Data Centre Technician — Mechanical and Refrigeration (HVAC)

Teraco – A Digital Realty Company; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Teraco Data Environments is seeking a Data Centre HVAC Technician to manage day-to-day operations and maintenance of critical cooling infrastructure in our data centres. You will specialise in HVAC systems ensuring reliable operation and support for client environments.

The role requires trade-tested refrigeration expertise, knowledge of control systems, and the ability to work independently within a team to uphold high uptime standards.

Qualifications

• Sound HVAC and general technical abilities.
• Effective communication skills, able to explain complex tasks clearly to staff.
• Ability to read single line and circuit diagrams.
• Proactive problem solver with rapid, accurate assessments.
• Self-motivated and a team player.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring, repair and maintenance of all critical HVAC infrastructure including Chillers, Dry Air Coolers, AHU, CRAH, CRAC, Fresh Air Packaged Units & Comfort Cooling.
• HVAC SME supporting a larger team of technicians with varying skill levels.
• Planned and preventive maintenance of HVAC infrastructure.
• Fault finding and rapid repairs to minimise downtime and service impact.
• Continuous optimisation for efficiency and reliability of cooling plant.
• Monitor environments to ensure high uptime and SLA targets.

Skills

HVAC basics

Technical reading

Troubleshooting

Communication

Independent worker

Education

Trade Tested Refrigeration Mechanic

Electrical trade certificate/diploma

Tools

Control systems knowledge (Siemens/Schneider/Carel)

Job description

Teraco Data Environments

2026/08/11 Gauteng

Job Reference Number: DCMRJB1

Department: Infrastructure Management Technology

Business Unit

Industry: Information Technology

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

Purpose of the role The Data Centre technician (HVAC) provides a range of services which revolves around day to day operations and maintenance of the Data Centre facility, including, but not limited to, equipment and processes, ensuring effective and efficient operation of the Data Centre but with a more specified view on HVAC systems.

Job Description

Purpose of the role

The Data Centre technician (HVAC) provides a range of services which revolves around day to day operations and maintenance of the Data Centre facility, including, but not limited to, equipment and processes, ensuring effective and efficient operation of the Data Centre but with a more specified view on HVAC systems.

You will be the subject matter expert for all things HVAC related ensuring the stable operation of all systems supporting client environments.

OBJECTIVES

Main function of the Job

• Monitoring, repair and maintenance of all critical HVAC infrastructure including but not limited to (Chillers, Dry Air Coolers, AHU, CRAH, CRAC, Fresh Air Packaged Units & Comfort Cooling).
• HVAC subject matter expert, supporting a larger team of technicians with varying skill and qualification levels.
• Performing and managing planned and preventative maintenance of HVAC infrastructure either self or by OEM contractor.
• Fault finding and identification on critical infrastructure, implementing repairs or management of OEM contractors to ensure minimal impact on the supported environments with an aim to reduce overall return to service time.
• Continuous optimisation of all HAVC equipment to ensure maximum efficiency gains with a keen eye for continuous improvement.
• Proactive working methods to ensure that all SLA parameters are maintained.
• Monitor critical environments to ensure maximum uptime measured against 99.999% uptime principals with swift and efficient resolution of any identified issues.
• Switching and isolation of HVAC equipment prior to maintenance or repairs.
• Assist project and consultant teams with installation, commissioning and accepting for service of new HVAC plant and associated equipment.
• Daily walk arounds and inspections of HVAC and supporting infrastructure to minimise the risk of unplanned outages and ensuring plant under your control remains at industry leading standard.
• Wiring and regular inspection of control systems and panels to ensure the environment remains in day 1 condition.
• Offering technical support at our facilities by performing a supporting role with control system/network installation, configuration, and troubleshooting in order to ensure optimum performance of the cooling plant.
• Continuous monitoring of the HVAC and supporting systems within data halls and processes to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operation.

Compliance

• Maintain compliance in accordance with all Company policies, procedures and legislative requirements and codes.
• Active participation with various teams to ensure ISO certifications are maintained.
• Working methods to ensure that all client SLA’s and MSA’s are met and maintained.
• Meet agreed inter-departmental OLA’s (Operational Level Agreement’s)
• Proactive Health & Safety monitoring and corrective action to meet statutory compliance and company’s objective of zero tolerance towards unsafe work practices.

Job Requirements

Skill Requirements

• Sound HVAC and general technical abilities.
• Effective communication skills, active listener, ability to understand requirements and be able to explain complicated technical processes in a simple easy to understand ways to technical and non-technical staff is a requirement for successful data center technicians.
• Ability to develop standard and emergency operating procedures and manuals for the systems under your control.
• Ability to read and understand single line and circuit diagrams.
• Proactive problem solver with the ability to perform rapid and accurate assessments.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure as well as being a positive team player.
• Self-motivated.
• Conducts self professionally, exhibits elevated levels of tolerance and patience.
• Responsible for continued learning and self-development as well as knowledge transfer to fellow team members.
• Ability to think on your feet with quick responses to potentially critical situations.
• Ability to trouble shoot systems and components to identify root causes of failures.
• Implement corrective actions promptly to mitigate the negative effects of system changes or failures.
• Sound Microsoft Office skills.

Qualifications And Experience

• Trade Tested Refrigeration Mechanic (industrial) - Required.
• Authorised refrigeration practitioner for safe handling of refrigerants would be advantageous.
• Previous working experience with chilled water, closed loop dry-air cooling or direct expansion cooling systems.
• Electrical trade certificate or National Diploma in electrical engineering would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of control systems i.e. Siemens, Schneider, Carel etc would be advantageous.
• Minimum of 2 years post qualification work experience in a commercial or industrial environment.
• Previous data centre experience would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of Data Centre environments and critical supporting infrastructure would be advantageous.