Grain Field Chickens Is Hiring Maintenance Assistants
Grain Field Chickens invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their Maintenance Assistant vacancies. The closing date for applications is 5 August 2026. If you have a Grade 12 (Matric) qualification, an N2 Certificate in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, and experience working in a manufacturing or poultry processing environment, this could be an excellent opportunity to grow your career with one of South Africa’s leading agricultural companies.
Looking for a Maintenance Job? Grain Field Chickens Has New Vacancies Available
If you are interested in working in the engineering or maintenance field, Grain Field Chickens is currently looking for dedicated Maintenance Assistants to join its team in Reitz, Free State.
Grain Field Chickens is a subsidiary of VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, a well-known company in South Africa’s agricultural industry. The company operates a modern chicken processing facility and is looking for hardworking individuals who can help keep production equipment and machinery operating efficiently.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates who enjoy practical work, have technical knowledge, and want to build a long-term career in industrial maintenance.
About the Maintenance Assistant Position
The successful candidate will work alongside a qualified artisan and assist with daily maintenance duties throughout the production plant.
The role involves inspecting machinery, performing routine maintenance, helping with equipment repairs, maintaining workshop cleanliness, and responding to machine breakdowns to minimise production delays.
This is an important position because properly maintained machinery helps the company operate safely and efficiently.
Main Responsibilities
As a Maintenance Assistant, your daily duties may include:
- Assisting qualified artisans with maintenance activities.
- Keeping the workshop clean, organised, and tidy.
- Cleaning and sorting maintenance tools and equipment.
- Conducting daily inspections of production machinery.
- Preparing reports on machinery inspection findings.
- Performing scheduled monthly maintenance on machinery and equipment.
- Monitoring conveyors to ensure they remain operational.
- Helping repair machinery during breakdowns.
- Repairing company buildings and infrastructure when requested.
- Working with different departments to maintain production efficiency.
- Following all company maintenance procedures.
- Carrying out additional duties assigned by management.
Quickly responding to equipment problems helps reduce production downtime and supports efficient operations.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify for this opportunity, applicants should have:
- Grade 12 (Matric) or an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification.
- N2 Certificate in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
- Additional mechanical training or related courses will be an advantage.
- At least 2 years of experience in a similar maintenance role within a chicken abattoir or manufacturing plant.
- Good understanding of workplace health and safety requirements.
- Basic knowledge of poultry processing plant machinery.
- Willingness to work overtime, shifts, weekends, and public holidays when required.
Candidates who meet these requirements will have a stronger chance of being shortlisted.
Key Responsibilities Around Plant Maintenance
The successful candidate will help ensure production equipment operates safely and efficiently by:
- Inspecting machinery every day.
- Identifying maintenance issues before they become major problems.
- Helping reduce unnecessary production downtime.
- Supporting emergency repairs during equipment failures.
- Assisting with preventative maintenance programmes.
- Monitoring machinery performance throughout the production process.
Preventative maintenance plays an important role in keeping production running smoothly while reducing costly repairs.
Health, Safety and Quality Standards
Employees are expected to follow strict workplace safety and quality procedures at all times.
This includes complying with:
- ISO quality standards.
- HACCP food safety requirements.
- Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
- 20 Keys workplace improvement principles.
- Company safety procedures and maintenance standards.
Maintaining these standards helps ensure employee safety, product quality, and efficient production.
Skills Needed for the Role
Grain Field Chickens is looking for candidates who possess the following skills:
- Good observation skills.
- Strong analytical thinking.
- Good communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Customer service orientation.
- Ability to resolve workplace conflicts professionally.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Strong teamwork skills.
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
These qualities help Maintenance Assistants perform their duties safely and effectively.
Why Consider Working for Grain Field Chickens?
Grain Field Chickens forms part of VKB Agriculture (Pty) Ltd, one of South Africa’s respected agricultural businesses. Employees have the opportunity to work in a professional environment while gaining valuable experience in industrial maintenance and food production.
Working in this role allows you to develop technical skills, improve your understanding of manufacturing equipment, and gain experience working alongside qualified artisans.
For candidates interested in building a long-term career in engineering, maintenance, or manufacturing, this position offers valuable practical experience.
Important Information Before Applying
Applicants should remember the following when submitting their applications through the VKB Careers Portal:
- Use Google Chrome when accessing the online application portal.
- Upload a clear and updated CV in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
- Do not submit a CV with handwritten notes.
- Upload your CV only in the designated Upload CV section.
- Upload supporting documents such as your ID, qualifications, and driver’s licence separately where requested.
- If uploading a profile photo, ensure it is at least 300 × 300 pixels.
Following these instructions carefully can help prevent delays during the application process.
Employment Equity
VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer and supports Employment Equity and Transformation. Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups in line with the company’s Employment Equity Plan. The company also actively encourages applications from persons with disabilities.
Closing Date
Closing Date for Applications: 5 August 2026
If you have technical maintenance experience, enjoy working with machinery, and are looking for an opportunity to grow your career with one of South Africa’s leading agricultural companies, apply for the Grain Field Chickens Maintenance Assistant vacancy before the closing date.
