Carpenter Assistant [CWR.K.CA.23092026]

Introduction

Our client, an upmarket hotel and conference center in Pretoria is looking for a Carpenter Assistant to join their dynamic team.

Duties & Responsibilities

JOB DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE

To provide high-quality carpentry, joinery and related maintenance services across all guest rooms, public areas and back-of-house facilities at Kievits Kroon, ensuring a safe, well-maintained and upmarket environment in line with brand standards and statutory requirements, under the direction of the Facilities Manager.

• Deliver timely carpentry repairs and new installations to support uninterrupted hotel operations and an excellent guest experience.

• Maintain all wooden fixtures, fittings and finishes to a high aesthetic and functional standard consistent with a luxury country hotel and spa environment.

• Support the Facilities Manager in implementing preventative maintenance plans and safety standards for carpentry-related elements.

• Coordinate effectively with other maintenance team members and hotel departments to resolve work orders and guest-related issues efficiently.

• Ensure all carpentry tasks comply with occupational health and safety legislation, hotel policies and manufacturer specifications.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Carpentry maintenance and repairs

• Install and repair interior and exterior doors, door frames, window frames, door and window hardware, locks and associated ironmongery in guest rooms, public areas and back-of-house.

• Build, install and repair cupboards, cabinets, wardrobes, vanities, shelving, counters, bar and restaurant joinery, and other wooden or composite fixtures used in the hotel.

• Fit and install skirtings, dado rails, cornices, architraves and trims to maintain a neat, premium finish.

• Install, repair and finish drywall/partition walls and ceilings, including access panels and trap doors where required.

• Inspect and repair wooden flooring, decking, staircases, balustrades, handrails and outdoor timber structures on the estate.

• Remove and replace damaged or defective woodwork, panels, trims and other building elements using appropriate hand and power tools.

New installations, fabrication and projects

• Interpret drawings, sketches and specifications to plan, measure, mark out and construct required carpentry items.

• Shape, cut and prepare timber, board products and other materials to specified measurements using saws, planers and other woodworking machinery.

• Assemble and fasten materials using screws, nails, dowels, adhesives and appropriate fixings to create stable, durable structures.

• Erect and dismantle safe working platforms, ladders and basic scaffolding in line with safety procedures for work at height.

• Participate in refurbishment, renovation and small project work as assigned by the Facilities Manager, ensuring minimal disruption to guests.

Preventative maintenance and inspections

• Conduct routine inspections of guest rooms, corridors, restaurant and bar areas, spa, conference facilities and service areas to identify carpentry-related defects or risks.

• Complete scheduled preventative maintenance checklists for doors, windows, furniture, fittings and wooden structures, documenting all work carried out.

• Prioritise and respond to maintenance requests and work orders from the Facilities Manager, Front Office, Housekeeping and other departments.

• Recommend improvements, replacements or upgrades where recurring issues or end-of-life components are identified.

Safety, compliance and housekeeping

• Follow established safety rules, hotel procedures and statutory regulations at all times, including lock-out/tag-out, PPE and safe work at height.

• Operate, clean and store carpentry tools and equipment correctly, ensuring that items are maintained, safe and fit for purpose.

• Maintain clean, orderly and secure workshops, storage rooms and work areas, removing debris and waste materials daily.

• Assist in emergency responses (e.g., securing damaged doors, boarding up windows, making areas safe) as directed by the Facilities Manager.

Communication, teamwork and service

• Liaise with the Facilities Manager to plan work, confirm priorities, report progress and highlight constraints or delays.

• Coordinate with Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage, Spa and other departments to gain access to rooms and areas with minimal impact on guests.

• Engage courteously and professionally with guests and colleagues, explaining work where necessary and upholding the hotel's service standards.

• Provide guidance to general maintenance staff or contractors on basic carpentry-related issues when requested by the Facilities Manager.

Desired Experience & Qualification

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• National Senior Certificate (Matric) or equivalent (Essential)

• Recognised carpentry or joinery trade certificate or apprenticeship will be an advantage

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Minimum 3-5 years' proven experience in carpentry, including repairs and new installations, ideally in a hotel, lodge, resort or similar hospitality or commercial environment.

• Experience working with occupied buildings where work must be planned around guests or tenants is desirable.

• Solid understanding of carpentry techniques, joinery methods and materials used in commercial or residential buildings (timber, board products, hardware, fixings, finishes).

• Knowledge of standard practices, procedures and quality standards for hotel maintenance carpentry, including furniture and fixture repairs in guest rooms and public areas.

• Familiarity with reading and interpreting technical drawings, sketches and manufacturer installation instructions.

• Working knowledge of relevant occupational health and safety legislation, safe tool use, work at height and manual handling.

• English proficiency (Essential).

• Proven ability to use hand tools and power tools safely and efficiently (saws, drills, sanders, planers, nailers, routers, etc.).

• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to deliver neat finishes appropriate to a 4 or 5-star hotel environment.

• Good practical problem-solving skills to diagnose faults, identify causes and implement durable repairs.

• Ability to estimate materials, plan cutting lists and minimise waste.

• Basic numerical and literacy skills to interpret measurements, complete job cards and follow written instructions.

• Physically fit with sufficient stamina and strength to perform manual work, work at height and handle equipment and materials safely.

• Reliable and punctual, with the ability to work shifts, weekends, public holidays and overtime as required by operations.

• Team-oriented, cooperative and respectful in interactions with colleagues across all departments.

• Calm under pressure, able to manage multiple tasks and changing priorities while maintaining quality standards.

• Professional appearance and behaviour consistent with an upmarket hotel environment.