Machine Operator - Ellepot Facility

Machine Operator – Ellepot Facility, Spekboom Restoration Project

Nursery Department – Ellepot Production Facility, Eastern Cape

Location: Kariega (Uitenhage) area, Eastern Cape 

Start Date: 1 August 2026

Reports to: Machine Supervisor and Technician

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 innovative 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 seeks a Machine Operator for our Ellepot Facility in the Nursery Department for the large-scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

With our partner, Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project entails planting Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, enhance water storage capabilities, and to reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.

Position Summary: 

To operate Ellepot machinery to produce biodegradable paper pots, perform routine maintenance and support efficient manufacturing while strictly adhering to safety and quality protocols.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Operate Ellepot machinery according to specifications and daily production schedules.


• Perform regular maintenance and minor repairs on production equipment.


• Monitor and ensure quality of produced Ellepots.


• Troubleshoot basic issues in the production process or equipment.


• Manage raw materials and supplies at the machine.


• Maintain accurate records of production output, maintenance and any issues.


• Take reasonable care for own health and safety and that of others; use machine guards, follow lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures, wear required PPE and report hazards immediately.


• Adhere to all safety and quality procedures.

General: 

• Embrace a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving job responsibilities, driven by NatCarbon Africa’s commitment to innovation, personal growth, and shifting operational priorities.


• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape may be required, including to remote locations, with occasional weekend or holiday work to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.


• Indoor and outdoor manufacturing environment.


• This outline of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The employer reserves the right to assign additional duties or responsibilities at any time, provided they are reasonably aligned with the scope of the role or necessitated by operational requirements. The functions and responsibilities detailed within this job description may be subject to modification at the employer’s discretion, based on evolving operational requirements, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position.

Skills: 

• Strong attention to detail for consistent high-quality output.


• Physical stamina for demanding tasks.


• Good team communication skills.

Qualifications: 

• Previous experience operating production equipment in a manufacturing setting.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Ability to operate and troubleshoot Ellepot or similar machinery.


• Experience in high-speed manufacturing environments (advantageous).

Performance Areas:

• Timely and efficient production of Ellepots.


• Minimal equipment downtime.


• Consistent high-quality output.


• Full adherence to safety protocols and OHS Act requirements.

Working Conditions

• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations.


• Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.

You will join a great team! We are:

• From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields. We bring together a wide range of cross-sector experiences, ideas, and skills.


• Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it is not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development.


• At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we can achieve great things.

Compensation

To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognise employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.

In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:

• Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance.


• Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and


• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

How to Apply

To apply, please send us the following:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).


• Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages).

Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us

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

Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered