Artisan Fitter

Job description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

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Communication
Real Estate
Strategic Planning

Purpose

The holder of this position will be required to comply with all relevant health, safety, environmental, quality, and statutory requirements in line with First Quantum Minerals (FQM) policies and Government regulations. The role supports operational excellence within the Sulphide Processing Plant at Kansanshi Processing Plant, Solwezi, Zambia.

The Artisan Maintenance Fitter will maximize plant availability by maintaining the integrity and reliability of sulphide plant equipment to support copper and gold production targets. The position reports to the appointed Maintenance Supervisor and is responsible for delivering high-quality maintenance services safely, efficiently, and within required timelines.

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Education
Science
Strategic Planning

Key Responsibilities

The position holder will be responsible for:

Full compliance with mandatory PPE requirements when working in Sulphide circuits, including reflective work suits, safety goggles, safety boots, hard hats, and any other required PPE.
Performing assigned mechanical maintenance tasks safely, efficiently, and to OEM and FQM standards.
Ensuring adherence to Safety and Environmental Management Systems, policies, procedures, JSAs, Standard Maintenance Procedures (SMPs), Planned Task Observations (PTOs), and housekeeping standards.
Diagnosing mechanical faults using observation and specialized tools such as vibration pens, temperature guns, and other diagnostic equipment.
Participating in preventive maintenance (PMs), breakdown repairs, and proactive inspections on sulphide plant equipment including flotation cells (rotors and stators), slurry pumps, thickeners, agitators, blowers, compressors, gearboxes, drive systems, pipelines, valves, and tailings handling equipment.
Coordinating closely with Maintenance and Process teams to achieve Safety, Production, and Cost KPI targets.
Supporting and mentoring new employees to ensure compliance with established maintenance standards and procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

Craft Certificate in Mechanical Fitting from a recognized institution (higher qualifications will be an added advantage).
Grade 12 School Certificate.
Fully paid-up member of EIZ (Craftsperson).
Valid Zambian Class C driver’s license (added advantage).
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in fixed plant maintenance, preferably within Sulphide or Flotation processing plants.
Proven experience in installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of flotation cells, slurry pumps, thickeners, agitators, compressors, gearboxes, pipelines, valves, and associated mechanical systems.
Experience in structured problem-solving techniques such as 5 Whys or root cause analysis.
Experience in thickener drive hydraulics and tailings systems will be an added advantage.
Forklift and overhead crane operation experience will be advantageous.
All qualifications must be certified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Behavioral Traits

Bolder – Willing to accept new challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
Smarter – Focused on efficiency, reliability, and long-term operational excellence.
Driven – Committed to quality workmanship and continuous improvement.
Together – Team-oriented and able to build strong working relationships.
Demonstrates the THINK process on site.
Competent in mechanical fitting.
Physically fit for mechanical maintenance duties.
Able to interpret and develop basic mechanical drawings.
Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as within a team.