Assistant Foreman

Transnet SOC Ltd; Springs; On-site; ZAR 240 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company seeks a Traction Linesman in Springs, South Africa, responsible for maintaining high voltage overhead track equipment and supervising a team. The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of experience as a Traction Linesman and a Grade 12 qualification. The role requires extensive knowledge of electrical safety and working procedures. On-site safety and team productivity are critical. Competitive salary and training opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Safety training

Team mentoring

Competitive compensation

Qualifications

• 3 years’ experience as Traction Linesman required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience relevant to the position.
• Trained in electrical safety and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Construct and maintain high voltage Overhead Track Equipment (OHTE).
• Supervise the team of traction linesmen and contractors.
• Conduct risk assessments and toolbox talks.

Skills

Electrical safety

Supervision

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Education

Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science

Code C1 (10) driver’s license with PDP

Working at heights certificate

Tools

Electric tools related to OHTE

Job description

Overview

To ensure the efficient, reliable and safe performance of the work team (traction linesman, trade hands, infra-assistants, infra workers, trainees, contractors) performing maintenance, construction rehabilitation and repairs on overhead electrical equipment and transmission lines to enable the effective running of electric power trains.

Responsibilities

• Construct and maintain high voltage Overhead Track Equipment (OHTE) according to required standards
• Assist Electrician with yard lights and cable repairs
• Cast foundations and erect mast poles
• Roll, sag and tension wires
• Ensure that installation and repair bonding (negative returns circuit and blue pipeline bonds) are done
• Isolate and earth OHTE
• Ensure that flag protection duties are completed
• Communicate with train operating and electrical control personnel
• Do basic welding (exothermic and arc welding)
• Work to “clearance from” and on live OHTE
• Align OHTE (staggering, balancing of striking point and section insulator)
• Fault finding on OHTE transmission lines and return circuit
• Cable joining / splicing
• Compile reports for feedback purposes
• Supervise the team of traction linesmen, trade hands, infra-assistants and unauthorised personnel
• Ensure all workers have the correct PPE
• Conduct quality inspections and sign-off relevant Job Cards
• Ensure Work Orders of subordinates are timeously submitted
• Maintain serviceability of on-track maintenance vehicles
• Conduct preliminary investigations to ascertain seriousness, damage, injuries/fatalities and motives regarding grievances and/or disciplinary action
• Motivate staff to improve productivity and maintain efficiency
• Provide instructions and ensure task understanding
• Implement control measures to ensure timely task completion
• On-site presence to ensure instructions are adhered to
• Ensure the right materials and tools are used
• Ensure sufficient manpower and capacity to perform tasks
• Render first aid and hazmat when necessary
• Instill discipline in the team
• Attend to emergency breakdowns on site timeously
• Organise the team and perform fault analyses and fault findings
• Be creative and manage time pressure
• Organise materials and ensure material/transport availability
• Complete preliminary investigations and provide feedback to supervisor
• Maintain contingency plans and liaise with relevant departments/teams
• Issue work permits, read and analyse reticulation diagrams, and ensure that permits are understood and signed
• Open/close track and link switches and apply live line tester and portable earth connection
• Explain limits and dangers on site and ensure equipment and personnel are clear when cancelling permits
• Operate and pilot on-track machines and cranes as required
• Supervise and monitor work performed by team and contractors for safety and quality compliance
• Conduct risk assessments and toolbox talks; explain dangers and safe working procedures
• Ensure safety of Sub-Ordinates and Visitors; comply with safe working procedures and Nosa documentation
• Ensure compliance to Act 85 of 1993

Safety and Training

• Provide safety guidance before, during and after tasks to ensure teams work safely
• Compile, verify and submit relevant safety reports and coordinate safety training
• Ensure employees have necessary training and refresher training before expiry
• Check employee certifications and conduct individual task observations with feedback
• Keep records of task observation feedback and address gaps timeously
• Provide on-the-job training, coaching and guidance to subordinates and trainees
• Mentor and coach the team; ensure understanding of correct working procedures
• Physically demonstrate and guide workers in correct procedures; identify knowledge gaps and arrange training
• Submit reports, complete job cards, 24-hour reports, log sheets and incident reports

Other duties

• Arrange transport from base station, ensure pre-trip vehicle inspections and required material movement
• Conduct accident investigations and disciplinary actions as required
• Promote road safety adherence and safe loading/off-loading procedures

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science
• 3 years’ experience as Traction Linesman
• Code C1 (10) driver’s license with PDP OR trained and certified with FoR: Category A red/A brown certificate, Train working rules, Code 29, RRV certificate, Road knowledge, Working at heights certificate
• Minimum 5 years’ experience relevant to the position; Code C1 (10) driver's license with PDP

Competencies and Qualities

• Knowledge: Electrical safety, supervision, switching and earthing, live/dead clearance, NOSA management, OHTE maintenance and related tools
• Hazmat, First Aid, Safe working procedures, Train operations, SAP, Task observations
• Attitudes: Safety-oriented, vigilant, disciplined, self-driven, results-oriented, supportive, culturally aware
• Skills: Working at heights, physical fitness, communication, interpersonal, planning, problem solving, time management, computer, administration, reporting writing, decision making

Equity and Disclaimer

Equity statement: Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.

Disclaimer: If you have not heard from Transnet within 90 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful. Transnet, its employees or representatives never ask for a fee from job seekers. Report any suspicious activity to the Transnet anti-fraud line on 0800 003 056 or [e-mail]