Machinist at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC)

Role Summary

• The Machinist is responsible for operating and maintaining precision machinery to fabricate, modify, and repair metal parts and components essential for Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s (OPC) infrastructure, vehicles, and equipment. The role ensures that machined components meet strict quality, safety, and operational standards, supporting the conservancy’s conservation, security, and infrastructure development efforts.
• The Machinist will work with a variety of materials and machine tools, collaborating with welders and other technical staff to deliver high-quality fabrication solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Machining and Fabrication: Operate lathes, drill presses, welding machines, milling machines, boring machines, grinders, and other precision tools to manufacture and modify metal components. Fabricate parts according to technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications to support vehicle repairs, infrastructure projects, and conservation equipment.
• Machine Setup and Calibration: Set up machines for specific projects, including calibration, alignment, and tool adjustments. Ensure machines are running at optimal settings to maintain accuracy and efficiency during operations.
• Component Repairs and Modifications: Repair and modify worn or damaged mechanical components for vehicles, heavy machinery, and infrastructure. Ensure all parts meet dimensional tolerances and structural requirements.
• Blueprint Interpretation and Technical Drawings: Interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and schematics to understand design specifications. Collaborate with the Fabrication Team Leader and other team members to ensure machining projects meet exact requirements.
• Maintenance of Machinery and Tools: Perform regular maintenance on machining equipment, ensuring tools are kept in good working order and safety standards are adhered to. Report any equipment malfunctions or necessary repairs to the Fabrication Team Leader.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to occupational health and safety regulations while operating machinery. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and implement best practices to maintain a safe working environment.
• Quality Control and Inspection: Conduct thorough inspections of machined parts to ensure accuracy, precision, and adherence to design specifications. Address any deviations or defects to maintain high-quality output.
• Inventory and Resource Management: Manage materials and consumables needed for machining tasks. Monitor inventory levels of metal stock, cutting tools, and coolants and request supplies as needed.
• Collaboration with Team Members: Work closely with the Fabrication Team Leader, Welder, and other workshop staff to coordinate machining projects and contribute to larger fabrication efforts.
• Record-Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of machining activities, including job cards, material usage logs, and machine maintenance schedules. Provide updates to the Fabrication Team Leader on project progress and operational issues.
• Any additional duties as maybe assigned from time to time.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

Qualification

• Certificate or Diploma in Machining, Mechanical Engineering, Metal Fabrication, or a related technical field.
• Additional training in CNC machining, precision tooling, or metalwork safety is an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in machining and metal fabrication, preferably in a workshop setting.
• Experience with precision machining, lathe operation, and metal part fabrication is highly desirable.

Skills

• Proficiency in operating lathes, milling machines, welding, grinders, and other machining tools.
• Strong ability to interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings.
• Attention to detail and precision in fabricating complex metal components.
• Strong knowledge of metal properties, cutting techniques, and tooling adjustments.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot machining challenges.
• Good organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team