How to Apply for the KKMJV TBM Mechanic Vacancy
Applications must be accompanied by:
- Application letter detailing the position being applied for.
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of educational certificates.
- Three work-related referees with contact details.
Applicants should check their documents carefully before submitting them.
Application Format
Applications must be submitted in:
Read-only PDF format
Make sure the PDF is complete and clearly readable before emailing it.
Application Email
Send applications to:
recruitment@kkm-jv.co.ls
Your application letter must clearly indicate that you are applying for the TBM Mechanic position.
A suitable email subject could be:
Application – TBM Mechanic
This is a suggested subject line for clarity; the supplied advertisement does not prescribe a specific email subject.
Closing Date
Sunday, 20 September 2026 at 16:00 hours
Candidates should submit their complete applications before the closing time.
Shortlisting Information
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If you do not receive a response within 14 days after the closing date, KKMJV advises that you should consider your application unsuccessful.
CV Tips for TBM Mechanic Applicants
1. Make Your 5 Years of TBM Experience Easy to Verify
The employer specifically requires a minimum of five years’ experience with TBM operations and tunnel excavations.
Your CV should show dates clearly.
For example:
TBM Mechanic – [Company]
Project: [Tunnel Project]
Period: January 2020 – December 2025
Then describe your genuine duties.
2. Name the Tunnel Projects You Worked On
If possible, provide the names of major tunnelling projects where you gained your experience.
You can also mention:
- Country/location
- Tunnel type
- TBM type
- Employer/contractor
- Length of your involvement
3. Describe the TBM Equipment You Worked On
Instead of simply stating:
“Maintained TBMs.”
give recruiters more information about the mechanical equipment or systems you actually worked on.
This could include hydraulic, mechanical, conveyor, lubrication or other systems if these genuinely formed part of your previous work.
4. Highlight Breakdown and Fault-Finding Experience
If you have experience responding to TBM breakdowns, explain your role.
Employers may be interested in how you:
- Identified faults
- Diagnosed problems
- Completed repairs
- Tested equipment
- Returned equipment to service safely
5. Include Preventative Maintenance Experience
Where applicable, mention your experience performing scheduled inspections and maintenance intended to reduce breakdowns and equipment downtime.
6. Highlight Tunnel Excavation Experience
Don’t focus only on mechanical work.
The vacancy specifically asks for experience with TBM operations and tunnel excavations, so make your underground tunnelling exposure clear.
7. Highlight Safety
If applicable, include genuine experience with:
- Isolation procedures
- Lockout/tagout
- Permit-to-work systems
- Risk assessments
- PPE
- Pre-task inspections
- Toolbox talks
- Underground safety procedures
These are general CV suggestions rather than additional advertised requirements.
8. Include Three Work-Related Referees
KKMJV specifically requires three work-related referees with contact details.
Suitable referees may include previous:
- Mechanical Supervisors
- Maintenance Managers
- TBM Supervisors
- Tunnel Superintendents
- Project Managers
Choose referees who can genuinely verify your work history.
Example CV Profile
“Experienced TBM Mechanic with more than five years of practical experience supporting TBM operations and tunnel excavation projects. Experienced in mechanical maintenance, inspections, fault finding and breakdown support within demanding underground construction environments. Safety-conscious, reliable and able to communicate effectively in English while working as part of multidisciplinary tunnelling teams.”
Only use or adapt this profile if it accurately reflects your experience.
Possible KKMJV TBM Mechanic Interview Questions
- Tell us about yourself and your mechanical experience.
- How many years of TBM experience do you have?
- Which tunnel construction projects have you worked on?
- What types of Tunnel Boring Machines have you worked with?
- Describe your previous responsibilities as a TBM Mechanic.
- What mechanical systems have you worked on within TBMs?
- What experience do you have with hydraulic systems?
- What experience do you have with pneumatic systems?
- How do you approach mechanical fault finding?
- How would you troubleshoot an unexpected TBM mechanical breakdown?
- What experience do you have with pumps and gearboxes?
- What experience do you have with conveyor systems?
- Why is preventative maintenance important on a TBM?
- How do you perform a mechanical inspection?
- How do you identify early signs of equipment failure?
- What steps do you take before beginning a mechanical repair?
- What is your understanding of equipment isolation procedures?
- How do you ensure machinery is safe before maintenance begins?
- What are some of the major hazards associated with working on TBMs?
- How do you work safely in an underground environment?
- Tell us about a difficult mechanical fault you successfully resolved.
- How do you respond when a breakdown affects tunnel production?
- How do you coordinate with TBM operators during fault finding?
- How do you work with electricians and other maintenance personnel?
- How do you maintain accurate maintenance records?
- What experience do you have with tunnel excavation operations?
- How do you maintain concentration during long or demanding underground shifts?
- What do you know about the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II?
- What interests you about working on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel?
- Why should KKMJV appoint you as its TBM Mechanic?
Important Vacancy Summary
Employer: Kopano Ke Matla Joint Venture (KKMJV)
Position: TBM Mechanic X1
Number of Vacancies: 1
Project: Lesotho Highlands Water Project – Phase II
Works: Construction of the 38 km Polihali Transfer Tunnel
Contract: LHDA C4021
Eligible Applicants: Basotho and South African nationals
Language Requirement: Must read, write and speak English fluently
Experience: Minimum 5 years with TBM operations and tunnel excavations
Specific Mechanical Qualification: Not stated in the supplied advertisement
Application Documents: Application Letter + Detailed CV + Certified Educational Certificates + 3 Work-Related Referees
Application Format: Read-only PDF
Application Email: recruitment@kkm-jv.co.ls
Closing Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026 at 16:00 hours