Shift Plant Operator at CBRE Excellerate

About the role:

• The Data Centre Shift Plant Operator is responsible for the monitoring, operation, and first-line maintenance support of critical engineering plant and infrastructure within a data centre environment. The role ensures continuous availability of mission-critical systems to achieve 100% uptime in line with contractual obligations and CBRE service delivery standards. The incumbent will operate under strict health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements in accordance with South African legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), and all applicable CBRE and client procedures. The role operates on a shift basis and requires flexibility in working hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

What you will bring:
Essential:

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a facilities, industrial plant, or critical environment.
• Basic HVAC and building services knowledge.
• Experience working with BMS systems in temperature/humidity-controlled environments.
• Working knowledge of Permit to Work systems.

Desirable:

• Electrical or Mechanical trade apprenticeship.
• Previous Data Centre experience.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Skills required:

• Ability to monitor and interpret BMS and plant alarms.
• Basic fault-finding and troubleshooting capability.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Good customer relationship skills.
• Ability to follow structured procedures.
• Ability to work shifts under pressure.
• Report writing and incident documentation skills

Knowledge required:

• HVAC systems (CRAC units, chillers, cooling towers).
• Electrical distribution systems (LV panels, UPS, generators).
• Fire detection and suppression systems.
• Building Management Systems (BMS).
• Permit to Work and Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures.
• OHS Act requirements and safe systems of work.
• CBRE Critical Environment Risk Management methodology.

Decision Making Authority:

• Make operational decisions within approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency operating procedures (EOPs).
• Escalate critical plant alarms and risks according to escalation matrices.
• Stop unsafe work in line with OHS Act requirements.
• Approve routine permits within delegated authority.
• Recommend corrective actions for plant performance deviations

Behavioural competencies:

• Communication
• Drive and Productivity
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Customer and Quality Focus
• Accuracy

Interface/Relationships with:
Internal:

• Data Centre Operations Manager
• Shift Technicians
• Technical Specialists
• Contract Support
• Health & Safety Officers
• CBRE Projects Team

External:

• Client representatives
• Subcontractors
• OEM service providers
• Auditors and regulatory authorities

What you will bring: 

Critical Plant Monitoring & Operations:

• Monitor BMS, EMS and alarm systems continuously.
• Perform routine plant checks and inspections.
• Record plant readings and deviations.
• Execute first-line fault response.
• Escalate abnormal conditions promptly

Preventative Maintenance Support:

• Assist technicians during planned maintenance.
• Prepare plant for maintenance activities.
• Ensure safe isolation and reinstatement.
• Verify completion of maintenance tasks.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Follow Permit to Work procedures.
• Conduct pre-task risk assessments.
• Ensure PPE compliance.
• Stop unsafe acts immediately.
• Participate in toolbox talks.

Incident & Risk Management:

• Apply Critical Environment Risk Management processes.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Document incidents accurately.
• Participate in root cause investigations.

Teamwork & Client Support:

• Support subcontractor supervision.
• Maintain professional client communication.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide effective shift handovers.