Semi-Skilled Mechanic: Unitrans
Job Details
Company: Unitrans
Position: Semi-Skilled Mechanic
Location: Clairwood, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Business Unit: Petroleum
Contract: Clairwood Workshop
Employment Type: Permanent – Normal
Reference: UNI260902-6
Minimum Education: Grade 12 / National Certificate
Closing Date: 2 October 2026
Job Overview
Unitrans is looking for a skilled and experienced Semi-Skilled Mechanic to join its Petroleum division at the Clairwood Workshop in Durban. This permanent position is suited to a mechanically experienced individual with a strong background in maintaining and repairing trucks, tankers, trailers and heavy equipment.
The Semi-Skilled Mechanic will support the reliability, safety and roadworthiness of Unitrans’ fleet, helping ensure vehicles and equipment remain available for daily operations. The role involves working under the guidance of Senior Mechanics and the Workshop Foreman while independently handling assigned jobs and more complex mechanical repairs.
The successful candidate will be expected to carry out preventative maintenance, assist with fault-finding and breakdown repairs, operate mechanical and electrical equipment, and support workshop and field-based mechanical activities. There may also be opportunities to perform basic welding and develop technical skills over time toward a formal artisan qualification and trade test.
Experience within transport fleets, logistics or industrial environments will be valuable, particularly exposure to heavy vehicles, fuel tankers, trucks and trailers. Candidates should have a practical understanding of diesel engines and vehicle systems and be comfortable using workshop tools and fault-finding equipment.
Key Responsibilities
The Semi-Skilled Mechanic will be responsible for:
- Inspecting, fault-finding and repairing mechanical issues on trucks, trailers and heavy equipment.
- Performing preventative maintenance such as lubrication, greasing, oil and fluid changes and filter replacement.
- Carrying out basic mechanical adjustments and minor repairs.
- Assisting with repairs to brakes, air systems, suspension and steering.
- Working on hydraulics, hoses, belts, engine and driveline components.
- Assisting with emergency roadside and field breakdowns.
- Supporting maintenance of long- and short-haul trucks, tankers, tippers, flatbeds and logistics trailers.
- Supporting roadworthiness inspections and statutory maintenance requirements.
- Preparing vehicles for preventative maintenance schedules, post-trip and post-season servicing.
- Assisting Senior Mechanics with heavy-equipment preparation.
- Maintaining workshop tools, equipment and machinery.
- Keeping workshop areas, service bays and storage areas clean and hazard-free.
- Assisting with stock control and safe storage of parts, tools and consumables.
- Providing mechanical support at depots and transport yards.
- Recording completed maintenance, repairs and parts used.
- Reporting recurring breakdowns and mechanical concerns to supervisors.
- Supporting audits, inspections and compliance checks.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Grade 12 / National Certificate.
- Technical or vocational training in mechanics or diesel engines.
- Training in heavy-equipment maintenance is advantageous.
- Basic safety training, including PPE, hazard identification and manual handling.
- At least 5 years’ experience in mechanical maintenance, workshop operations or equipment servicing.
- Experience in transport fleets, logistics or industrial environments.
- Exposure to trucks, trailers, heavy vehicles or fuel tankers is advantageous.
Technical Skills
Candidates should have a basic understanding of:
- Diesel engines.
- Air and hydraulic brake systems.
- Suspension and steering systems.
- Trailer suspension and driveline components.
- Routine servicing and minor repairs.
- Workshop tools and mechanical equipment.
- Maintenance records and parts tracking.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be hands-on, technically capable and safety-conscious, with the ability to work independently while following instructions from senior workshop personnel. Good communication and teamwork skills are important because the role involves working with mechanics, electricians, drivers, operators and logistics teams.
A strong commitment to health and safety is essential. The successful candidate must use prescribed PPE, identify hazards, follow safe lifting practices and comply with chemical and hazardous-material procedures.
Employment Details
This is a permanent position based at the Unitrans Clairwood Workshop in Durban. The role supports heavy-vehicle and fleet operations within the Petroleum business unit.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply for Semi-Skilled Mechanic – Reference UNI260902-6 before the closing date.
🚨 Closing Date: 2 October 2026