Head Mechanic / Head of Fleet

Job Description

Akagera Management Company Ltd (AMC Ltd) is a public–private partnership between African Parks Network and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), mandated to manage Akagera National Park. AMC Ltd is seeking to recruit suitable candidates to fill the post of Head Mechanic in Akagera National Park. The Head Mechanic / Head of Fleet is responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety, and readiness of all park vehicles, boats, and mechanical equipment through disciplined maintenance systems, strong workshop management, and technical leadership of the mechanical team. The role requires advanced hands-on mechanical expertise, adherence to SOPs, accurate record keeping, and the development of junior mechanics to support uninterrupted park operations in remote and demanding field conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Fleet maintenance schedule in place and followed
• Scheduled servicing completed on time
• Breakdowns minimised, investigated and documented
• Maintenance status visible via workshop systems (board, registers, stickers)
• SOP compliance:vehicle servicing, inspections, washing, greasing, fuel handling
• Workshop kept clean, safe and orderly
• Oils and lubricants stored correctly & meet appropriate standards
• Tools maintained, tracked, and losses minimised & reported
• Tool accountability systems in use (personal kits, shared tools)
• SOP compliance:workshop safety, signage, electrical safety, tool control
• Minimum stock levels defined and reviewed
• Correct spare parts identified and referenced (catalogues, part numbers)
• Parts availability supports scheduled maintenance
• Old, repairable, and scrap parts organised and tracked
• Repeated delays due to missing spares avoided
• Maintenance logbooks completed and checked
• Digital systems (e.g. Inflow / EarthRanger) used and cross-checked with physical records
• Fleet maintenance cost indicators (e.g. cost per km) are tracked, reviewed, and explained to support future budget accountability
• Non-compliance with records followed up and corrected
• SOP compliance:record-keeping, reporting, and audit procedures
• Junior mechanics coached and supported on real jobs
• Skill gaps identified and addressed through on-the-job training
• External training opportunities pursued where appropriate (e.g. boats, EVs)
• Knowledge shared across the team, including drivers’ mechanical awareness
• Evidence of increasing independence in junior staff
• Takes accountability for fleet condition and readiness
• Addresses root causes, not just symptoms, of mechanical issues
• Demonstrates safe, calm decision-making in field conditions
• Demonstrates respectful leadership toward team and stakeholders

Job Specification

• Qualification:Recognised technical certificate or diploma (TVET or equivalent) in automotive or mechanical engineering.
• Core Experience:Proven experience with Toyota 70 Series vehicles and Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engines.
• Additional Experience (Desirable):Basic maintenance and inspection of Caterpillar motor graders (e.g. CAT 140K), Mitsubishi Fuso, Massey Ferguson Tractors, generators, and water pumps.
• Technical Skills:Strong preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis, safe workshop practices, and SOP compliance.
• Systems & Records:Ability to maintain accurate maintenance records and use basic digital tools for reporting.
• Leadership:Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop junior mechanics.
• Personal Attributes:Accountable, safety-conscious, calm under pressure, and willing to learn and improve systems.
• Working Conditions:Able to work hands-on in remote field environments, with physical demands and flexible hours.
• Licensing:Valid driver’s licence (manual) – heavy duty vehicle

Added Advantage

Born and living near Akagera National Park; Being a member of any cooperative from around the Akagera National Park.

Note

Internal candidates are also allowed to apply

How to Apply

Interested candidates should forward their application letter together with all relevant documents to the email address provided bellow no later than 10th May 2026. The required documents should be submitted in scanned soft copies in pdf format (preferably as one document) on amc.recruit@africanparks.org. Successful candidate will begin with an immediate effect.

Applications must include the following documents :

• Application cover letter addressed to the Park Manager
• Stating where you heard about the position and why you should be considered
• Curriculum vitae including your personal details, education level , certification and any experience
• Name, address and telephone numbers of three (3) references
• All the documents should be in one pdf document and named after your name and position, for example: Name, Akagera Head Mechanic, 2026.