Workshop Manager African Parks Zambia

Position Title: Workshop Manager

Reports to: Field Operations Manager

Location: Kafue National Park

Type of contract: Fixed Contract

Background

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. We currently manage 20 national parks and protected areas in 11 countries covering over 17 million hectares in: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Job Purpose

The Workshop Manager (WM) is a key member of Kafue National Park (KNP) management team. The WM acts as Head Mechanic and takes a hands-on approach to the management of the Workshop and the maintenance of all KNP vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment. The position works closely alongside the Building Manager, Roads Manager and Operations and Conservation Supervisor. The workshop manager needs to take a business approach to the management of the workshop, attempting at all times to ensure that the facility and its responsibilities are fulfilled in the most cost-effective manner. The WM will be responsible for:

1. Workshop Facility Management
   1. Management and maintenance of the workshop facility and associated grounds to a high standard
   2. Ensure the workshop is kept clean, neat and meets environmentally acceptable standards
   3. Disposes of all hazardous substances in an environmentally acceptable manner
2. Asset Management: Vehicles, Boats, Machinery, Equipment and Tools
   1. Responsible for maintenance and care of all KNP vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment
   2. Ensures optimum condition of all vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment owned by KNP, this includes licensing, registration is up to date and displayed on the vehicles
   3. Ensures that the management and maintenance of the above is done in the most cost-effective manner
   4. Develops and implements an ongoing preventative management program for all vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment
   5. Provides asset management support to KNP Departments, Partners and Stakeholders as and when required, and as per pre-agreed KNP contracts
   6. Ensure all administrative documentation related to vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment is kept current and up to date, this includes all licensing and registration documents, service/maintenance history, that all logbooks and storeroom/tool check lists etc are completed and filed
3. Workshop Stores
   1. Maintain an exceptional standard of stock control for fuel, spares, lubricants, machinery, equipment and tools
   2. Procures stock and materials, attempting to acquire the best products for the best price
   3. Maintain a reasonable stock of spares and lubricants for all vehicles, avoiding over acquisition
   4. Manages the workshop store stock with a strict appreciation for financial control
4. Park Infrastructure
   1. Supports the Building Manager and Roads Manager with advice and technical skills with regards to the management and maintenance of all KNP building facilities, road infrastructure, radio towers and associated equipment, water sources and associated equipment
   2. Supervision of maintenance work as determined by management, when required
5. Staff Management and Supervision
   1. Day to day management of staff under his/her supervision, setting tasks and overseeing these, ensuring exemplary work standards, maintain staff discipline through the company’s code of conduct and conditions of service, and overseeing general staff related administration

• Strong report writing and public speaking skills
• Good computer understanding with knowledge of Microsoft office

Capabilities, competencies and experience

1. Grade 12 Certificate supported by tertiary qualification in motor mechanics or other relevant qualification
2. Demonstrable experience of at least 5 years of workshop management in a remote environment
3. Exceptional knowledge and skills in the maintenance of diesel and petrol, heavy duty and light duty vehicles, boats, plant machinery and equipment, and the maintenance thereof
4. Excellent organisational skills and an ability to manage several tasks at one time
5. Must be able to work under pressure and can achieve strict deadlines
6. A disciplined character, willing to work long hours in a remote environment, with limited resources
7. Ability to problem solve, make do with what one has to solve often complicated problems
8. A strong leader, who can persevere, with excellent people management skills and an ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
9. Fluent in English (written and spoken)
10. Good computer and report writing skills
11. Knowledge of wildlife industry and standards

African Parks Zambia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants for this position must have a clean record and traceable references. Candidates must include a day time contact number.