University Estates
Engineering and Sustainability
Bloemfontein Campus
Senior Electrician (post level 9)
Job ID: 6578

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:
Solar Maintenance Management
• Perform routine inspections, testing, and preventative maintenance of solar PV systems, inverters, batteries, and associated infrastructure.
• Identify and rectify faults to optimise system performance and energy generation.
• Coordinate repairs and component replacements with service providers.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules.
• Monitor compliance with applicable electrical standards, manufacturer specifications, and safety regulations.
• Compile quotations, evaluate service provider submissions, and oversee implementation of approved works.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, and performance data.
• Ensure compliance with SANS 10142 regulations.

Fire Detection System Maintenance
• Inspect, test, and maintain fire detection and alarm systems in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Monitor and maintain fire panels through the NIMBUS monitoring platform.
• Coordinate servicing, certification processes, and compliance audits.
• Investigate faults and ensure corrective action is implemented promptly.
• Maintain inspection records and compliance documentation.
• Assist with fire safety awareness and training initiatives for staff, students, and contractors.
• Compile quotations, evaluate submissions, and manage implementation processes.

Metering Infrastructure Management
• Install, inspect, test, and maintain electrical metering systems.
• Verify meter accuracy and investigate discrepancies.
• Collect, analyse, and report metering data to support billing, monitoring, and energy management objectives.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate maintenance and upgrades through approved procurement processes.
• Compile quotations, evaluate submissions, and oversee implementation.

Microgrid Monitoring and Optimisation
• Monitor microgrid operations, including generation, storage, and load distribution systems.
• Investigate alarms, abnormalities, and operational inefficiencies.
• Analyse operational data and recommend optimisation initiatives.
• Coordinate fault resolution and system improvements with internal stakeholders and service providers.
• Compile operational and performance reports.
• Ensure compliance with SANS 10142 regulations.

UPS System Management
• Manage the operation, maintenance, testing, and reliability of UPS systems.
• Ensure uninterrupted backup power availability for critical infrastructure.
• Monitor battery health, load capacities, and overall system performance.
• Coordinate battery replacement programmes and system upgrades.
• Maintain compliance with safety standards and documentation requirements.
• Compile quotations, evaluate submissions, and oversee implementation.

High Voltage Switching Operations
• Perform authorised high-voltage switching activities in accordance with approved procedures and permits.
• Ensure strict compliance with lockout, tagout, isolation, and safety protocols.
• Coordinate switching activities with maintenance, operational, and project teams.
• Respond effectively to electrical emergencies and fault conditions.
• Maintain accurate switching logs and safety records.
• Ensure compliance with SANS 10142 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations for High Voltage Systems (OHSR-HVS).

Maintenance and Project Integration
• Act as the technical liaison between maintenance and project teams.
• Provide maintenance and operational input during project planning, design, and implementation phases.
• Facilitate seamless project handovers into operational environments.
• Identify lifecycle, maintenance, and operational risks associated with new installations.
• Support commissioning, testing, and acceptance of completed projects.
• Evaluate quotations and manage implementation processes.

Mentorship and Skills Development
• Provide technical leadership, supervision, and mentorship to electricians and apprentices.
• Support training, skills development, and professional growth initiatives.
• Assess competency levels and provide ongoing performance feedback.
• Promote safe work practices and compliance with electrical regulations.
• Assist in developing training programmes and workplace learning opportunities.

Inherent requirements:
• Matric/Grade 12 (attach a copy).
• Electrical N3 Certificate or higher (attach a copy).
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience as a qualified electrician.
• Qualified Installation Electrician (attach proof of qualification).
• Valid Wireman’s Licence (attach proof).
• Valid driver’s licence (attach proof).

Recommendations:
• Experience in solar photovoltaic systems, electrical distribution systems, fire detection systems, metering systems, UPS systems, and microgrid operations.
• Experience in contractor management, quotation evaluation, and project coordination.
• Experience in high-voltage switching operations and electrical compliance management.
• Training in Occupational Health and Safety regulations and electrical safety practices.
• SANS 10142 compliance knowledge and application.
• Three (3) to five (5) years’ relevant working experience as an electrician.

Required competencies:
• Results Orientated:
- The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
- The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
- The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
- The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
- The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Leading:
- The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
- The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
- The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
- The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
9 September 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9813 or email Phokar@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659 / 2558 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:
ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.