Manual Vertical Bandsaw Operator – Vintage Production Line

Valley Irrigation - A Valmont Company; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the irrigation industry is seeking a Bandsaw Operator to join their manufacturing team in Gauteng. The role involves cutting steel pipes, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have experience in a manufacturing environment, a good understanding of safety protocols, and strong attention to detail. Opportunities for training and professional development are provided to enhance skills in pipe cutting and safety techniques.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years experience in a manufacturing environment operating cutting equipment.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Proven experience in operating band saws and jigs measuring systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate bandsaw for cutting steel pipes to specifications.
• Perform post-welding cleaning and quality inspections.
• Conduct routine maintenance on bandsaws and facility support tasks.

Skills

Hand-eye coordination

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Bandsaw Operation or Machine Safety Certificate

Certification in manufacturing technology

Tools

Measuring tools (e.g., tape measure, calipers)

Excel

Job description

OBJECTIVETo operate the bandsaw as the primary machine for cutting steel pipes and components to specification, ensuring full compliance with drawing tolerances and job cards.

The role includes post-welding cleaning, jig placement for welding setup, and first-off inspections.

It also involves basic preventative maintenance and facility upkeep duties such as painting, drilling, bulb replacement, and workshop housekeeping.

The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively, uphold safety standards, contribute to continuous improvement, and demonstrate accuracy, initiative, and a commitment to quality.Pipe Cutting (Bandsaw Operation) : Verify cutting instructions, BOM-defined lengths, and the work order.Operate a bandsaw (manual or automated) with end stop devices to cut pipes to required lengths.Confirm blade tension, coolant levels, and lubrication; perform routine checks and report malfunctions.Inspect raw materials : check labels, thickness, grade, squareness.Position materials using jigs or stoppers and align for accurate cutting.Perform 10mm trim cuts for squareness; record cuts and label finished parts.Track offcuts and minimize scrap.Maintain cleanliness around cutting area and equipment.Pipe Cleaning (Post Welding)After welding, clean pipes using grinders or wire brushes to remove spatter, slag, or excess material.Visually inspect welds and joints for cleanliness and surface defects before releasing to the next process.Perform first-off inspections post-cleaning, ensuring conformance to visual and dimensional quality standards.Record findings and escalate non-conformances before bulk production begins.Welding Preparation SupportAssist with welding preparation tasks while remaining under the pipe cutting and cleaning function.Learn basic welding setup, with emphasis on jig placement and part alignment before welding begins.Coordinate with welders as needed to ensure components are cleaned and properly positioned for tack welding.Verify part orientation and fixture placement per production drawings and job cards to prevent setup errors.Build competence to independently perform jig setups within six months, under supervision of the Production Team Leader.Quality Control and Inspection : Conduct first-off inspections and verify measurements after each cut.Measure lengths, check surface finish, and ensure tolerance limitsplete inspection documentation and participate in internal quality audits.Notify team leader of any defects or deviations.Maintenance Duties : Notify team leader of any defects or deviations.Perform routine maintenance on bandsaws (e.g., blade changes, oil checks, dust removal).Follow LOTO (Lockout / Tagout) procedures during adjustments.Conduct pre-operation checks on all hand tools and lifting equipment.Facility Support : Conduct basic maintenance including painting, changing bulbs, minor drilling, and general repairs.Assist with minor facility upgrades under the direction of supervisors.Team Collaboration & Workflow Support : Coordinate with welding, dispatch, and assembly teams to avoid production delaysmunicate availability for reassignment after task completion.Provide input on continuous improvement and report downtime or issues proactively.Continuous Learning : Training & Development : Attend a minimum of three training and development sessions annually to enhance skills and knowledge in pipe cutting techniques, safety protocols, and industry best practices.Learning Culture : Engage in ongoing training opportunities and promote a culture of continuous learning within the cutting and cleaning team.

Encourage open discussions about skills enhancement and share knowledge among peers to foster teamwork and improvement.Workplace Organization & 5S Housekeeping : Maintain a clean, clutter-free work area in accordance with 5S principles.Return tools and equipment to designated storage after use.Clear offcut materials and scrap regularly; dispose of waste properly.Ensure walkways are unobstructed and visually marked where necessary.Participate in housekeeping audits and contribute to continuous improvement of the work environment.Safety Compliance : Follow all PPE requirements, machine safety rules, and safe work procedures.Ensure blade guards, emergency stops, and other safety mechanisms are functional before operation.Use correct lifting techniques and mechanical aids for heavy materials.Immediately report unsafe conditions, injuries, or near-misses to the Team Leader.Participate in toolbox talks and routine safety briefings.Adhere to Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance or troubleshooting.Use appropriate material handling techniques when moving and positioning pipes and cutting equipment.

Select the correct equipment, such as trolleys and hoists, to achieve optimum utilization and minimize risks during operations.Reporting : Report directly to the Production Team Leader, following guidance and instructions related to cutting and cleaning tasks, safety procedures, and quality standards.

Ensure timely communication of any equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or delays in production.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducation level : A minimum of Grade 12 / Matric is required, Bandsaw Operation or Machine Safety Certificate with additional certification in manufacturing technology, or a related field being advantageous.Experience : A 2–3 years in a manufacturing environment operating cutting equipment.

Exposure to pipe cutting, post-welding cleaning, and blueprint interpretation.

Proven experience in operating band saws and jigs measuring systems.

Familiarity with safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) relevant to cutting and cleaning operations is essential.Specific knowledge, skill, ability, and requirements : The candidate must have strong hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, and the ability to handle and position long steel pipes safely.

A working understanding of tolerances, blueprints, and measuring tools (e.g., tape measure, calipers) is essential.Attention to detail, time discipline, and the ability to follow quality and safety procedures are critical.

Candidates should be good team players with effective communication skills and a willingness to escalate issues when needed.Familiarity with machine interfaces and basic Excel use is advantageous.

Knowledge of safety protocols, including PPE, Lockout / Tagout, and 5S principles, is required.Performance will be measured by cut accuracy, inspection pass rates, safety compliance, and housekeeping contributions.