Grain Field Chickens Is Hiring Maintenance Assistant Vacancies

Grain Field Chickens invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for its Maintenance Assistant Vacancy in Reitz, Free State. This opportunity is aimed at candidates with electrical or mechanical knowledge who can assist qualified artisans with maintenance work in a chicken abattoir and manufacturing environment. The closing date for applications is 07 September 2026, although the company may close the vacancy earlier at its own discretion.

Grain Field Chickens Maintenance Assistant Vacancy

If you have technical skills and enjoy working with machinery, tools and maintenance tasks, this opportunity could be worth considering.

Grain Field Chickens is a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (PTY) Ltd and operates in the integrated broiler industry. The company has an abattoir in Reitz in the North-Eastern Free State.

The successful Maintenance Assistant will work alongside a qualified artisan and help with the daily maintenance requirements of the plant. The role is important because keeping machinery and equipment working properly helps the production process continue with as little downtime as possible.

This is not simply a workshop cleaning job. The position involves assisting with inspections, planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, machinery checks and general maintenance around the plant.

What Does a Maintenance Assistant Do?

The Maintenance Assistant will support the qualified artisan with various maintenance duties. You will need to follow instructions carefully, work safely and help make sure machinery and equipment remain operational.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Assisting the qualified artisan with daily maintenance tasks.
• Keeping the workshop clean, organised and properly sorted.
• Helping reduce downtime in the production plant.
• Carrying out daily inspections of machinery and tools.
• Recording and reporting findings from daily inspections.
• Making sure planned monthly maintenance is completed on machinery and tools as required.
• Continuously checking conveyors to make sure they are operating correctly.
• Assisting with repairs to buildings and infrastructure when requested by management.
• Helping during machinery breakdowns.
• Assisting with repairs as quickly as possible to reduce production delays.
• Working with other internal departments to maintain good service and product quality.
• Following all workplace health and safety requirements.
• Applying relevant ISO, HACCP, Occupational Health and Safety and 20 Keys requirements.
• Performing other reasonable duties requested by management.

Because this is a maintenance position inside a production environment, being observant is important. You should be able to notice problems with machinery, tools or equipment and report them before they become bigger issues.

Requirements for the Maintenance Assistant Job

Applicants should carefully check the requirements before applying.

The minimum requirements include:

• Grade 12 or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
• N2 Certificate in Electrical or Mechanical.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar position.
• Experience in a chicken abattoir or manufacturing plant.
• A thorough understanding of health and safety requirements.
• Basic knowledge or awareness of poultry plant machinery.
• Willingness to work overtime when required.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays when necessary.

Related mechanical courses will be an advantage.

The experience requirement is important because the successful candidate will be working in a technical production environment where machinery and equipment need to be maintained properly.

Working With a Qualified Artisan

One of the main parts of this position is assisting a qualified artisan.

You will not be working alone on all maintenance activities. Instead, you will provide support with the day-to-day duties required in the relevant trade.

This means you should be able to listen carefully, follow directions and instructions, work safely and cooperate with other members of the maintenance team.

The ability to work as part of a team is important because maintenance problems can affect the entire production process.

Skills Grain Field Chickens Is Looking For

The company is looking for someone who has both technical awareness and good workplace skills.

Important skills include:

Good Observation Skills

You should be able to pay attention to machinery, tools and the general condition of the plant and notice problems that may need attention.

Analytical Thinking

Maintenance work often requires you to look at a problem and understand what may have caused it. Basic analytical skills can help you identify and report issues.

Communication

You will need to communicate with artisans, management and other departments. Good communication helps ensure that maintenance issues are dealt with properly.

Attention to Detail

Small problems can sometimes become major breakdowns if they are ignored. Paying attention to detail is therefore important.

Working Under Pressure

A machinery breakdown can interrupt production. You should be able to remain calm and focused when dealing with urgent maintenance problems.

Teamwork

The Maintenance Assistant must be able to work well with the artisan and other employees.

Conflict Handling

You should be able to deal with workplace disagreements or difficult situations in a professional manner.

Health and Safety Is Important

Safety is a major part of maintenance work, particularly in a manufacturing and poultry plant environment.

The successful candidate must have a thorough understanding of health and safety requirements and follow the relevant workplace procedures.

You will also be expected to apply and enforce standards linked to ISO, HACCP, Occupational Health and Safety and 20 Keys.

Following safety procedures helps protect employees, equipment and the production process.

About Grain Field Chickens

Grain Field Chickens is part of VKB Agriculture and operates within the integrated broiler industry.

The company provides an opportunity for people to build their careers within a professional corporate environment while working in a countryside setting.

For candidates with relevant electrical or mechanical experience, this Maintenance Assistant position can provide an opportunity to use their technical knowledge in a working production environment.

Important Application Information

VKB Group has provided several instructions for candidates applying through its career portal.

Applicants should take note of the following:

• Use Google Chrome when accessing the career portal.
• Have a clear copy of your CV ready in PDF or Word format.
• Your CV should not contain handwriting.
• Upload your CV only in the Upload CV section of the application form.
• Do not upload one PDF containing your CV together with your ID, driver’s licence or other supporting documents.
• The application form will provide separate sections for supporting documents.
• If uploading a profile picture, make sure the image is at least 300 x 300 pixels.

Following these instructions can help ensure that your application is submitted correctly.

Equal Opportunity Employer

VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. Its approved Employment Equity Plan and targets will be considered during the recruitment process as part of the company’s Employment Equity and Transformation Strategy.

VKB Group also actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.

The company states that personal information collected through its job opportunities section will be used for recruitment purposes and, where an applicant is successful, for purposes connected with employment.

Grain Field Chickens Maintenance Assistant Vacancy Details

Company: Grain Field Chickens
Parent Company: VKB Agriculture (PTY) Ltd
Position: Maintenance Assistant
Location: Reitz, North-Eastern Free State
Qualification: Grade 12 / NQF Level 4 equivalent
Technical Qualification: N2 Electrical or Mechanical
Experience: 2 years in a similar position
Industry Experience: Chicken abattoir or manufacturing plant
Closing Date: 07 September 2026

Apply Before 07 September 2026

If you have the required qualification, technical background and relevant experience, the Grain Field Chickens Maintenance Assistant Vacancy could be an opportunity to consider.

Make sure your CV clearly shows your Grade 12 qualification, N2 Electrical or Mechanical certificate, relevant maintenance experience and any related mechanical courses you have completed.

Also remember that the company may expire the job opportunity at any time at its own discretion. For this reason, eligible applicants should not wait until the last moment to apply.

The official closing date is 07 September 2026. Make sure your application is complete and that your CV and supporting documents are uploaded in the correct sections of the career portal.