AFRICAN PARKS VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTON

Mechanics Instructor

Project

Liuwa Plain National Park

Year

2011/ 2012

Position

Mechanics Instructor

Location of position

Kalabo Village, Zambia

Starting date

As soon as possible

Qualities

The job requires a person who can work in a remote area in an African village setting with minimal supervision and limited communication. It requires the ability to forecast resources, to self-motivate, prioritise and delegate and a knowledge of, and/or interest in and sensitivity to local customs, cultural issues.

Length of stay

Four weeks

Job overview

The role is involves the mentoring of key staff members involved in maintenance and driving of the Liuwa transport fleet. This includes a mechanic and assistant mechanic, two drivers, two coxswains and two general workers. The focus of the job is to provide mentoring to the staff to increase their skill and knowledge of maintaining and operating the transport fleet. The fleet includes Toyota Land Cruisers, Toyota Hilux, Saura Berna Truck, Yamaha motorbikes, Honda quad bikes, Argo amphibious vehicles, Massey Fergussen tractor and out board motor boats. The role will focus on the mentoring of the mechanical maintenance of this fleet, specifically advanced mechanical repairs and will include the following:

1. Mentoring on basic best practice mechanical techniques.

2. Mentoring of basic and advanced repairs such as but not limited to diesel engines, differentials and gearbox.

3. Refining and implementing an effective service record keeping system and maintenance schedule for fleet.

4. Refining a list of essential parts to be kept in stock for the fleet.

5. Mentoring drivers and coxswains on best practice procedures for operating the fleet with specific attention to pre-driving checks, and operating the vehicle in a way to maximise its operating lifespan.

6. Evaluating and recommending tool requirements in the workshop.

7. Evaluating and making recommendations regarding the workshop functionality and health and safety.

Supervises the following staff (if any)

None

Reports into

Field Operations Manager

Collaboration with

Several APZ employees to ensure that the work is carried out in time and to an acceptable standard.

Other key relationships

Park Manager, Workshop Staff, Law Enforcement & Office Staff

Key measures and targets (specific deliverables must be quantified)

1. Mentoring of key workshop staff to improve their skills specifically with regard to best practice mechanical procedures and advanced repairs.

2. Evaluate and improve workshop record keeping and maintenance schedules, as well as basic spares to be kept on site.

3. Mentoring drivers and coxswains on sensitive use of fleet and operator checks.

4. Evaluating and making recommendations on workshop functionality, tools and health and safety.

Competences and capacities needed for the job

1. Driver's License;

2. A relevant qualification related to mechanical repairs.

3. Extensive experience in advanced mechanical repairs preferably in motor vehicles, diesel engines, motorcycles, trucks and tractors and outboard engines;

4. Experience in working in operations in remote locations;

5. Experience in workshop management.

6. Familiarity with computer packages such as Word, Excel and email;

7. Preferably a motorbike license or experience in riding motor bikes or quad bikes;

8 Preferably a First Aid certificate