SAMREC VERMICULITE ZIMBABWE (PVT) LTD ROLE PROFILE CLASS 1 DIESEL PLANT FITTER (DPF) Job Title :Class 1 Diesel Plant Fitter (DPF) Department: Mobile Equipment Reports To: Mobile Equipment Foreman Location: Samrec Vermiculite Zimbabwe – Mining Operations Employment Type:Full-Time 1. ROLE PURPOSE To provide safe, reliable and efficient maintenance, servicing, troubleshooting and repair of diesel-powered mobile plant and mining equipment, ensuring equipment availability, reliability and performance in support of safe and continuous mining operations.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Harare
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-08-27
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out planned and corrective maintenance, servicing and repairs on diesel-powered mobile plant and mining equipment.
- Diagnose and rectify mechanical faults affecting diesel engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, braking systems, steering systems, axles and final drives.
- Conduct preventative maintenance and scheduled servicing in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company maintenance standards.
- Inspect mobile equipment to identify wear, damage, defects and potential failures, and recommend appropriate corrective action.
- Perform engine overhauls, component replacements, repairs and equipment rebuilds as required.
- Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and restore equipment to safe and operational condition.
- Carry out pre-start, inspection and condition-monitoring activities and report defects requiring attention.
- Complete job cards, maintenance reports, inspection records and other maintenance documentation accurately and on time.
- Maintain tools, workshop equipment and work areas in a clean, safe and serviceable condition.
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with company SHEQ requirements, safe work procedures and statutory requirements.
- Work closely with operators, supervisors and other engineering personnel to identify equipment issues and improve equipment reliability.
- Provide technical support and guidance to apprentices and less experienced personnel where required.
- Perform any other reasonable duties assigned by management in support of operational requirements.
Requirements
- Class 1 Diesel Plant Fitter (DPF) Trade Test Certificate.
- Minimum five (5) years’ relevant post-apprenticeship experience maintaining heavy mobile equipment in a mining, construction or industrial environment.
- Proven practical experience on earthmoving and heavy mobile equipment.
- Experience with Caterpillar (CAT) machinery will be a distinct advantage.
Salary
TBA
How to Apply
Apply by email: [email protected]
About the Company
Samrec Vermiculite Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd is a privately held mining company operating in Zimbabwe, focused exclusively on the extraction, processing, and export of vermiculite. The company’s operations are based in the Mashonaland West Province, where it holds statutory mining rights for vermiculite deposits. It complies with Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act and engages in environmentally regulated open-pit mining and thermal exfoliation. The firm supplies processed vermiculite to regional and international markets, with its Zimbabwean facility serving as its sole production base.
Zimbabwe’s dedicated vermiculite mining and processing company
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Class 1 Diesel Plant Fitter role in Zimbabwe?
Applicants usually need a National Certificate or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or Automotive Engineering from a ZIMCHE-accredited institution like NTU or MTC. A valid Class 1 Driver’s Licence and proof of diesel engine maintenance training — often through ZIMRA-approved workshops or apprenticeships — are essential. Some employers also expect registration with the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ) as a Technician or Artisan.
What does a typical day look like for a Diesel Plant Fitter working at a mining or processing site like Samrec Vermiculite?
Daily tasks include inspecting, maintaining, and repairing diesel-powered generators, compressors, and mobile plant equipment, often under outdoor or semi-industrial conditions. You’ll complete logbook entries, conduct safety checks per ZESA and MHA guidelines, and collaborate with shift supervisors and electricians on breakdowns. PPE compliance and adherence to site-specific HSE protocols — such as those aligned with Zimbabwe’s Mines and Minerals Act — are non-negotiable.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for engineering roles in Zimbabwe compared to other countries?
Zimbabwean employers value reliability, hands-on problem-solving, and adaptability due to frequent power outages and equipment scarcity — resourcefulness with local spares and improvisation is highly regarded. Respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and strong interpersonal communication — especially when liaising with mine management or expatriate supervisors — are cultural norms. Attendance and accountability are closely monitored, particularly in regulated sectors like mining and mineral processing.
What realistic career progression paths exist for a Diesel Plant Fitter in Zimbabwe’s engineering sector?
With experience and ECZ registration, fitters commonly progress to Senior Plant Fitter, Maintenance Supervisor, or Plant Operations Technician roles within larger mining or manufacturing firms. Further study — such as an Advanced Certificate in Plant Maintenance or part-time BEng Technology — can open pathways to Maintenance Engineer or Technical Manager positions. Some transition into technical sales, training, or start small-scale diesel repair businesses supported by institutions like ZIMDEF or BRIDGE.
What benefits (leave, medical aid, pension) are typically offered to skilled engineering staff in Zimbabwean private companies?
Most formal employers offer 22–30 days annual leave, sick leave per the Labour Act, and basic group medical aid — though coverage varies widely and often excludes pre-existing conditions. Pension contributions usually follow the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) framework, with some firms offering supplementary retirement schemes. Maternity/paternity leave complies with statutory minimums, and transport or housing allowances may be included depending on site location and company policy.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Zimbabwean employers specifically look for in candidates?
Submit a clear CV highlighting relevant workshop experience, diesel plant exposure, and certifications — always include your ECZ registration number and ID if applicable. Employers prioritise verifiable references, evidence of safety training (e.g., MHA induction certificates), and demonstrated familiarity with common equipment like CAT, Cummins, or Perkins engines. Avoid generic applications; tailor your cover letter to show understanding of vermuculite processing challenges, such as dust mitigation and remote-site maintenance demands.