Senior Technician (N003025) at North West University

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• Responsible for the project management and -administration during execution phase as well as technical specifications, planning, drawings and cost estimates of new electronic, metering or smart projects.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning

Soliciting and sign-off on complete user requirements (via scope document), drafting specifications and planning electronic, metering and/or smart systems across all NWU campuses, in line with departmental standards set by Engineering & Technology group, with the following outputs:

• Small Projects (below R250,000):

A (a) scope document, (b) quote (c) CAD plan and (d) estimated project duration, must be available on the project management platform (and on cloud storage for project), before the project may enter the construction phase.

• Large Projects (above R250,000):

In addition to the requirements for small projects, large projects will mostly include tender specifications, adherence to due dates, and representation in project planning meetings.

Stakeholder Relations

• Clear, structured communication with all stakeholders involved as well as upkeep of public relations, upholding the image of the department and the NWU with regards to the work we do.
• Keep record of communication with relevant parties on the PM system.
• Stakeholder emails to be PDF and uploaded to project folder and the PM system.

Procedure and Policies

• NWU policies & rules, and departmental standard procedures and requirements, to be followed without fail.
• Pay special attention to procurement policy. 
• Update Smart Campuses wiring specifications, Star Draw standard installs when required via Engineering & Technology group, to uphold standard across the board.
• Development of internal policies and procedures.

Project Execution 

• Properly study and understand the requirements of each project, as captured in a scope of work document and on plan/drawings.
• For projects in execution, ensure that actions include (but not limited to) ensuring that proof is on record on the PM system, of:
• Scope of work is signed off by client
• SHE documents of service providers are approved 
• The client signed over the relative part of the site for the duration of the project, for work to be completed
• Protection Services have signed off on the proposed installations (for security systems). 
• Manage the execution of planned projects on site, ensuring all requirements and client expectations are met, as per scope of work. 
• Managing a project includes, but is not limited to the following actions to ensure a well-oiled, successful completion of the designed system: 

detail scheduling,

site availability, 

ensuring stock and/or contractor availability, 

adhere to SHE requirements,

attend technical site meetings 

 attend to contractor co-ordination

Upkeep of information on PPO

• Updating and upkeep of information on the Project Management system (PPO), to reflect the truth on the actual project, delayed by no more than one workday, is essential and non-negotiable.

SHE Adherence

• Adhere to SHE regulations

Minimum requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in electronic or mechatronic or industrial automation & process control Engineering (NQF Level 7).
• An advanced certificate in project management (NQF Level 5).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a well-seasoned Project Manager (PM) in relation to systems installation.
• A minimum of three (3) years) experience, well versed on SHE for use on project site Health & Safety.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a well-seasoned field Technician capable of project planning, costing, installing & configuring, including management of projects on site, for the following systems: (1) Security- & fire detection; (2) Audio Visual & e-conference.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience with training and competency in using CAD software for systems drawings.

ADDED ADVANTAGES & PREFERENCES:

• An advanced certificate in PLC programming, IIoT implementation or similar (NQF LeveL 5).
• An N advanced certificate (NQF Level 4).
• An A advanced certificate (NQF Level 2).
• Accreditations with Project management / Project contracts.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in control systems, metering or Smart / IoT systems.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• The ability to communicate with all staff & stakeholders off the NWU and to actively listen, to understand what they require in terms of an electronic system. 
• The ability to propose a solution, based on the requirements received from the end user, adhering to NWU specifications and within a reasonable sound business case.
• The ability to apply theoretical technical knowledge in practice, when planning or executing a project involving electronic systems.
• Able to draft a CAD drawing and compile bill of quantity based on the proposed solution and assembling and verifying a quotation for the proposed system, with the ability to work through various versions until client is satisfied with price vs performance, plus ability to write tender documents.
• The skill to plan, manage and coordinate the installation of proposed systems, based on industry-standard project management principals and subsequently execute the projects as planned. 
• Computer literate and an advanced user of all usual workplace programs, with the ability to grasps new concepts and programs related to CAD drawings and Project Management.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Self-starter, able to prioritise workload based on the core business and strategic priorities of the NWU.
• Have a friendly, accommodating and welcoming personality in general.
• Be firm and assertive yet accommodating in terms of project issues experienced on site.
• A task- and deadline-driven individual.
• Be an ambassador of the NWU and Smart Campuses.
• Be honest, maintain highest degree of integrity and professionalism in all aspects of work.

CLOSING DATE: 13 February 2026