HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Technician (P11) at Sol Plaatje University

Purpose

• The main purpose of this position is to render maintenance support through HVAC installations and repairs, routine and scheduled maintenance and callouts.

Minimum Requirements

• Qualified Artisan Certificate (Red Seal) specialising in the installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R).
• Minimum three (3) years' post-trade HVAC and refrigeration experience within the built environment.
• Valid Safe Handling of Refrigerants Certificate.
• Valid SAQCC Gas registration certificate.

Recommended Requirements

• Experience in a higher education or facilities management environment would be an added advantage,

Duties

Maintenance and Repairs

• Attend to HVAC and refrigeration breakdowns.
• Install, inspect, test, service and repair HVAC
• VRF systems, packaged air-conditioning units
• Cold rooms,
• Ventilation systems
• Repair compressors, motors, fans, controls, piping and drainage systems.
• Detect leaks, recover refrigerants, pressure-test, evacuate and recharge systems.
• Clean coils, filters, ducts, grilles and drainage systems.
• Test and commission equipment after repairs.
• Determine material requirements and report additional defects.

Routine Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance on electrical and electromechanical systems in university buildings, lecture halls, offices, residences, and associated facilities.
• Conduct planned preventative and corrective maintenance on electrical installations, motors, pumps, control panels, distribution boards, generators, mechanical drives, and related 1. Maintenance and Repairs
• Attend to HVAC and refrigeration breakdowns.
• Install, inspect, test, service and repair HVAC equipment.
• Repair compressors, motors, fans, controls, piping and drainage systems.
• Detect leaks, recover refrigerants, pressure-test, evacuate and recharge systems.
• Clean coils, filters, ducts, grilles and drainage systems.
• Test and commission equipment after repairs.
• Determine material requirements and report additional defects.
• Perform routine maintenance on HVAC systems in university facilities.
• Inspect equipment for leaks, noise, vibration, overheating and poor performance.
• Check pressures, temperatures, airflow, electrical current and system controls.
• Clean filters, coils, drains and ventilation components.
• Inspect refrigerant piping, insulation, wiring and isolators.
• Apply HI RA and LOTO procedures before starting work.
• Record readings, materials used and outstanding defects.

Scheduled Maintenance

• Perform scheduled maintenance according to approved plans and manufacturer requirements.
• Clean or replace filters, coils, belts and ventilation components.
• Check refrigerant levels, pressures, temperatures and system performance.
• Inspect compressors, fans, motors, pumps, bearings and controls.
• Service chillers, chilled-water systems, air-handling units and fan-coil units.
• Inspect cold rooms, freezers, extraction fans and ventilation systems.
• Test electrical controls, sensors, safety devices and Variable Speed Drives.
• Identify recurring failures and recommend corrective action.

Breakdown callouts

• Attend to call-outs both over weekends and after hours
• Ensure availability and response when on standby duty
• When emergency repairs are conducted, ensure that permanent repairs are done according to electrical standards.
• Record all breakdowns, actions taken, materials used, and outstanding permanent repairs against the relevant job card.
• Escalate breakdowns that cannot be resolved immediately and provide regular progress updates until the work is completed.

Administration

• Collect Job cards from Senior Officer: Maintenance (Foremen), discuss requirements if necessary
• Keep record of material utilised on each job
• Have department sign off the job card before returning the completed job card to the Foreman for inspection of completed work
• Maintain accurate service, maintenance, and equipment-control records.

Maintenance and safekeeping of equipment and machinery

• Ensure that all equipment and machinery are regularly inspected, maintained, and serviced according to the prescribed schedules and manufacturer requirements.
• Ensure that all equipment and machinery are stored safely and securely to prevent damage, misuse, theft, or unauthorised access.
• Maintain accurate service, maintenance, and equipment-control records.

Safety, health and environmental management

• Identify and report unsafe circumstances
• Ensure compliance with SHE policies and procedures.
• Use prescribed personal protective equipment.
• Prevent uncontrolled refrigerant releases.
• Safely handle refrigerants, chemicals, oils and pressurised systems.
• Apply safe procedures when working at heights, in ceilings and plant rooms.
• Dispose of refrigerants, oils, chemicals and components through approved processes
• Risk Assessments (HIRA)
• Conduct and document a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) for each job before work commences.
• Identify all potential hazards associated with the task, equipment, work area, and personnel involved.
• Determine the level of risk and implement appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk.
• Communicate the identified hazards and control measures to all employees and contractors involved.
• Review and update the HIRA whenever the scope of work, conditions, equipment, or risks change.
• Ensure that the completed HIRA is approved and available at the work site for the duration of the job.
• Communicate the isolation procedure to all employees and contractors involved in the work.
• Maintain a record of all locks, tags, permits, authorised people, and isolation points.
• Confirm that all personnel, tools, and equipment are clear before removing locks and restoring the system to operation.

Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) Permits

• Test the system after restoring power or pressure Identify the specific jobs that require Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) permits before work commences
• Ensure that LOTO permits are completed, authorised, and linked to the applicable job card.
• Verify that the correct isolation points are identified, locked, tagged, and tested before any maintenance or repair work begins.
• Ensure that all relevant electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, pressure or other hazardous energy sources are isolated.

Closing Date 03 September 2026