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 mining 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. Professional certifications such as CMRP or relevant trade qualifications are advantageous. Practical experience in heavy industrial or mining environments is highly valued by employers.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Plant Engineer in Mechanical Services?
Daily tasks include overseeing maintenance of mechanical equipment, troubleshooting breakdowns, managing maintenance schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will also supervise technical teams, coordinate with production departments, and manage spare parts inventory. Reporting on equipment performance and reliability is a regular responsibility.
How does the work culture and expectations differ in Botswana's mining sector compared to other industries?
Mining sector employers in Botswana emphasize strict adherence to safety protocols and often require longer shift patterns including on-call duties. Hierarchical respect and formal communication are expected in workplace interactions. Punctuality and reliability are critical, as downtime costs are significant in this industry.
What career progression opportunities exist for Plant Engineers in Botswana's mining and industrial sector?
Progression typically moves from Plant Engineer to Senior Engineer, then Maintenance Manager or Engineering Manager. Some professionals transition into Operations Management or specialized technical consulting roles. Continuous professional development and ERB registration upgrades support advancement.
What benefits are commonly offered to engineering professionals in Botswana's mining sector?
Standard benefits usually include medical aid coverage, pension or provident fund contributions, and annual leave as prescribed by Botswana labour law. Many mining employers also provide housing allowances or subsidized accommodation, transport allowances, and performance bonuses. Shift allowances and overtime pay are common for operational roles.
How should I apply for a Plant Engineer position, and what do Botswana employers prioritize in applications?
Apply through company career portals, local job boards like CareerPool Botswana, or professional networks. Employers prioritize practical experience, ERB registration status, and demonstrated problem-solving abilities in industrial settings. A well-structured CV highlighting measurable achievements and safety compliance records strengthens your application.
