Maintenance Supervisor

Maintenance Supervisor - Spekboom Restoration Project 

Nursery Team - Eastern Cape (Jansenville), South Africa  

Job Title:                              Maintenance Supervisor–Spekboom Restoration Project

Location:                             Jansenville, Eastern Cape

Start Date:                           Immediately            

Contract Type:                       2-month Fixed Term contract

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalise landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of cutting-edge technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment. 

NatCarbon Africa, in partnership with Imperative Global, is advancing the Spekboom Restoration Project, aiming to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome across the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. The Project involves planting spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning, enhance agricultural productivity, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration and water storage, and reduce soil erosion. This initiative is estimated to permanently store significant quantities of carbon dioxide equivalents, contributing to climate change mitigation. 

We're looking for a dedicated and experienced Maintenance Supervisor to oversee essential nighttime operations and maintenance at our nursery in Jansenville. This unique opportunity is ideal for an individual with a strong background in mechanical and electrical systems, particularly from the motor industry, who thrives in a supervisory role and understands the demands of shift work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Frost Mitigation: Lead and supervise a small team of laborers in executing all frost mitigation activities during critical early mornng hours / periods to protect nursery stock plants under shade nets.


• Preventative Maintenance: Oversee and participate in the general upkeep and housekeeping of the nursery facilities and equipment while the main operations team is off-duty. This includes, but is not limited to, checking irrigation systems, ensuring equipment is in good working order, and addressing minor mechanical or electrical issues.


• Supervision & Training: Effectively manage and motivate a team of laborers, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to a high standard. Provide on-the-job guidance and training as needed.


• System Monitoring: Monitor key nursery systems (e.g., heating, ventilation, irrigation controls) to ensure optimal functioning throughout the night.


• Problem Solving: Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues, implementing timely solutions or escalating complex problems to the day team as necessary.


• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all night shift activities are conducted safely and in compliance with nursery policies and procedures.


• Reporting: Maintain clear and concise records of night shift activities, maintenance performed, and any incidents or issues encountered.

Requirements:

• Experience: Proven experience in a maintenance role with strong mechanical and electrical system knowledge. Prior experience in the motor, commercial or farming industry is highly advantageous, demonstrating familiarity with robust industrial systems and maintenance protocols.


• Supervisory Skills: Demonstrated ability to effectively manage, supervise, and motivate a team of laborers.


• Shift Work: A clear understanding and proven ability to work consistent night shifts.


• Availability: Immediately available.


• Problem-Solving: Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills for mechanical and electrical systems.


• Independence: Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a night shift environment.


• Residency: Willingness to reside in provided on-site nursery housing.


• Physical Demands: Ability to perform physical tasks associated with maintenance and nursery work, including working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We are particularly interested in candidates who may have recently been impacted by lay-offs in the motor industry and are looking for a 2-month short-term opportunity where their valuable skills in maintenance and supervision can be immediately applied.

While this is a 2-month position with no guarantee of extension, we anticipate that several longer-term positions may become available in the coming months as the project expands. This role offers an opportunity to gain experience with NatCarbon Africa, which could be considered for future openings, subject to business needs and candidate performance.

If you are a proactive and reliable individual with a strong maintenance background and the ability to lead a night shift team, we encourage you to apply.

Accommodation: On-site accommodation provided

How to Apply 

To apply, please send us the following: 

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page) 

• Resume/CV (not to exceed two pages) 

NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.