Mechanical Technician

Job description

Eastern Tropical Fruit Company Limited (ETF) is jointly owned by Zambia Fruit Company and Vitaplus Foods Limited, under the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC). The Company operates a hybrid fruit and vegetable processing plant located in Katete District, Eastern Province of Zambia.

Role Overview:

The Mechanical Technician will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and optimizing mechanical equipment and systems used in production to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations in accordance with quality and safety standards. The role will involve conducting routine maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical faults, adjusting equipment settings, and ensuring all machinery operates at peak efficiency. Additionally, the position will entail documenting maintenance activities, coordinating with production and engineering teams, and adhering to operational and safety procedures to support overall equipment reliability and production effectiveness.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Perform routine preventive maintenance on production equipment and mechanical systems.
Diagnose mechanical faults and breakdowns and carry out corrective repairs promptly.
Replace worn-out or defective parts to restore equipment functionality.
Assist in the installation, alignment, and setup of new machinery and mechanical systems.
Ensure proper calibration and testing of machines before handover for production use.
Verify that mechanical systems meet operational standards and safety regulations.
Investigate recurring mechanical problems and recommend long-term technical solutions.
Provide on-site support to production teams during equipment breakdowns or process interruptions.
Collaborate with electricians and automation technicians for multidisciplinary troubleshooting.
Maintain accurate maintenance logs and records of repairs, inspections, and parts usage.
Report equipment performance trends, downtime events, and maintenance needs to supervisors.
Support audit readiness by ensuring proper documentation of maintenance activities.
Adhere to safety procedures and wear appropriate PPE at all times during maintenance work.
Comply with mechanical safety standards, machine guarding requirements, and operational protocols.
Participate in safety drills, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Grade 12 Certificate with five (5) O Levels.
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Fitter and Turner, Industrial
Maintenance, or a related technical field.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in mechanical maintenance within a manufacturing or food processing environment.
Proven experience in maintaining and repairing production machinery, including pumps, conveyors, motors, and gear systems.
Membership with a recognized professional regulatory body.
Proven experience in troubleshooting and repairing industrial mechanical systems.

Required Competencies and Skills:

Technical Knowledge
Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Safety Consciousnes
Resilience

Application Process

Qualified candidates who are eager to contribute to the success of Eastern Tropical Fruit Company Limited and are willing to be based in Katete District, Eastern Province, should submit their applications online by clicking or typing in the web browser and completing the online form below:

www.idc.co.zm/careers/job-vacancies

The deadline for receiving applications shall be 30th September 2025.

Eastern Tropical Fruits Limited is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.