Assm Development Officer

Mintek; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in sustainable resource development seeks an ASSM Development Officer to support small-scale mining activities in Gauteng. The role involves mentoring junior staff, assisting with training programmes, and ensuring compliance with sustainability practices. Candidates should have an Honours degree in Sustainable Development and strong project management experience. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of the mining sector, with emphasis on training and resource optimization. A competitive salary and professional growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Broad professional experience covering training and business operations.
• Experience as chief investigator of major projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff in the ASSM Section, mentoring junior staff.
• Support the Head of Section in securing mineral-related training projects.
• Ensure documentation of work and produce professional reports.
• Source funding by networking and following up on management initiatives.
• Conduct plant and equipment inspections for SHEQ compliance.

Skills

Training related to mining and minerals

Project management

Mentorship

Technical support

Education

Honours degree in Sustainable Development or related fields

MSc in Development Studies (focusing on natural resources or ASM)

Job description

Job Overview

Mintek has an exciting position for an ASSM Development Officer to support coordination of artisanal and small-scale mining activities, with emphasis on formalisation, basic compliance, and sustainable practices.

The role includes assisting with the delivery of training programmes, providing general technical support to project teams, and helping ensure that training and project activities are completed within set timelines and budgets. The position contributes to meeting the development needs of the small‑scale mining sector, supporting funder requirements, and aligning work with Mintek's overall mandate.

Responsibilities

• Assist staff in the ASSM Section, offering mentorship to build competence, teamwork, and discipline.
• Support the Head of Section in securing mineral‑related training projects by contributing to consulting activities and engaging with clients at various technical levels.
• Provide day‑to‑day support to junior staff, help with their training, and contribute to team discussions and technical decisions as needed.
• Prepare technical notes and internal communications summarising project results, procedures, and operational information.
• Plan and deliver practical expertise to achieve project objectives using research facilities.
• Ascertain training needs, develop new training courses/programmes, and contribute to divisional plans for training and business.
• Ensure documentation of work and procedures, producing professional reports, papers, and presentations at local conferences.
• Keep up to date at a professional level with relevant training, technology, and business in the division’s work.
• Source for funding by initiating and maintaining contact with potential donors and project sponsors through networking and following up on management initiatives.
• Contribute to the Division’s business plans by providing technical and practical expertise in a cost‑effective manner and interacting with clients.
• Monitor and maintain existing facilities to avoid failure, maintaining required service level to optimise utilisation.
• Prioritise planned maintenance, ensuring critical items are catered for in the budget.
• Generate specifications for procurement and ensure that spares and materials received meet quality specifications.
• Allocate resources to execute preventative maintenance tasks and capture billable hours on ERP.
• Conduct plant and equipment inspections and enforce compliance with SHEQ compliance.
• Enforce discipline and company policies and procedures in the section.
• Conduct research projects assigned by superiors and monitor control materials and spares issue to minimise wastage.
• Control the budget allocated to the cost centre, measuring and identifying skills gaps among subordinates.
• Identify training needs of subordinates and interact with internal clients on maintenance issues.
• Participate in CMS and client feedback meetings.
• Assist approved inspection authorities when executing statutory inspections on site.
• Train subordinates on Mintek SOPs and report to the Head and Manager on the status of plant and equipment.
• Advise the Head on the skills gaps identified among subordinates.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Sustainable Development or related fields.
• MSc in Development Studies (focusing on natural resources or or ASM) or related fields is ideally preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in training specifically related to fields of mining and minerals.
• Broad professional experience covering training, chief investigator of major projects, and business operations.
• Project management experience.