Semi-Skilled Mechanic

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.

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

Qualifications Skills and Experience

• Minimum Grade 12
• 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