Control Engineering Technician (Telecommunications and Electronics) at Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

REQUIREMENTS :

• National Diploma (NQF6) in Engineering or relevant qualification as recognized by SAQA. Compulsory registration with the ECSA as an Engineering technician, 6 years’ post qualification experience required.
• The incumbent must have knowledge of following; Project management, technical design and analysis research and development, legal compliance, technical report writing, technical consulting, South Africa Ocean research efforts, Knowledge and understanding of electronic maintenance and support.
• Understanding of science and knowledge of the technical support requirements to conduct rigorous scientific research. Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.

DUTIES :

• The candidate will be responsible to Monitor and report on the performance of the communication systems and associated peripherals. Monitor and report on the performance of contractors and service providers to ensure adherence to SLA’s.
• Provide and consolidate inputs to the technical and /or engineering work plan. Document procedures, software updates and system configurations. Prepare Maintenance plans for equipment at the SANAP bases in accordance with the schedule of voyages. Updates of existing manuals, standards, drawings & procedures as applicable. Provide mentorship and supervision to the overwintering personal at the SANAP bases.
• Responsible for installing, repairing, maintaining, troubleshooting, testing and operation of Communication and IT systems; Ensure IT network usability and optimal performance. Ensure that all HF and VHF radios are properly tested and are functional before each voyage. Ensure the serviceability of all the recreational, audio-visual and appliances at the bases. Ensure the serviceability of medical equipment used at the bases. Ensure that the bases are equipped with the required technical tools to perform repairs in the constraints of the environment. Ensure the procurement of Communication, IT, Recreational, Audio-visual and Appliances for the SANAP bases. Compile and submit reports and other submissions as required.
• Compile and Manage an equipment inventory in accordance with Departmental asset management policies. Provide input to the maintenance budget and the capital budget. Manage and maintain contracts and Service Level Agreements with service providers. Plan and prepare for relief voyages, which include: meetings with all stakeholders, liaise with all orders, keep track with appointments, issuing of permits, etc. Provide support with the HR recruitment process for overwintering personal.
• Ensure training is provided to over-winterers on the operation of all radio and SAR equipment. Ensure the availability of PIN codes for all voyage participants and the recycling thereof. Liaise with scientific stakeholders regarding the instruments, equipment and website. Participate in annual relief voyages as required. Ensure continuous professional development to keep up with new technologies and procedures; Research/literature studies on technical engineering technology to improve expertise; Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on engineering-related matters;
• Keep track with various Scientific projects at the research bases, as well as ship-based research; Participate on meetings/workshop/forum to stay abreast with technologies. Evaluate existing network and communication systems and makes recommendations for new resources to expand service levels. Identify, evaluate, and recommend new installations after evaluating the impact on current systems.