General Assistant

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and development opportunities

Competitive remuneration packages

CSIR Excellence Awards

Job summary

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) invites applications for a General Assistant based in Pretoria to support the safe and efficient operation of the DBEL laboratory. You will assist with testing activities, equipment preparation, and site maintenance under the DBEL Facility Manager's guidance.

Ideal candidates will hold a Senior Certificate with maths/science and have at least two years in a technical environment, with a valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel for

Qualifications

• Senior Certificate with Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy and Physical Science; at least two years’ experience in facilities maintenance or technical environment.
• Basic safety-focused maintenance mindset and ability to follow procedures.
• Must have a driver’s licence and be willing to travel.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation, setup, execution and close-out of testing activities.
• Prepare, maintain and transport test equipment, targets and test stands.
• Conduct basic plumbing, carpentry, welding, painting, electrical and mechanical maintenance work.
• Maintain roads, fences, grounds and other site infrastructure to ensure a safe and operational environment.
• Carry out routine inspections of facilities, vehicles and equipment, and report defects or maintenance requirements.
• Support the maintenance and operational readiness of testing infrastructure, laboratory equipment and vehicles.
• Assist with test site preparation, mobilisation and demobilisation activities.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, tools, consumables and equipment inventory.
• Monitor and report shortages of maintenance materials, tools and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised workplace, including workshops and designated danger areas.
• Adhere to all health, safety, environmental, security and explosives‑related regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external stakeholders by providing technical and operational assistance during testing activities.
• Collaborate with team members, contractors and clients to achieve operational objectives and service delivery standards.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance and continuous improvement within the DBEL environment.

Skills

Driver's licence

Willingness to travel

Safety awareness

Education

Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy and Physical Science

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio‐economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

General Assistant

About The Job

The CSIR has a vacancy for a General Assistant in the Landward Sciences Impact Area within the Defence and Security Cluster. The incumbent will support the safe and efficient operation of the Detonics, Ballistics and Explosives Laboratory (DBEL) through technical assistance, facility maintenance, equipment preparation and testing support, ensuring that laboratory infrastructure and resources remain operational and compliant with safety requirements. This position is based in Pretoria and will report to the DBEL Facility Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation, setup, execution and close‑out of testing activities.
• Prepare, maintain and transport test equipment, targets and test stands.
• Conduct basic plumbing, carpentry, welding, painting, electrical and mechanical maintenance work.
• Maintain roads, fences, grounds and other site infrastructure to ensure a safe and operational environment.
• Carry out routine inspections of facilities, vehicles and equipment, and report defects or maintenance requirements.
• Support the maintenance and operational readiness of testing infrastructure, laboratory equipment and vehicles.
• Assist with test site preparation, mobilisation and demobilisation activities.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, tools, consumables and equipment inventory.
• Monitor and report shortages of maintenance materials, tools and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised workplace, including workshops and designated danger areas.
• Adhere to all health, safety, environmental, security and explosives‑related regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external stakeholders by providing technical and operational assistance during testing activities.
• Collaborate effectively with team members, contractors and clients to achieve operational objectives and service delivery standards.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance and continuous improvement within the DBEL environment.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• A Senior Certificate (Grade 12/Matric) with Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy and Physical Science with at least two years’ experience in facilities maintenance, workshop support or a technical environment.
• Basic plumbing, carpentry, welding, painting, electrical and mechanical maintenance skills will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety requirements.
• Must have a driver’s licence.
• Must be willing to travel and work in field test conditions.
• South African citizenship is required, must have or be able to obtain a valid security clearance, and must not hold dual citizenship.

What’s in it for you

The CSIR Offers

• Learning and development opportunities.
• Competitive and market‑related remuneration packages.
• Total guaranteed salary packages which encompass contributions to the pension fund, risk insurance and medical scheme.
• We openly acknowledge and reward our employees’ contributions and accomplishments through our esteemed CSIR Excellence Awards.

Please note that feedback will be given to shortlisted candidates only.

For more information, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at [e-mail]

The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will, through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualification and employment history.

The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.