, swimming pool equipment, fire suppression systems, compressed air systems, and irrigation systems is required. Familiarization with the many different types of pipe and fittings (PVC and CPVC, copper, galvanized, concrete, black, etc.) is required.

Must know how to diagnose the root cause of a problem and what materials and equipment will be needed to facilitate repairs. Must know how to work safely on equipment, systems, and associated components including the use of lock-out / tag-out safety measure. Knowledge of IBC standards, and fire and life safety codes are required.

Skills & Abilities The incumbent must be skilled at reading and interpreting technical documents including layout drawings, as-built drawings, riser diagrams, equipment schedules, operations and maintenance manuals, and other manufacturer's literature. The incumbent shall have the skills and abilities in the following areas: diagnosing and repairing filtration systems, water pumps, hot and cold-water systems; testing potable water system components, monitoring of chemical and salt injection systems, and taking equipment readings with various meters; use of hand tools, power tools, and specialty tools to determine appropriate repairs. Additional skills include installation and repair to the various types of plumbing pipe such as PVC and CPVC, copper, galvanized, concrete, and black pipe; distinguishing frequencies and sounds, color codes and odors in the operation of equipment in order to troubleshoot for repairs.

Additional abilities include responding to emergency situations in an efficient and timely manner to effect immediate repairs; work in various adverse conditions such as tight or enclosed spaces,

on ladders at various heights, and in temperature extremes, indoors or outdoors to complete work assignments; communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, contractors, and vendors to obtain and provide pertinent information. Must be computer literate, able to navigate through the Microsoft Office Suite software including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point; able to draft reports and create spreadsheets, and able to write e-mails and research information on the Internet. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to handle a large workload and multiple tasks.

Must be organized.

DISCLAIMER

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Plumber Jobs

Q What is the minimum hourly wage for qualified plumbers in South Africa from 1 March 2026?
The Department of Employment and Labour sets the National Minimum Wage at R28.79 per hour for plumbers as of 1 March 2026. This applies to all Sectoral Determination 13 workers with overtime paid at 1.5 times the rate after 45 hours per week. Employers must display the wage schedule at every workplace.
Q Which trade test certificate is required to legally work as a plumber in South Africa in 2026?
Candidates must hold a Red Seal trade certificate issued after passing the QCTO trade test at an accredited centre. The certificate number must be registered on the National Artisan Database by 31 December 2025 for 2026 employment. No plumber may be employed without this qualification under the Skills Development Act.
Q How many annual leave days and sick leave days are plumbers entitled to under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act in 2026?
Plumbers receive 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave after 12 months of employment and 30 days of paid sick leave over a 36-month cycle. The leave must be taken within 6 months after the leave cycle ends or it is forfeited.
Q What documents must be submitted when applying for a plumber position through the Department of Employment and Labour in 2026?
Applicants must submit a certified ID copy, Red Seal certificate, proof of residence, and a completed Z83 form to the nearest labour centre. All documents must be uploaded to the ESSA online portal by 30 June 2026 for the annual placement cycle.
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