Fresh Jobs 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.
   

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Job Objective

• As a Battery Storage – O&M Field Technician, you will play a pivotal role in the Engineering and O&M department. Your primary responsibilities will include monitoring, performance tracking, reporting and administration of battery storage plants.

Key Responsibilities
Plant Monitoring & Performance

• Monitor BESS plant performance on a daily basis using remote monitoring systems.
• Identify performance deviations, faults and alarms, and take corrective action where required.
• Ensure maximum plant uptime and optimal energy production.

Maintenance & Technical Support

• Perform and coordinate preventative, corrective and emergency maintenance on PV plants and BESS systems.
• Conduct fault finding on AC and DC electrical systems and implement repairs where possible.
• Escalate critical faults to Engineering or OEM support where necessary.
• Perform routine inspections, testing and commissioning support of solar and battery systems.

Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis

• Diagnose technical faults and implement effective solutions.
• Conduct root cause analysis on plant failures and implement preventative measures.
• Support technical investigations relating to plant underperformance or equipment failure.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Export, interpret and analyse operational data from plant monitoring systems.
• Compile technical reports on plant performance, incidents and maintenance activities.
• Assist with performance optimisation through data-driven analysis.

Operational Coordination

• Prioritise maintenance activities and manage task allocation to ensure timely response to faults.
• Support coordination between internal teams, contractors and OEM suppliers.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with company procedures and safety standards.

Stakeholder & Client Support

• Provide technical support to internal stakeholders, clients and contractors.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with project stakeholders.
• Assist in addressing client queries relating to plant performance and maintenance.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experience
Minimum Requirements

• Valid electrical trade qualification.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience as an Electrician or Technician within the renewable energy or solar PV industry.
• Proven working knowledge of Solar PV systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) maintenance and operations.
• Strong understanding of AC/DC electrical systems and fault diagnosis.

Technical Skills

• Experience with online PV plant monitoring platforms (SCADA/monitoring software).
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance strategies for PV plants and electrical equipment.
• Root cause analysis and troubleshooting capability.
• Strong technical report writing skills.

Additional Advantages

• Instrumentation and automation experience.
• Experience with utility-scale or commercial solar installations.
• Knowledge of grid-tied solar systems and energy storage integration.

Software Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-Phase Wireman’s Licence.
• Red Seal Electrician.
• N5/N6 Electrical Engineering.
• BTech or National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (advantageous).

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Position Overview

• The O&M Technician is responsible for monitoring the daily operation of solar plants, carrying out preventative and corrective maintenance, fault finding, technical reporting and providing technical support to stakeholders to ensure maximum plant performance and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor the site and maintenance operations on a daily basis to ensure solar plants do not experience interruptions or breakdowns.
• Conduct fault finding on AC/DC reticulation systems, repair faults and/or escalate critical issues.
• Prioritise activities with task and workflow assignments to ensure continuity.
• Carry out preventative, planned and emergency maintenance, and respond to breakdowns on PV plants and BESS solutions.
• Export, interpret and analyse various types of data for report writing and optimisation of service delivery.
• Provide technical support to stakeholders.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Valid trade or related qualification.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• 2–3 years’ experience as an Electrician within the renewable energy industry.
• Proven working knowledge and expertise in Solar PV and BESS maintenance across the areas of responsibility outlined in this job description.
• Instrumentation and Automation experience is advantageous.
• Experience with online PV plant monitoring systems is beneficial.
• Experience with root cause analysis and preventative maintenance on PV plants and equipment.
• Strong interpersonal and client relationship skills, with the ability to liaise, interact and build lasting relationships with various stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with an emphasis on Excel.
• Ability to apply independent judgement, initiative and attention to detail.
• Extensive experience with onsite troubleshooting and technical report writing.
• Detail-oriented, with a strong drive to establish and follow processes.

Qualifications

• 3-Phase Wireman’s Licence, Red Seal, N5, or BTech in Electrical Engineering.