Shit Fitter

Job Purpose

The Shift Fitter is responsible for carrying out mechanical maintenance, fault finding, repairs, and inspections during allocated shifts to ensure safe, reliable, and continuous operation of mechanical equipment supporting zinc mining and processing activities, in compliance with safety, legal, and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Health & Statutory Compliance

• Carry out all work in accordance with Mine Health and Safety legislation, mine standards, and safe work procedures.
• Apply lock‑out/tag‑out, isolations, permit‑to‑work, and working‑at‑heights/confined‑space procedures.
• Participate in toolbox talks, risk assessments, and safety meetings.
• Identify, report, and correct unsafe conditions and defects where authorised.
• Maintain tidy and safe work areas to prevent incidents.

Mechanical Maintenance & Repairs

• Perform planned, breakdown, and corrective mechanical maintenance.
• Maintain and repair equipment including:
• Crushers, screens, feeders, and conveyors
• Mills, pumps, agitators, and thickeners
• Gearboxes, bearings, couplings, and drives
• Slurry pipelines, valves, chutes, and structural components
• Dismantle, inspect, repair, and reassemble mechanical assemblies.
• Conduct alignments, installations, and change‑outs to specification.

Breakdown & Shift Support

• Respond promptly to mechanical breakdowns during shift operations.
• Diagnose faults and implement effective repairs to minimise downtime.
• Work closely with operations to prioritise work based on production impact.
• Support commissioning, start‑ups, and shutdowns as required.

Preventive Maintenance & Inspections

• Execute preventive maintenance tasks as per maintenance schedules.
• Carry out inspections and condition checks on equipment.
• Identify signs of wear, fatigue, leaks, or misalignment.
• Report repeat failures and improvement opportunities to supervisors.

Tooling, Housekeeping & Standards

• Use appropriate tools, lifting equipment, and rigging safely.
• Maintain tools and mechanical equipment in good condition.
• Perform housekeeping in work areas, workshops, and plant sections.
• Ensure equipment is left clean, safe, and operational after maintenance.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete job cards and work orders accurately in the CMMS (SAP / Pragma / equivalent).
• Record spares usage, repairs completed, and defects found.
• Provide effective shift handover including outstanding work and risks.

Teamwork & Development

• Work effectively with electricians, operators, and maintenance colleagues.
• Assist with mentoring apprentices, assistants, or learners when required.
• Participate in skills development, training, and refresher courses.

Minimum Qualifications

• Trade Test Certificate – Mechanical Fitter
• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4
• Valid trade authorisation for mine work
• Medically fit for mine and shift work

Advantageous

• Experience on crushing, milling, and flotation equipment
• Rigging and lifting certification
• Basic hydraulics and pneumatics training

Experience Requirements

• 3–6 years post‑trade mechanical experience

Experience in:

• Mining or heavy industrial environments
• Shift‑based maintenance operations
• Mineral processing plants (zinc advantageous)

Technical Competencies

• Mechanical fault finding and repairs
• Rotating and fixed plant maintenance
• Bearing and gearbox maintenance
• Welding, fitting, and fabrication support
• Reading mechanical drawings and manuals
• Use of hand, power, and lifting tools

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong safety awareness and discipline
• Ability to work independently under pressure
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Accountability and attention to detail
• Reliable and adaptable to shift work