Data Centre Technician — Mechanical and Refrigeration (HVAC)

Teraco – A Digital Realty Company; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data center provider in the Western Cape seeks a skilled Data Centre Technician (HVAC) to manage maintenance and operations of HVAC systems. The ideal candidate has a Trade Tested Refrigeration Mechanic qualification and at least 2 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include maintaining HVAC infrastructure and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This permanent role offers exposure to critical infrastructure in a high-performance environment.

Qualifications

• Sound HVAC and general technical abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Minimum of 2 years post-qualification work experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and maintenance of HVAC infrastructure.
• Act as HVAC subject matter expert.
• Perform planned and preventative maintenance.

Skills

HVAC technical abilities

Effective communication skills

Problem-solving

Ability to read diagrams

Microsoft Office skills

Education

Trade Tested Refrigeration Mechanic

Electrical trade certificate

Job description

Teraco Data Environments – 2025/08/06 – Western Cape

Job Reference Number: CTHVAC01

Department: Infrastructure Management

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 revolving around day‑to‑day operations and maintenance of the Data Centre facility, focusing on HVAC systems to ensure effective and efficient operation.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring, repair and maintenance of all critical HVAC infrastructure including (Chillers, Dry Air Coolers, AHU, CRAH, CRAC, Fresh Air Packaged Units & Comfort Cooling).
• Act as HVAC subject matter expert, supporting a larger team of technicians.
• Perform and manage planned and preventative maintenance of HVAC infrastructure, either self or via OEM contractors.
• Fault find and identify on critical infrastructure, implementing repairs or managing OEM contractors to minimise impact on supported environments and reduce overall return‑to‑service time.
• Continuously optimise all HVAC equipment to ensure maximum efficiency gains with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Apply proactive working methods to ensure all SLA parameters are maintained.
• Monitor critical environments to maintain maximum uptime (99.999%) with swift and efficient resolution of any identified issues.
• Switch and isolate HVAC equipment prior to maintenance or repairs.
• Assist project and consultant teams with installation, commissioning and acceptance for service of new HVAC plant and associated equipment.
• Perform daily walk‑arounds and inspections of HVAC and supporting infrastructure to minimise risk of unplanned outages and maintain plant at industry‑leading standard.
• Wire and regularly inspect control systems and panels to keep the environment in day‑1 condition.
• Offer technical support at our facilities, performing a supporting role with control system/network installation, configuration and troubleshooting to ensure optimum performance of the cooling plant.
• Continuously monitor HVAC and supporting systems within data halls to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operation.

Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures and legislative requirements and codes.
• Participate actively with various teams to maintain ISO certifications.
• Follow working methods to meet all client SLA’s and MSA’s.
• Meet agreed inter‑departmental OLA’s.
• Proactive Health & Safety monitoring and corrective action to meet statutory compliance and our zero‑tolerance policy towards unsafe work practices.

Skill Requirements

• Sound HVAC and general technical abilities.
• Effective communication skills; active listener; ability to explain technical processes in simple terms to technical and non‑technical staff.
• 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 rapid and accurate assessments.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure as well as a positive team player.
• Self‑motivated and professional conduct.
• Responsible for continued learning and self‑development and knowledge transfer to team members.
• Think on your feet with quick responses to potentially critical situations.
• Troubleshoot systems and components to identify root causes of failures.
• Implement corrective actions promptly to mitigate 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 – advantageous.
• Previous experience with chilled water, closed‑loop dry‑air cooling or direct‑expansion cooling systems.
• Electrical trade certificate or National Diploma in electrical engineering – advantageous.
• Knowledge of control systems (Siemens, Schneider, Control & Automation etc.) – advantageous.
• Minimum of 2 years post‑qualification work experience in a commercial or industrial environment.
• Previous data centre experience – advantageous.
• Knowledge of Data Centre environments and critical supporting infrastructure – advantageous.