Instrumentation Mechanician at Tharisa

Role Context

Operational Tasks

• Implement instrumentation operational and tactical strategies across the plant by executing set operational plans in alignment with standard operating procedures. This includes overseeing daily instrumentation activities, ensuring optimal equipment functionality, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives to optimise plant performance and ensure cost efficiency.
• Perform maintenance, fault-finding, calibration, installation, and commissioning of field instrumentation, PLCs, and control systems.
• Execute planned and unplanned maintenance tasks to ensure reliability and optimal plant performance. This includes timely fault-finding, repairs, calibration, and replacement of instrumentation equipment to minimise downtime and support continuous production operations.
• Ensure compliance with OEM standards, plant procedures, and technical specifications.
• Participate in standby and breakdown support duties as required.
• Keep accurate reporting on job card and 5 why system.
• Execute critical daily maintenance tasks, including the planning and execution of shutdown activities, to ensure equipment remains in optimal condition and safe to operate, enhancing overall instrumentation performance.
• Keep abreast of changes in relevant guidelines and legislation to ensure compliance and adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.
• Comply with preventive maintenance programs to minimize equipment downtime and optimize performance, ensuring adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations in instrumentation operations and Tharisa Mines’ standards.
• Perform troubleshooting and diagnostics for complex instrumentation issues, developing and implementing action plans to minimize operational disruptions.
• Inspect plant equipment components and systems to identify hazards, defects, or required adjustments and repairs, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.

Supervisory Oversight

• Support a positive and productive work environment by following and respecting Human Resources policies and procedures, promoting teamwork, accountability, and effective communication to help the department achieve its goals.
• Provide guidance and support to trainees and junior team members in line with Tharisa Minerals’ values and standards, contributing to their development and encouraging a culture of performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Proactively seek guidance, coaching, and mentorship from senior team members and supervisors to enhance technical knowledge, improve work practices, and contribute to the overall success and development of the team.
• Set clear personal development goals and objectives, regularly monitor progress, and actively seek feedback and guidance from supervisors to ensure growth in line with TM’s standards and operational expectations.

Financial Monitoring and Control

• Assist in identifying cost effective maintenance strategies and recommend spares required for instrumentation work.
• Minimize equipment downtime and reduce unnecessary overtime and call-outs through effective maintenance practices.
• Ensure proper use of tools, equipment, and materials to avoid wastage.
• Manage own expenditure against budget allocations by preventing premature equipment failure and requesting only the necessary spares to control unnecessary spending.
• Comply with all financial, Supply Chain Management (SCM), and other Tharisa Minerals (TM) regulations and policies by maintaining the right actions to reduce financial risk in the area of accountability.

Stakeholder Relations

• Maintain effective communication and working relationships with both internal teams and external service providers to ensure relevant information, updates, and feedback are shared timeously, helping to manage expectations and support smooth maintenance operations.
• Maintain professional working relationships with production, electrical, mechanical, and control system teams.
• Collaborate with OEM representatives and contractors during fault-finding and major repair activities to ensure accurate diagnosis and that repairs are carried out in line with OEM standards and site requirements.
• Utilise opportunities presented to enhance the relationships and implement processes to maximise a collaborative working relationship.
• Work closely with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to support asset care activities and contribute to improved equipment performance, ensuring plant reliability and meeting operational requirements.
• Effectively communicate job progress, identified risks, and critical maintenance findings to Supervisors and relevant departments to ensure alignment, timely decision-making, and continued safe operation.

Risk, Safety and Compliance

• Stay informed about relevant industry regulations and legislative updates, including the Mine Health and Safety Act 29 of 1996, and apply this knowledge in daily tasks to support compliance with Tharisa’s governance, risk, and safety standards.
• Support the identification and reporting of risks within the instrumentation function to help the department build an accurate risk profile and ensure that critical risks are addressed through proper feedback and corrective actions.
• Demonstrate and promote a strong safety work ethic by following safety procedures, reporting unsafe conditions, and supporting a culture focused on health, safety, and wellbeing within the team to help reduce incidents and maintain a safe working environment.
• Accurately gather and record all maintenance, calibration activities, equipment performance data, and repairs in line with company procedures and regulatory requirements to ensure traceability and compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Maintain valid certificates (e.g. medicals, working at heights, confined space) as per legal requirements.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12/National Senior Certificate (NQF4)

Certifications:

• Trade Certificate in Measurement, Control and Instrumentation

Job-specific experience:

• 3 – 5 years’ experience in the plant environment
• Experience/Exposure on MS Dynamics F&O, Reporting tools: MS Power BI

Closing Date: 02 March 2026