Job title: Plant Operator - C&I Solar & BESS
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Location: Western Cape
Job published: 16-10-2026
Job ID: 35276
Contact name: Joey Müller

Job Description

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

  • Plan, prepare, coordinate and execute scheduled preventative maintenance activities in accordance with HSE procedures.

  • Conduct maintenance on substations, E-Houses, General Junction Boxes (GJBs) and Array Junction Boxes (AJBs).

  • Perform infrared inspections of PV panels, junction boxes, transformers and inverters.

  • Conduct scheduled inspections of substations, E-Houses and associated electrical equipment.

  • Inspect, test, diagnose and maintain CCTV systems.

Corrective Maintenance & Fault Finding

  • Respond to plant alarms, trips and breakdowns to minimise downtime and energy losses.

  • Conduct fault finding, troubleshooting and root cause analysis on electrical systems and equipment.

  • Diagnose and replace faulty PV panels.

  • Diagnose, test, repair or replace cables, cable connections, PV junction boxes, string boxes, connectors and fuses.

  • Troubleshoot and maintain transformers, HV yard equipment, switchgear and control gear.

  • Investigate recurring faults and implement appropriate corrective measures.

Plant Operations & Reporting

  • Investigate technical failures and prepare formal technical reports.

  • Apply root cause analysis techniques to major and recurring faults.

  • Generate work orders for on-site maintenance activities using CMMS/ERP systems.

  • Monitor plant performance and assist the O&M Engineer with optimisation initiatives.

  • Analyse SCADA data, investigate trends and report on plant performance.

  • Maintain accurate records of spare parts and equipment movements.

  • Report significant plant events to the O&M Engineer.

  • Liaise with Eskom Control when required.

  • Ensure contractor compliance with HSE requirements.

  • Participate in standby duties as required.

  • Perform additional duties aligned with the role, as assigned by the O&M Engineer.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

  • Minimum N4 qualification (or NQF equivalent) with electrical subjects.

  • Experience in switching LV, MV and HV electrical systems.

  • Knowledge and practical experience of lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.

  • Working knowledge of electrical power system protection.

  • Ability to read and interpret single-line diagrams, electrical schematics and technical documentation.

  • Ability to analyse SCADA data and investigate operational trends.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.

  • Valid Code B driver's licence.

  • Willingness to relocate to the Swartland area.

Preferred Qualifications & Experience

  • N6 or National Diploma in an electrical discipline (or NQF equivalent).

  • Red Seal trade qualification.

  • Minimum two years' experience in utility-scale power plants or a relevant industrial environment.

  • Previous experience as a Plant Operator.

  • Government Certificate of Competency (GCC).

  • Working knowledge of solar PV power plants.

  • Experience maintaining LV and 22kV cable systems and DC cabling, including fault location and diagnostics.

  • Networking or IT experience.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong electrical troubleshooting, fault-finding and analytical skills.

  • Ability to interpret process charts, technical drawings, schematics and single-line diagrams.

  • Understanding of integrated electrical systems and associated fault-finding techniques.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing.

  • Organised, responsive and able to manage multiple priorities.

  • Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

  • Effective teamwork and collaboration skills.

  • Ability to remain effective under pressure and respond to operational challenges.