Are you a qualified Fitter looking for an opportunity to gain or grow your experience in mechanical maintenance? Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT) is recruiting for a Fitter position on a 12-month contract.

The role focuses on maintaining, repairing, installing and troubleshooting mechanical plant equipment to help ensure reliable and efficient operations.

Job Details

Job Title	Fitter
Company	Ekurhuleni Water Care Company
Job Type	Contract
Contract Duration	12 Months
Location	Kempton Park, Gauteng
Posted	14 August 2026
Closing Date	28 August 2026
Experience Level	Entry Level
Salary	R20 000 – R30 000 per annum

What Will You Do as a Fitter?

The successful candidate will be responsible for helping maintain the reliability of mechanical plant equipment.

Mechanical Maintenance and Repairs

Your duties will include:

• Performing planned, preventative and breakdown maintenance.
• Investigating and diagnosing mechanical failures.
• Finding the root causes of equipment problems.
• Repairing machinery and replacing worn or defective parts.
• Conducting inspections to identify potential mechanical risks.
• Completing job cards for work performed.
• Carrying out routine maintenance according to company standards.
• Maintaining workshop equipment and tools.
• Checking lifting equipment to ensure it remains safe and functional.
• Conducting condition monitoring activities.
• Performing vibration checks.
• Taking temperature readings.
• Conducting visual inspections.
• Identifying solutions to plant problems.

Installation and Shutdown Activities

The successful candidate may also be required to:

• Install mechanical equipment.
• Assist with commissioning and decommissioning equipment.
• Participate in shutdown planning and execution.
• Conduct pre-shutdown inspections.
• Complete post-shutdown reporting.
• Ensure equipment is correctly aligned and tested.
• Verify that equipment performs correctly after installation or major repairs.

Safety Responsibilities

Safety is an important part of this role. The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Follow Occupational Health and Safety standards.
• Report injuries immediately.
• Report unsafe working conditions and practices.
• Participate in toolbox talks and safety meetings.
• Take part in risk assessments.
• Maintain good housekeeping standards in the work area.

Other Responsibilities

The Fitter will also:

• Meet with the Line Manager to plan maintenance activities.
• Coordinate with other trades to complete work orders.
• Provide guidance and on-the-job training to apprentices.
• Assist with job feedback and reporting.
• Perform standby duties when required.

Minimum Requirements

To apply, candidates need:

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• N3 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Recognised Trade Test Certificate as a Fitter.
• Code B or C1 Driver’s Licence.
• At least 1 year of post-trade experience as a Fitter.

Experience in the wastewater or water treatment industry is preferred.

Technical Experience Required

The ideal candidate should have experience with mechanical maintenance, fault-finding, troubleshooting, assessment, stripping and repairing equipment such as:

• Pumps.
• Gearboxes.
• Filter belt presses.
• Mechanical screens.
• Grit classifiers.
• Rotating equipment.
• Other similar mechanical plant equipment.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity may be suitable for a qualified Fitter who has recently completed their trade test and already has some post-trade experience.

You should consider applying if you have:

• A recognised Fitter Trade Test.
• Mechanical maintenance experience.
• Strong fault-finding and troubleshooting abilities.
• Experience repairing pumps or rotating equipment.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance.
• A valid Code B or C1 driver’s licence.
• A strong understanding of workplace safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No. This position is advertised as a 12-month contract.

What qualification do I need?

You need Grade 12 or N3 in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, together with a recognised Trade Test Certificate as a Fitter.

Do I need experience?

Yes. The vacancy requires at least 1 year of post-trade experience as a Fitter.

Is wastewater or water treatment experience compulsory?

The vacancy states that experience in the wastewater and water treatment industry is preferred.

Do I need a driver’s licence?

Yes. A Code B or C1 driver’s licence is listed as a minimum requirement.

What equipment should I know how to repair?

Relevant experience includes working with pumps, gearboxes, filter belt presses, mechanical screens, grit classifiers and other rotating equipment.

What is preventative maintenance?

Preventative maintenance involves regularly inspecting and servicing equipment to identify potential problems before they result in major breakdowns.

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Fitter Interview Questions and Sample Answers

1. Tell us about your experience as a Fitter.

Sample answer:

I am a qualified Fitter with experience in mechanical maintenance, fault-finding and repairing industrial equipment. I have worked on planned and preventative maintenance as well as breakdowns. I understand the importance of following safety procedures, completing job cards and ensuring equipment is properly tested before being returned to operation.

2. How would you approach a mechanical breakdown?

Sample answer:

I would first make sure that the equipment and work area are safe and follow the correct isolation procedures. I would then inspect the equipment systematically, identify the fault and determine the root cause. After carrying out the repair, I would test the equipment and complete the required maintenance records.

3. What is the difference between preventative maintenance and breakdown maintenance?

Sample answer:

Preventative maintenance is planned work done to reduce the possibility of equipment failure. Breakdown maintenance happens after equipment has already failed and requires repairs to restore it to operation.

4. How do you diagnose a problem with a pump?

Sample answer:

I would start by checking the symptoms and operating conditions. Depending on the problem, I would inspect components such as the coupling, bearings, seals and other mechanical parts. I would also check for abnormal vibration, noise, temperature or leaks before identifying the cause and deciding on the appropriate repair.

5. What would you do if you identified an unsafe condition?

Sample answer:

I would immediately report the unsafe condition to my supervisor and follow the company’s safety procedures. If necessary, I would ensure the equipment or area is made safe before continuing with any work.

6. Why is completing job cards important?

Sample answer:

Job cards provide a record of the work completed, the faults identified and the repairs performed. They also help with maintenance planning, equipment history and identifying recurring problems.

7. How do you deal with recurring equipment failures?

Sample answer:

I would investigate beyond the immediate fault to determine the root cause. I would review previous maintenance records, inspect the equipment and identify possible contributing factors. The goal would be to recommend or implement a solution that reduces the chances of the failure happening again.

8. Why should we hire you?

Sample answer:

I am a qualified Fitter with mechanical maintenance and fault-finding skills. I understand the importance of safety, preventative maintenance and accurate reporting. I am also willing to learn, work with other trades and contribute to keeping plant equipment reliable and operational.

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