Shift Fitter

Job Purpose

To provide mechanical maintenance support on a shift basis, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of mechanical equipment across the zinc processing plant. The Shift Fitter performs breakdown repairs, inspections, preventative maintenance, and assists production teams in maintaining plant availability and achieving production targets.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical Maintenance & Repairs

Perform mechanical repairs on:

• Gyratory crushers, screens, feeders
• Conveyors, gearboxes, couplings
• SAG/Ball mills, lubrication systems
• Pumps (slurry, water, positive displacement)
• Compressors, thickeners, agitators
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Diagnose equipment failures and perform corrective actions efficiently.

Breakdown Response (Shift Support)

• Respond promptly to plant breakdowns and mechanical faults.
• Work closely with production operators to understand issues.
• Restore equipment safely while minimizing production downtime.
• Provide detailed feedback after each breakdown.

Preventative Maintenance

• Conduct routine inspections of rotating and static equipment.
• Lubrication, alignment checks, tensioning, and tightening.
• Identify abnormal wear, excessive vibration, leaks, or unusual noises.
• Complete PM task cards and report required follow-up work.

Safety & Compliance

Apply and adhere to:

• Lock-out/Tag-out (LOTO)
• Permit-to-work systems
• Working-at-heights rules
• Confined space procedures
• Comply with MHSA and internal engineering standards.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas after performing tasks.

Equipment Condition Monitoring

Inspect and monitor condition of:

• Bearings
• Shafts and seals
• Liners (crusher, mill, chute)
• Belts, chains, rollers
• Hydraulic hoses & fittings
• Report deteriorating conditions and recommend repairs.

Work Quality & Documentation

Complete:

• Shift maintenance logs
• Breakdown reports
• Job cards and checklists
• Follow-up work requests for planners
• Ensure all repairs are completed to OEM standards.

7. Collaboration & Communication

Coordinate with:

• Shift supervisors
• Electrical and instrumentation teams
• Control room operators
• Production and process teams
• Provide clear updates on equipment status and repair progress.

Tools & Equipment Care

• Use mechanical tools, lifting equipment, and machinery safely.
• Ensure correct use of chain blocks, slings, rigging equipment, and torque tools.
• Report defective tools or unsafe equipment immediately.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Skilled in mechanical fitting, alignment, rigging fundamentals.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical plant equipment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and mechanical diagrams.
• Understanding of crushers, mills, pumps, conveyors, and hydraulic systems.
• Competent in using measuring tools (verniers, micrometres, dial gauges).

Behavioural Competencies

• Safety‑driven mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and independently during breakdowns.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• High attention to detail and reliability.
• Good problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• Red Seal Trade Test: Mechanical Fitter / Fitter & Turner.
• 3–5 years' experience in mining or mineral processing mechanical maintenance.
• Experience with rotating machinery and heavy industrial equipment.
• Ability to work shifts, overtime, callouts, and standby.

Preferred

• Experience on zinc, lead, copper, or base metal processing plants.
• Additional rigging or hydraulics training.
• Experience maintaining crushers, mills, and slurry pumping systems.
• Basic computer literacy for maintenance reporting.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Breakdown response time.
• Quality and durability of repairs.
• Preventative maintenance compliance.
• Equipment availability and uptime.
• Safety compliance and incident-free performance.
• Quality of reporting and job card completion.