Workshop Manager African Parks

Position Title: Workshop Manager

Reports to: Field Operations Manager

Location: Liuwa Plains National Park

Type of contract: Fixed Contract

Background

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation 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 22 national parks and protected areas in 12 countries covering over 20 million hectares in: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Job Purpose

The Workshop Manager (WM) is a key member of the Liuwa Plain National Park (LPNP) team. The WM acts as Head Mechanic and takes a hands-on approach to the management of the Workshop and the maintenance of LPNP vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment. The position works closely alongside the Operations Supervisor and Infrastructure 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:

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Workshop Facility Management
   • Management and maintenance of the workshop facility and associated grounds to a high standard
   • Ensure the workshop is kept clean, neat and meets environmentally acceptable standards
   • Disposes of all hazardous substances in an environmentally acceptable manner
2. Asset Management: Vehicles, Boats, Machinery, Equipment and Tools
   • Responsible for maintenance and care of all LPNP vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment
   • Ensures optimum condition of all vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment owned by LPNP, this includes licensing, registration are up to date and displayed on the vehicles
   • Ensures that the management and maintenance of the above is done in the most cost-effective manner
   • Develops and implements an ongoing preventative management program for all vehicles, boats, machinery, tools and equipment
   • Provides asset management support to LPNP Departments, Partners and Stakeholders as and when required, and as per pre-agreed LPNP contracts
   • 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
   • Maintain an exceptional standard of stock control for fuel, spares, lubricants, machinery, equipment and tools
   • Procures stock and materials, attempting to acquire the best products for the best price
   • Maintain a reasonable stock of spares and lubricants for all vehicles, avoiding over acquisition
   • Manages the workshop store stock with a strict appreciation for financial control
4. Park Infrastructure
   • Supports the Infrastructure Supervisor with advice and technical skills with regards to the management and maintenance of all LPNP building facilities, road infrastructure, radio towers and associated equipment, water sources and associated equipment
   • Supervision of maintenance work as determined by management, when required
5. Staff Management and Supervision
   • 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
   • Liaison with Human Resources to ensure all staff details and documentation is complete and up to date.
   • Identifying training needs and implementing in house training
   • Work with contractors related to all of the above functions
   • Ensure compliance with health and safety standards
6. Provide operational support to Law Enforcement, Operations, Technical, Community, Tourism and Administration Departments through the efficient management of drivers and vehicles
7. Implementation of day to day maintenance, operational tasks and special projects as determined by management, and as required
8. Fulfilling the role of the FOM in his/her absence
9. Any further reasonable and lawful request made to you by the FOM or Park Manager

Capabilities, competencies and experience

1. Full grade twelve certificate
2. Degree or diploma in Mechanics
3. Demonstrable experience of at least 5 years of workshop management
4. Excellent organisational skills and an ability to manage several tasks at one time
5. Exceptional knowledge of vehicles, boats, workshop machinery and tools, and the maintenance thereof
6. Must be able to work under pressure and can achieve strict deadlines
7. A disciplined character, willing to work long hours in a remote environment, with limited resources
8. Ability to problem solve, make do with what one has to solve often complicated problems
9. A strong leader, who can persevere, with excellent people management skills and an ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds
10. Fluent in English (written and spoken)
11. Good computer and report writing skills
12. Good team player and experience in managing teams
13. Knowledge of wildlife industry and standards