Technical Specialist: Mech

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The CSIR in Pretoria invites applications for a Technical Specialist: Plumbing Supervisor. The role supervises, directs and evaluates the maintenance, installation, and repair of all CSIR plumbing systems, leading a team of Plumbers and coordinating with other maintenance services.

Emphasis on safety, compliance with SANS standards and cost-effective solutions. The successful candidate will design and implement plumbing solutions, train staff, and ensure projects meet quality and deadline

Qualifications

• Supervisory experience in mechanical/plumbing teams
• Project coordination and planning
• Maintenance planning and scheduling
• Safety training and compliance
• Root cause analysis and corrective action
• Estimating time and materials

Responsibilities

• Directs repair and maintenance of CSIR plumbing systems and irrigation networks
• Plans, supervises and assigns work to Plumbers
• Evaluates plumbing equipment and recommends corrective action
• Oversees new installations and designs installation plans
• Ensures work complies with SANS standards and codes
• Develops preventive maintenance programs and budgeting input

Job description

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, 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. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Technical Specialist: Mech in the

The CSIR has a vacancy for Technical Specialist: Plumbing Supervisor in the Facilities Management & Security Services Portfolio. The incumbent will supervise, direct, implement and evaluate the maintenance, installation, and repair of all CSIR plumbing including the supervision of personnel, design and recommend the best plumbing solutions in areas requiring new installations and ensure CSIR keeps up with latest plumbing trends and innovations and to impart such knowledge to junior staff and subordinates. This position is based Pretoria.

This position reports to the Manager: Facilities Engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Directs repair and maintenance of the CSIR plumbing network including fresh water reticulation, wastewater drainage systems, sewer systems, storm water drainage, hot and cold-water reticulation systems inside buildings and irrigation networks.
• Coordinates work between plumbing and other maintenance and technical services, Properties, Project managers and outside contractors.
• Receives work requests; plans, supervises, and assigns and monitors work of Plumbers.
• Inspects and evaluates the condition of plumbing equipment in CSIR buildings and recommends corrective action; implements repairs or revisions including design changes both in house or on outsourced projects.
• Reviews all requests for plumbing maintenance work and decides on replacement or repair
• Reviews all requests for new installations, designs the installation and oversees implementation.
• Participates in Facilities Management Design Review committee and gives input on Plumbing equipment.
• Ensures installation and repairs are performed in accordance with SANS standards and codes.
• Estimates cost for repairs, replacement, and installation of large and small Plumbing Systems
• Projects future repairs and department equipment needs for the budget process.
• Develops and maintains preventative maintenance programs for plumbing equipment on all campuses.
• Conducts root cause analysis on equipment major and frequent failures and recommends and implements corrective action.
• Identifies training needs for Plumbing staff to keep up with new developments and new products on the market.
• Trains Plumbers in procedures and usage of equipment.
• Ensures appropriate employee safety training and compliance is completed. Established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting, working in confined spaces and working at heights.
• Leads project acceptance during handover from Projects Managers and does the final sign-off for Plumbing equipment.

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• National N6: Civil Engineering or National Diploma in Civil Engineering
• Plumbing Trade Test Certificate
• Minimum 6 years post trade test hands on experience 2 of which should be in a supervisory role
• Code 8 driver's License
• Experience working with plumbing tools, materials, and safe work practices.
• Knowledge of building maintenance
• Knowledge of both industrial and domestic water reticulation systems
• Relevant plumbing codes, legislation, regulations, installation & maintenance procedures
• Supervisory principles, practices, and methods
• Supervising and coordinating the activities of subordinate personnel.
• Estimating time and materials.
• Maintaining confidentiality of work-related information and materials.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

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.

Closing date: 11 September 2026

PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.

For more info, 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 requires 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.