Botswana Ash (Pty) Ltd is a Soda Ash and Salt producing Company situated on the Sua Pan in Botswana, approximately 180 km by tarred road northwest of Francistown. The Company employs over 450 employees of which close to 300 are unionised. Employees and their families live in Sowa Town, about 20 km east of the factory. The town boasts excellent English medium pre-primary, primary and secondary schools as well as government run primary and junior secondary schools. In addition, there is a company run private clinic for Botash employees at the factory as well as a private clinic and a government run clinic at the township. Recreational facilities include tennis and squash courts, swimming pools, recreation clubs as well as an 18- hole browns golf course.
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the position of:
PLANT ENGINEER (MECHANICAL SERVICES)
Job Summary
- Employer: Botswana Ash (PTY) LTD.
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Engineering
- Salary: competitive salary and a full range of fringe benefits including contributory pension scheme, car allowance, 13th cheque, medical aid, education assistance and life insurance cover
- Closing Date: 2026-09-28
Key Responsibilities
- To ensure that regular and planned mechanical maintenance is carried out on plant, equipment and mobile machinery to ensure optimum production, minimum time loss and optimum safety.
- To provide a proactive & cost-effective maintenance service to the manufacturing infrastructure.
- Ensuring that the reliability and efficiency of these areas are maintained and enhanced.
- Responsible for the functional excellence and the maintenance of safety standards within the section.
Requirements
- Ideally BSc Mechanical Engineering or equivalent, with a minimum of 8 years maintenance and management experience in a heavy industrial plant environment of which two years should have been in a managerial capacity.
- In depth knowledge of pumps, heat exchangers and large rotating machines and materials handling equipment.
- Knowledge of Reliability Centred Maintenance and Computerised Maintenance Management systems such as, Syspro, Onkey and OHSAS safety management programme would be an advantage.
- Successful completion of a traceable engineer-in- training program will be an added advantage.
- Planning and Operational Effectiveness
- Subordinate Effectiveness
- Budgetary Planning and Cost Control
- Corporate Governance
- Safety Health Environment and Quality
Salary
competitive salary and a full range of fringe benefits including contributory pension scheme, car allowance, 13th cheque, medical aid, education assistance and life insurance cover
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: botash.mcidirecthire.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Plant Engineer in Mechanical Services at a company like Botswana Ash?
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent is usually required, along with registration with the Engineers Registration Board of Botswana (ERB). Professional certifications such as PR.Eng status and experience with heavy industrial equipment are highly valued by employers in Botswana's mining and minerals sector.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Plant Engineer in Mechanical Services?
Daily tasks include overseeing maintenance schedules, troubleshooting mechanical failures, managing spare parts inventory, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will also supervise maintenance teams and coordinate shutdowns for major equipment overhauls.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ in Botswana's industrial sector?
Botswana employers emphasize punctuality, respect for hierarchy, and strong commitment to safety protocols. Building relationships with colleagues and demonstrating reliability are essential, as is adapting to the country's emphasis on citizen empowerment and local workforce development.
What career progression opportunities exist for Plant Engineers in Botswana?
With experience, you can advance to Senior Plant Engineer, Maintenance Manager, or Engineering Manager roles. Some engineers transition into operations management or pursue specialized paths in project management and technical consulting within Botswana's growing industrial sector.
What benefits are typically offered for full-time engineering positions in Botswana?
Standard benefits usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, annual leave, and sometimes housing or transport allowances. Mining and industrial companies often provide additional benefits such as performance bonuses and professional development support.
How should I apply for a Plant Engineer position, and what do Botswana employers look for in candidates?
Submit a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience, ERB registration, and specific mechanical systems expertise through the company's official channels or job portals like Botswana Jobs. Employers prioritize practical experience, problem-solving skills, and candidates who demonstrate long-term commitment to working in Botswana.
