Jobs · National · Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Diesel Mechanic
Approximately Fifteen Months Contract)
Closes Monday 9 November 2026 at 16:00
The circular is the only authoritative source. Open the PDF at page 73 (opens in new tab)
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A fifteen-month contract as a diesel mechanic at Marion Island, a sub-Antarctic base. Suits a Red Seal qualified mechanic who can work alone and in small teams in isolated conditions.
- Maintain and repair power generators, air-conditioning, refrigeration, water and wastewater systems, pumps and valves, and forklifts and cranes.
- Requires a Red Seal Trade Certificate (or relevant qualification) and 3 years' post-trade experience as a diesel mechanic or in a related field.
- Needs diesel engine diagnostics and fault-finding skills, experience with electronic diagnostic tools, and knowledge of health and safety policies. Refrigeration experience is an advantage.
- The post is based at Marion Island for a full year, from April 2027 to May 2028, with no option to return to South Africa before May 2028.
- Must be physically fit, mentally strong, self-sufficient, and able to work and live with small groups. Shortlisted candidates undergo screening, security vetting, a medical examination and psychometric assessment at no cost to them.
- To apply, contact Mr Willem Boshoff on (021) 4937379 for enquiries. The advert does not state a closing date. Reference number OC31/2026.
Generated by claude-haiku-5-5 from the text below; it may be wrong or incomplete. Original wording, page 73 (opens in new tab)
Requirements
- Diesel Mechanic (Section 26D) Red Seal Trade Certificate issued by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) or relevant qualification.
- 3 years’ post trade experience as Diesel Mechanic or relevant field.
- Competency in diesel engine and generator maintenance, diagnostics, repairs and fault-finding, with knowledge of engine management systems, experience in operating electronic diagnostic tools as well as the ability to interpret results.
- The candidate has to be familiar with good workshop practices, correct use of basic workshop tools and an understanding of current work, health and safety policies.
- It would be an advantage if there is experience on refrigeration.
- The incumbent must be computer literate, have good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team.
Duties
- The incumbent will be responsible for maintenance and operation of the power generators and related equipment.
- Maintenance and repairs of air- conditioning, refrigeration-, water reticulation- and wastewater systems.
- Replacement and repair of mechanical pumps and valves as well as pipe fitting.
- Maintenance and all repairs of forklift, telescopic cranes, portable generators and transfer pumps.
- Operate forklift and cargo handling equipment.
- Maintenance of field huts and field equipment.
- The incumbent will report to the team leader and will be part of the technical team, led by the technical team leader that has to perform any additional base related technical functions.
- Prepare monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes to order spares and equipment and do other common “non-technical” duties performed by expedition members.
How to apply
All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.
Enquiries
Mr Willem Boshoff Tel No: (021) 4937379
Notes from the department
- The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements.
- The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island.
- There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2028.
- The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential.
- Although the base is well-equipped with e- mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated.
- The location may affect both the physical and mental well- being of the incumbent, their family and close relationships.
- Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work.
- In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function.
- Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment.
- Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.
As printed in Circular 38 of 2026 · page 73 · open the PDF (opens in new tab)
POST 38/134: DIESEL MECHANIC REF NO: OC31/2026 (Approximately Fifteen Months Contract) SALARY: R487 197 per annum, (plus 37% in lieu of service benefits) CENTRE: Marion Island REQUIREMENTS: Diesel Mechanic (Section 26D) Red Seal Trade Certificate issued by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) or relevant qualification. 3 years’ post trade experience as Diesel Mechanic or relevant field. Competency in diesel engine and generator maintenance, diagnostics, repairs and fault-finding, with knowledge of engine management systems, experience in operating electronic diagnostic tools as well as the ability to interpret results. The candidate has to be familiar with good workshop practices, correct use of basic workshop tools and an understanding of current work, health and safety policies. It would be an advantage if there is experience on refrigeration. The incumbent must be computer literate, have good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team. DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible for maintenance and operation of the power generators and related equipment. Maintenance and repairs of air- conditioning, refrigeration-, water reticulation- and wastewater systems. Replacement and repair of mechanical pumps and valves as well as pipe fitting. Maintenance and all repairs of forklift, telescopic cranes, portable generators and transfer pumps. Operate forklift and cargo handling equipment. Maintenance of field huts and field equipment. The incumbent will report to the team leader and will be part of the technical team, led by the technical team leader that has to perform any additional base related technical functions. Prepare monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes to order spares and equipment and do other common “non-technical” duties performed by expedition members. ENQUIRIES: Mr Willem Boshoff Tel No: (021) 4937379 NOTE: The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e- mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental well- being of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.