About the Opportunity
We are recruiting for a Plant Operator to join an established renewable energy company operating solar PV assets in the Western Cape.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the preventative and corrective maintenance of a utility-scale solar PV plant, ensuring optimal plant availability, performance and compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) procedures.
The role involves hands-on technical maintenance, fault finding, root cause analysis, technical reporting and supporting plant optimisation initiatives in collaboration with the O&M Engineer.
Key Responsibilities
Preventative Maintenance
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Plan, prepare, coordinate and execute scheduled preventative maintenance activities in accordance with HSE procedures.
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Conduct maintenance on substations, E-Houses, General Junction Boxes (GJBs) and Array Junction Boxes (AJBs).
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Perform infrared inspections of PV panels, junction boxes, transformers and inverters.
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Conduct scheduled inspections of substations, E-Houses and associated electrical equipment.
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Inspect, test, diagnose and maintain CCTV systems.
Corrective Maintenance & Fault Finding
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Respond to plant alarms, trips and breakdowns to minimise downtime and energy losses.
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Conduct fault finding, troubleshooting and root cause analysis on electrical systems and equipment.
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Diagnose and replace faulty PV panels.
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Diagnose, test, repair or replace cables, cable connections, PV junction boxes, string boxes, connectors and fuses.
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Troubleshoot and maintain transformers, HV yard equipment, switchgear and control gear.
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Investigate recurring faults and implement appropriate corrective measures.
Plant Operations & Reporting
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Investigate technical failures and prepare formal technical reports.
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Apply root cause analysis techniques to major and recurring faults.
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Generate work orders for on-site maintenance activities using CMMS/ERP systems.
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Monitor plant performance and assist the O&M Engineer with optimisation initiatives.
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Analyse SCADA data, investigate trends and report on plant performance.
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Maintain accurate records of spare parts and equipment movements.
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Report significant plant events to the O&M Engineer.
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Liaise with Eskom Control when required.
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Ensure contractor compliance with HSE requirements.
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Participate in standby duties as required.
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Perform additional duties aligned with the role, as assigned by the O&M Engineer.
Qualifications & Experience
Minimum Requirements
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Minimum N4 qualification (or NQF equivalent) with electrical subjects.
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Experience in switching LV, MV and HV electrical systems.
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Knowledge and practical experience of lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
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Working knowledge of electrical power system protection.
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Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams, electrical schematics and technical documentation.
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Ability to analyse SCADA data and investigate operational trends.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
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Valid Code B driver's licence.
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Willingness to relocate to the Swartland area.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience
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N6 or National Diploma in an electrical discipline (or NQF equivalent).
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Red Seal trade qualification.
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Minimum two years' experience in utility-scale power plants or a relevant industrial environment.
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Previous experience as a Plant Operator.
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Government Certificate of Competency (GCC).
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Working knowledge of solar PV power plants.
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Experience maintaining LV and 22kV cable systems and DC cabling, including fault location and diagnostics.
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Networking or IT experience.
Skills & Competencies
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Strong electrical troubleshooting, fault-finding and analytical skills.
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Ability to interpret process charts, technical drawings, schematics and single-line diagrams.
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Understanding of integrated electrical systems and associated fault-finding techniques.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing.
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Organised, responsive and able to manage multiple priorities.
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Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
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Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.
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Ability to remain effective under pressure and respond to operational challenges.