Electrician (NCT Durban Wood Chips)

About Us: NCT is a dynamic and thriving forestry company based in KwaZulu-Natal, with district offices across the province and manufacturing facilities in Durban and Richards Bay. With over 700 employees and an annual turnover exceeding R3 billion, NCT is a leading player in Africa's forestry sector. Established in 1949 as an agricultural cooperative, we market our members' timber to both domestic and international markets, proudly serving as the preferred market choice for independent timber growers in Southern Africa.

We are seeking a qualified and highly skilled Electrician to join our Chipping Operations team at our Durban Wood Chip Mill. You will report to the Workshop Supervisor and work closely with an Artisan Assistant.

Key Responsibility Areas

Electrical Maintenance

Maintenance, fault funding and repairs of the following:                                                           

Chipper motor and other motors on the production line. MV and HV switchgear, starters, isolators, substations, MCC’s, UPS, protection circuitry and transformers. PLC & SCADA system, instrumentation and control systems.

Scale calibration. Conduct planned and unplanned shutdown and breakdown work. Design, implement and commissioning of electrical systems                                                                                          

Read, follow and redline electrical drawings. Develop and improve planned maintenance procedures. Manage maintenance records and schedules accordingly. Portable appliance inspections, testing, repairs and keeping registers up to date. Control and management of electrical parts and spares as required ensuring high levels of plant availability.                                                                                    

Liaise with various suppliers in the execution of the above. Standby duties for the electrical systems and support on the PLC & SCADA systems. Assist with mill computer and network infrastructure issues and upgrades, including cameras and weighbridges                                                                        

Occupational Health and Safety

Responsible for lock out processes, electrical equipment registers and maintaining high health and safety standards in accordance with the OHS act. Contribution and auditing of risk assessments, job observations, safety checklists and safety meetings.                                                                                      

General Engineering Duties

Assisting with the general operation and maintenance of the mill as required:                        

Troubleshooting production / engineering issues. Rigging. Basic fitting work, cutting, welding and grinding           

Qualifications Matric or N3 National Diploma

Qualified with completed Electrical Trade Test

Wireman’s Licence

Prior training required Valid driver’s licence with own transport

Skills required Good interpersonal and communication skills.

A solid understanding of electrical principles.

The ability to understand and interpret electrical plans.

Familiarity with relevant safety standards and regulations.

Problem-Solving and troubleshooting.

Proficiency in using tools, equipment, and wiring techniques.

Solid math skills are needed for calculations and measurements.

Willingness to work in other technical disciplines as well (fitting, hydraulics, etc)

Ability to work pro-actively and independently under no supervision.

Job specific technical skills Siemens PLC experience. Fully computer literate with Microsoft 365 proficiency.

Personal attributes Continuous learner, resourceful, observant, ethical with high level of integrity, team player, methodical, resilient, safety-first mindset, reliable and dependable, self-disciplined and patient.

Prior experience At least 10 Years electrical experience post qualifications.

Knowledge and working experience on pumps, hydraulic motors, conveyor belts, gearbox drives, rotation sensors, MCC fault finding, 11kV switchgear.

Language Skills Fluency in English (read and write)

Working conditions Mill based. Be on standby and work overtime at short notice.