Technical Assistant – South Africa
Job Description
Job Band
Reporting to
Employees reporting
to role
Financial
Responsibilities
Purpose of Job
B
Technical Supervisor
As delegated
The purpose of the job is to assist in the structural and horticultural
maintenance of war graves and memorials to the standards set by the
Commission and carry out inspections as requested.
The position is based in Pretoria/Tshwane.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities
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Structural duties, include the spraying/cleaning of headstones and other structures, fixing
new headstones to replace those broken or deteriorated, realigning headstones erection of
solid slab concrete kerbs, the erection of minor structures such as fences, retaining walls
and assisting as part of a team in renovation projects to structures, etc. Minor maintenance
work include repointing of open joints to structural features, fixing and replacing swords to
Cross of Sacrifice features, re toning/re bronzing bronze features such as memorial panels
and register boxes and the fixing of curbing.
 Horticulture duties involve tasks such as trimming and removing overgrown vegetation
from headstones, the manual transporting of materials and the removal of waste from site.
Herbicides also need to be applied from time to time
 Undertake the exhumation and reburial of remains when so authorized.
 Ensure that CWGC and South African health and safety procedures and safe working
practices are observed and followed including the appropriate usage of Personal Protective
Equipment at all times. Be responsible for own personal safety as well as that of other
parties.
 Maintain the Commission vehicle in good working order and ensure scheduled
maintenance is carried out. Keep log of distances travelled and of running costs.
 Purchasing of building material, herbicides and pesticides as required for maintenance
purposes.
 Keeping precise records of all expenditure and reporting back on a monthly basis.
 Maintain machinery and tools in good working order, carrying out maintenance and minor
repairs and referring major mechanical or other problems to the Technical Supervisor.
 Hire and manage locally engaged casual labour ensuring that task are performed
economically and safely.
 Report to the Technical Supervisor any structural defects in Commission building and
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structures which are observed during maintenance duties. Report any problems observed
with horticultural maintenance carried out on behalf of the Commission by a third party.
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of administrative and paper work procedures.
Assist Technical Supervisor as and when required.
General
 The Technical Assistant job is a mobile one and travelling and spending protracted time
away from home is a key characteristic of the job.
 The job holder must be able to draw up and read working drawings, estimates cost, choose
and buy sound materials, exercise strict cost control, keep precise records, carry out minor
structural new work and repairs, engage and manage locally employed labor and liaise with
local authorities/cemetery owners.
Other Accountabilities
 To carry out inspections
 To aid Secretary as and when required.
Key contacts and relationships
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Director South Africa
Office Administrator and Technical Supervisor South Africa
Church officials
Local government officials
Private owners of cemeteries/burial sites
Cemetery staff and maintenance contractors
Cemetery visitors and members of the public
Knowledge & qualifications/experience required
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A clean driving licence and the ability to drive safely.
Good command of written and spoken English, in addition to a high level of literacy in their
first language.
Project Management experience.
A recognised technical/craftsman qualification or relevant experience working in a
technical position.
A good knowledge of horticultural and structural standards and practices is essential.
Competencies & Key Skills (functional/technical)
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Leadership - Provides direction and guidance to the gardening and works temporary
employees to take forward the Agency work.
Communication - Fosters and develops productive relationships with colleagues, local
officials, outside agencies and dignitaries at all levels to ensure the smooth running of their
work. Has good oral and written skills.
Personal Effectiveness - Able to work with a high degree of autonomy, organising work to
meet deadlines set by the Technical Assistant. Willing to accept increased responsibility.
Planning and Organisational Skills - Able to prioritise the allocation of resources in order to
successfully execute agreed work programmes. Is sensitive to the need to work flexibly,
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and at times, beyond conditioned working hours in the region. Uses the resources wisely
and economically.
Service Delivery - Has good administrative, numerical and IT skills in order to complete
claims and returns.
Resource Management – Assist in negotiating with local contractors to ensure best value
for the Commission.
Application of Specialist Expertise - Uses their knowledge effectively in taking forward the
Corporate Aims of the Commission. The post holder should be open to developing new
skills by taking part in training and development but should seek specialist advice when
required.
This is not a fully exhaustive list of duties as no job description could fully outline all the aspects
of this role as the job holder may be required to carry out other duties to enable them to perform
the function efficiently.
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