Assistant Mechanic

Job Description

The Assistant Mechanic works alongside the Mechanic and the Auto-Electrician in the assigned Maintenance Team to deliver preventive and corrective maintenance on mining machinery, vehicles, and fixed equipment. The role is a qualified hands-on trade position responsible for executing routine maintenance tasks independently, supporting senior trades on complex repairs, and contributing to the team's overall productivity and safety performance. The position carries full accountability for quality of work performed, accuracy of documentation, and adherence to maintenance and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Hands-on Maintenance Execution:
  • Execute routine preventive and corrective maintenance tasks independently on mining machinery, vehicles, and equipment, in line with standard procedures and the Preventive Maintenance Schedule (PMS).
  • Support the Mechanic and the Auto-Electrician on complex repairs, providing skilled hands-on assistance throughout the job.
  • Carry out greasing, oil changes, filter changes, fluid top-ups, basic component replacements, and similar maintenance tasks to a competent standard.
  • Pre-stage tools, parts, and equipment for jobs; help organise the worksite to enable efficient execution.
• Inspections and Diagnostics:
  • Conduct routine inspections of mining machinery and vehicles to detect early signs of wear, damage, or failure, and report findings to the Mechanic and Team Leader.
  • Use basic diagnostic tools (multimeters, pressure gauges, hand tools) and assist senior trades during fault-finding.
• Tools, Workshop, and Housekeeping:
  • Maintain a clean, organised, and safe workshop and worksite at all times.
  • Account for and care for hand tools, power tools, and consumables; return tools to designated locations after use.
  • Support 5S workplace standards in the workshop and on the field.
• Spare Parts Management:
  • Identify required spare parts and consumables for assigned tasks.
  • Raise parts requisitions through the Storekeeper for routine jobs and ensure correct parts are used during repairs.
  • Report parts consumption accurately on every job card to support inventory tracking by the Data Administrator.
• Compliance and Safety:
  • Comply with all company HSSE policies, Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, and safe-work practices at all times.
  • Conduct pre-task risk assessments and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the workshop and on the field.
  • Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and risk assessments.
  • Report any incidents, near-misses, or hazards immediately to the Mechanic, Team Leader, or Maintenance Supervisor.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  • Accurately complete job cards for tasks performed, capturing parts used, time spent, and findings.
  • Submit completed job cards to the Team Leader and Data Administrator at the end of each shift.
  • Report any recurring issues or improvement opportunities to the Team Leader or Maintenance Supervisor.
• Collaboration and Continuous Development:
  • Receive daily work allocation through the team's coordination structure and execute tasks in line with priorities.
  • Work effectively with the Mechanic, Auto-Electrician, Engineering Mechanic, and apprentices.
  • Continue to build technical skills across mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and auto-electrical disciplines, with a view to future progression to Mechanic or Auto-Electrician status.
• Emergency Response:
  • Support the team during emergency repairs and call-outs as required.
• Ad-hoc Duties:
  • Perform other duties as required by management, within the scope of the role.

Job Requirements

Education and Certification

• A minimum of TVET Certificate Level III in Mechanical Engineering, Auto-Electrics, Electromechanics, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in maintenance, workshop, or industrial mechanical work.
• Prior experience in a mining, manufacturing, or heavy industrial environment is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic auto-electrical systems.
• Competent use of hand tools, power tools, and basic diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret basic technical drawings, schematics, and OEM service manuals.
• Basic computer literacy to complete digital job cards and access service documentation.

Soft Skills

• Strong work ethic and willingness to take ownership of tasks.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• Reliability, punctuality, and the ability to follow standard procedures consistently.
• Attention to detail and care with tools, parts, and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Physically fit to handle the demands of the role, including lifting heavy parts, working in confined spaces, and working in underground environments.
• Willingness to work in varying environmental conditions, including extreme weather, as typical of a mining operation.

Other

• Willing to work overtime, including weekends, public holidays, and call-outs, as required.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and progression towards Mechanic or Auto-Electrician status.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents in a single file attachment to the e-mail recruitment.rmines@trinity-metals.com for Human Resources Office indicating the position you are applying for and addressed to the General Manager of Rutongo Mines Ltd.

• A Motivation letter addressed to the General Manager explaining your suitability for the position.
• A Curriculum vitae is a maximum of 3 pages with 3 referee names.
• A copy of education and training certificates/diplomas/degrees
• A copy of relevant work certificates.
• A copy of ID