O&M Plant Operator at AltGen South Africa

Position Overview

• The Plant Operator is responsible for all preventative and corrective maintenance on the solar plant while ensuring all HSE procedures are followed. The operator must ensure maximum availability and performance of the solar plant and draft technical reports on all events. Root cause analysis, identifying and implementing plant optimisation projects under the guidance of the O&M Engineer.

Key Responsibilities
Plan, prepare for, manage and execute activities pertaining to Preventive Maintenance on the solar plant, ensuring all HSE procedures are followed. Activities include but are not limited to:

• Substation maintenance as per the annual maintenance schedule.
• E-House maintenance as per the annual maintenance schedule.
• General Junction Box (GJB) maintenance as per the annual maintenance schedule.
• Array Junction Box (AJB) maintenance as per the annual maintenance schedule.
• Infrared scans of panels, AJBs, GJBs, transformers and inverters.
• Inspections as scheduled on the substation, E-House, GJBs and AJBs.
• Inspect, test, diagnose and maintain the CCTV system.

Plan, prepare for, manage and execute activities pertaining to Corrective Maintenance on the solar plant, ensuring all HSE procedures are followed. Activities include but are not limited to:

• Respond to all alarms triggered on the solar plant.
• Resolve all trips on the solar plant as soon as possible.
• Attend to all breakdowns, conduct fault finding/root cause analysis and resolve, repair or replace faulty equipment with minimal energy loss.
• Diagnose and replace PV panels.
• Diagnose, test, repair and/or replace cables, cable interconnections, PV junction/string boxes, connectors and fuses in PV systems.
• Diagnose, test, repair and/or replace transformers.
• Diagnose, test, repair and/or replace HV yard equipment.
• Diagnose, repair and/or replace switchgear and control gear in PV systems.
• Apply root cause analysis techniques on all major and recurring faults.
• Investigate technical failures and prepare formal technical reports.
• Generate Work Order (WO) requests for onsite intervention in the CMMS/ERP system.
• Enforce HSE compliance with contractors.
• Work with the O&M Engineer on plant optimisation.
• Perform standby duties.
• Interact with the relevant utility control centre as required.
• Record keeping and management of spare part movements.
• Report significant events to the O&M Engineer.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the O&M Engineer in line with the role.

Skills/Competencies

• Able to troubleshoot and analyse data, including following various types of process charts, schematics and single line diagrams.
• Have a good understanding and perception of integrated systems and how to apply fault-finding techniques in such a system.
• Very good written and verbal communication skills.
• Well organised and responsive in all communications, including clear, concise emails, and adept at writing technical reports and policies.
• Good team player, able to balance team and individual responsibilities.
• Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Able to manage stress and high-pressure situations.
• Able to handle multiple projects, prioritise work and work effectively under limited supervision.

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

• Minimum of an N4 (or NQF equivalent) qualification with electrical subjects; N6, National Diploma (ND) or equivalent NQF qualification is preferred.
• Red Seal qualification preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ utility experience in a power plant or industry is desired.
• Working knowledge of PV plants is an advantage.
• Experience in switching LV, MV and HV systems.
• Experience with lock-out/tag-out procedures.
• Working knowledge of power system protection.
• Able to read and interpret single line diagrams and schematics.
• Demonstrated experience in the maintenance of LV and 22kV cable and DC cable systems, including fault location and diagnostics, is an advantage.
• SCADA: able to analyse data, investigate and report on trends.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages including Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and Excel.
• Code B driver’s licence required.
• Networking/IT is an added advantage.