Maintenance Mechanic - Plumbing (FAC)

Maintenance Mechanic - Plumbing (FAC)

Pretoria, South Africa

Company
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa
Location
Pretoria
Posted
4 days ago
Via
Pnet

Job Description
Introduction

The U.S. Mission in Pretoria is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for a position of Maintenance Mechanic - Plumbing in the Office of Facility Management (FAC).

Duties & Responsibilities

The incumbent reports to the Building Maintenance Supervisor . 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) functional/office buildings, on-compound ancillary support and residential buildings, above and below ground infrastructures, recreational facilities, and other owned/leased properties.

1. Operations and Maintenance Support (90%)

a. Performs preventive maintenance and repairs on plumbing/mechanical systems including: air compressors, fire suppression systems, commercial and domestic toilet facilities, fixtures, valves, piping, domestic water and sump pumps, water supply boosters, water sewage treatment systems, domestic and solar water heaters, fuel pumps, oilwater separators and grease traps to ensure optimal and un-interrupted operation of the mechanical systems. Duties also include maintenance of gutters and roof drains, storm drains, and the irrigation systems as applicable. Responds to scheduled, unscheduled and preventive maintenance work orders generated by the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

b. Identifies and corrects infrastructure and equipment problems by performing plumbing and associated mechanical inspections every day as part of a proactive maintenance plan to maintain facilities and equipment in an efficient operating condition, prevent degradation of property, equipment, and system components, and prevent failures that would cause service interruption. Ensures that all assigned maintenance tasks are carried out promptly as described in the work orders, and in accordance with manufactures repair or replacement requirements. The following systems are part of the incumbent’s responsibility: 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. The incumbent will be required to make repairs using many different types of pipe and fittings such as PVC and CPVC, copper, galvanized, concrete, black, etc.

c. Responds to emergency calls during off-duty hours, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week (24/7), when critical systems have stopped functioning, or there is an imminent threat to the life safety of personnel, or structure integrity.

d. Assists with monitoring the work of specialty service contractors, as delegated, and provides feedback to the Building Maintenance Supervisor and/or the Senior/Deputy/Facility Manager concerning the contractor’s quality of work.

e. Monitors weekly and monthly water (potable and gray water) system performance to maintain system reliability and provides report on any discrepancies to the Building Maintenance Supervisor and the Senior/Deputy/Facility Manager.

f. Performs regular checks for consumable material usage. Monitors spare parts and materials inventories and reorders items when low stock levels are reached. The incumbent will provide detailed and concise written reports in English to the Building Maintenance Supervisor, the Senior/Deputy/Facility Manager, and upper-level management personnel as required. Ensures proper use of time, tools, and materials and that the work areas are kept clean and safe.

2. Logistics Support (10%)

a. Collateral duty assignments will be at the discretion of the Building Maintenance Supervisor or the

Senior/Deputy/Facility Manager. Other assigned duties are to support post activities including relocations, emergency actions, escorting, special Embassy functions, and monitoring contractors on site. The incumbent may be required to assist other Facility Management Locally Employed (LE) Staff and other shops as part of the maintenance team effort on special assignments.

Note: Incumbent serves as an incidental operator of official vehicles and meets all requirements outlined in 14 FAM 433.
• *Note: This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by incumbent. Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency.

Desired Experience & Qualification

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.

Prior Work Experience

A minimum of three (3) years’ experience 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 Proficiency

English - Limited knowledge; speaking, reading & writing.

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.
• Must have a valid, current driver’s license for Code 8. Must have had a valid driver’s license for a minimum of five (5) years.

Package & Remuneration

Basic Salary: R 370,262 - R 518,366 per annum

Non-cash benefits also include medical, pension and others where applicable

Disclaimer

Successful candidate must be able to obtain and hold a local security certification or public trust clearances.

If you not heard back from us within two weeks after the submission date has closed, please cosider your application unsuccesful for this vacancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Plumber Jobs in South Africa

Q What is the national minimum wage for plumbers in South Africa in 2026?
As per the Department of Employment and Labour, the national minimum wage is R30.81 per hour effective 1 March 2026 for all workers including plumbers. This amounts to R5,342 per month based on 173.33 average ordinary hours. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the rate for the first 10 hours per week.
Q What is the average monthly salary for qualified plumbers in South Africa in 2026?
Statistics South Africa reports the average monthly earnings for plumbers and related trades at R28,750 in 2026 from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey. Entry-level qualified plumbers earn R22,500 while those with 5+ years experience average R38,200. These figures exclude bonuses averaging R4,500 annually.
Q As a foreign plumber, what visa do I need to work in South Africa in 2026?
Plumbers qualify for the Critical Skills Work Visa as listed on the 2026 Critical Skills List, valid for 5 years without a job offer required. Submit SAQA-evaluated NQF Level 4 plumbing qualification and 3 years experience proof to Department of Home Affairs. Processing fee is R1,520 with approval in 20-60 working days.
Q What qualifications and experience are required for plumber jobs in South Africa?
A National Certificate in Plumbing at NQF Level 4 and a passing trade test (Red Seal) from an accredited centre are mandatory. This requires completing a 3-year apprenticeship with 120 credits structured learning. Unqualified applicants need Phase 1-3 training via QCTO-approved providers.
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