Standby Generator Technician at Bidvest Facilities Management

Purpose

• To ensure the reliable, safe, and efficient operation of all standby generator systems through preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, inspections, testing, fault diagnosis, repairs, and emergency response, thereby maximizing equipment availability and minimizing downtime.

Key Responsibilities

Preventive Maintenance

• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance in accordance with OEM recommendations and maintenance schedules.
• Conduct routine inspections of generators, engines, alternators, radiators, fuel systems, batteries, exhaust systems, and control panels.
• Check and top up engine oil, coolant, fuel, and other consumables where required.
• Replace filters, belts, hoses, and other consumable components during scheduled services.
• Perform load bank testing and functional testing as per maintenance schedules.
• Verify operation of battery chargers, engine heaters, and auxiliary systems.

Corrective Maintenance

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and control system faults.
• Carry out repairs to restore equipment to full operational condition.
• Replace defective components using approved spare parts.
• Test repaired equipment before returning it to service.
• Perform emergency breakdown repairs during and outside normal working hours when required.

Operational Testing

• Conduct routine generator start-up and shutdown tests.
• Verify automatic transfer switch (ATS) operation.
• Confirm generator synchronisation (where applicable).
• Test emergency stop circuits and safety shutdown functions.
• Verify generator operation under simulated power failure conditions.

Monitoring and Inspections

• Monitor generator performance through the BMS, DSEWebNet and the generator controller
• Record operating hours, alarms, warning events, and fault history.
• Inspect for oil, coolant, diesel, and exhaust leaks.
• Monitor battery condition and charging systems.
• Verify fuel levels and report any abnormalities.

Electrical and Control Systems

• Troubleshoot Deep Sea Electronics (DSE)
• Test and replace engine protection devices, sensors, and alarms.
• Verify communication with BMS and remote monitoring platforms.
• Assist with controller programming and parameter verification where authorized and needed.

Fuel System Maintenance

• Inspect diesel tanks, pipework, pumps, filters, and water separators.
• Inspect and Manage Diesel Bowsers
• Check for fuel contamination and water ingress.
• Coordinate fuel sampling, fuel polishing, and tank cleaning where required.

Documentation and Reporting

• Complete maintenance reports, service sheets, and inspection checklists.
• Record equipment readings and service history.
• Report defects and recommend corrective actions.
• Provide quotations for repairs and replacement parts when required.
• Maintain accurate asset records.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Comply with all HSE requirements, manage work permit, and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures.
• Maintain good housekeeping in generator rooms.
• Ensure compliance with OEM specifications, SANS standards, and site safety requirements.

Contractor and Client Support

• Supervise specialist contractors during major repairs and overhauls.
• Attend technical meetings when required.
• Assist with equipment commissioning and handover.
• Support client audits and statutory inspections.

Emergency Response

• After Hours Support
• Respond to generator failures.
• Restore critical standby power systems during outages.
• Provide after-hours standby support and call-out services.

Deliverables

• Completed preventive maintenance activities.
• Timely corrective maintenance and repairs.
• Accurate maintenance documentation.
• Monthly condition assessment reports.
• Recommendations for equipment replacement and lifecycle planning.
• Compliance with contractual KPIs and SLAs.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS / KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

The Applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Grade 12 Minimum requirement
• Trade Test- Mechanical will be beneficial but not required
• Valid Code 14/ EB Driver’s License (4*4 and advanced driving will be beneficial)
• 2-3 Years’ experience in Telecommunications on GSM Sites
• Understand health and safety.

Minimum Competencies

• Diesel engine maintenance.
• Generator electrical systems.
• Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS).
• Generator synchronisation systems.
• Deep Sea Electronics (DSE) controllers or equivalent.
• Electrical fault finding.
• Mechanical fault diagnosis.
• Reading electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Basic Building Management System (BMS) knowledge.
• Health and Safety compliance.
• Computer literacy and maintenance reporting systems.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Generator availability ≥ 99%.
• Planned maintenance compliance ≥ 95%.
• Emergency response within contractual SLA.
• Zero overdue critical maintenance tasks.
• Accurate maintenance documentation.
• Zero safety incidents attributable to maintenance activities.
• Reduction in repeat equipment failures.