Chief Mine Mechanic

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance bonuses

Accommodation and site allowances

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly experienced Chief Mine Mechanic to oversee maintenance and repair of heavy mining equipment in Queenstown. You will lead a mechanics team, manage spare parts, and implement preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.

On-site role with a strong focus on safety and reliability. The role requires a trade certificate in diesel/mechanical repair, 10+ years on heavy mining gear, and at least 3 years in leadership.

Qualifications

• Trade certificate in diesel mechanics or heavy machinery repair.
• 10+ years maintaining and repairing heavy mining equipment.
• 3+ years in supervisory or leadership roles.
• Extensive knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics, transmissions and electrical systems.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex mechanical issues.
• Experience with preventative maintenance and fleet management systems.
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure on a remote site.
• Knowledge of safety procedures in mining.
• Proficient computer skills for record-keeping and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mechanical maintenance team for efficient workflow.
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance schedules for all mining equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic and electrical faults.
• Oversee maintenance of fixed plant equipment.
• Manage spare parts inventory and control costs.
• Ensure health, safety and environmental regulations are followed.
• Maintain maintenance records and prepare equipment status reports.
• Identify improvements to reliability and reduce maintenance costs.
• Conduct safety inspections of equipment and workshop areas.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior mechanics and apprentices.

Skills

Leadership

Diesel engines

Hydraulics

Electrical systems

Diagnostics

Fleet management

Preventive maintenance

Remote site work

Safety compliance

Computer literacy

Education

Trade Certificate: Diesel Mechanics

NQF Level 3/4

Tools

Diesel engines

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Chief Mine Mechanic to oversee the maintenance and repair of all heavy mobile and fixed plant equipment at their operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This is a critical on-site role responsible for ensuring the optimal functioning and longevity of the mining fleet and associated machinery. The Chief Mine Mechanic will lead a team of mechanics, manage spare parts inventory, and implement preventative maintenance programs to minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency. The ideal candidate possesses extensive mechanical expertise, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to troubleshoot complex issues in a demanding mining environment. Your proactive approach to maintenance will be key to maintaining production targets and ensuring the safety of personnel operating the equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the mechanical maintenance team, ensuring efficient workflow and performance.
• Develop, implement, and manage preventative maintenance schedules for all mining equipment (e.g., excavators, loaders, haul trucks, crushers, conveyors).
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical faults in heavy-duty mining machinery.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of fixed plant equipment.
• Manage spare parts inventory, ensuring availability of critical components and controlling costs.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations related to maintenance activities.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and prepare reports on equipment status and repair activities.
• Identify opportunities for improving equipment reliability and reducing maintenance costs.
• Conduct safety inspections of equipment and workshop areas.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior mechanics and apprentices.

Requirements

• Trade Certificate in Diesel Mechanics or Heavy Machinery Repair (e.g., NQF Level 3/4).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in maintaining and repairing heavy mining equipment.
• At least 3 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics, transmissions, and electrical systems of mining equipment.
• Proven ability to diagnose complex mechanical issues.
• Experience with preventative maintenance strategies and fleet management systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a remote site environment.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations in the mining industry.
• Proficiency in basic computer skills for record-keeping and reporting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including benefits such as medical aid, pension fund, and potential for performance bonuses.
• Accommodation and site allowances may be provided.
• This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on operational efficiency.
• You will be part of a dedicated team committed to safety and productivity.
• We invest in employee training and development to ensure our team stays at the forefront of industry best practices.