Electrician - VKB Engineering Services, Reitz

VKB Agriculture; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

VKB Group is seeking a highly skilled Electrician to join our Engineering Services Team in Reitz. The role involves installation, maintenance, repair, testing, commissioning and optimisation of electrical equipment, systems and grain handling infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in electrical maintenance within industrial or agricultural environments, with a Wireman’s Licence and Red Seal, and be able to mentor junior team members while adhering to safety and

Qualifications

• Must have Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science.
• Wireman's Licence for Low Voltage up to 1kV.
• Electrical Trade Test (Red Seal) is required.
• Valid Code B Driver's Licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scheduled preventative and corrective electrical maintenance.
• Fault-find and diagnose on motors, control panels, conveyors and grain handling equipment.
• Install, inspect and upgrade wiring, control panels and distribution systems.
• Perform maintenance on substations, transformers, switchgear and earthing systems.
• Mentor apprentices and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Fault-finding

PLC programming

VSD programming

Motor control

Electrical drawings

Project management

Mentoring

Safety compliance

Electrical troubleshooting

Education

Grade 12 / Senior Certificate

Wireman's Licence LV up to 1kV

Electrical Trade Test (Red Seal)

Code B Driver's Licence

Tools

PRAGMA

Microsoft Office

PLC programming software

Diagnostic software

Job description

Introduction to the VKB Group

The VKB Group is an agricultural company, providing support to farmers and producing straight-from-the-farm foods for consumers. Apart from its various consumer brands, the VKB Group is also represented by its regional brands: VKB, GWK and NTK. Our roots are firmly planted in agriculture, with farming at our core, continuously growing and evolving throughout the years.

Starting with providing everything needed on the farm to produce food, we now operate across the entire food supply chain, including processing, logistics, and national and international market channels.

This "house of brands" established with the support of our farmer shareholders forms the foundation for building the agribusiness of the future.

Job Description

VKB Group is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Electrician to join our Engineering Services Team in Reitz.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, testing, commissioning, and optimisation of electrical and electronic equipment, systems, control panels, switchgear, motors, substations, transformers, grain handling equipment, and associated infrastructure.

This role is critical in ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient operation of grain storage and handling facilities, while minimizing downtime and maintaining operational excellence.

The position requires a hands-on technical specialist capable of fault finding, project execution, electrical switching operations, preventative maintenance, and mentoring apprentices and junior team members.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Senior Certificate with Mathematics and Science
• Wireman's Licence for Low Voltage installations up to 1kV
• Electrical Trade Test (Red Seal)
• Valid Code B Driver's Licence
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in electrical maintenance within an industrial or agricultural environment
• Experience within grain storage, grain handling, or silo operations will be advantageous
• Clear criminal record

Technical Competencies

The successful candidate must demonstrate experience and knowledge in:

• Routine maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of motors and motor starters
• Electrical maintenance on control boards, substations and transformers
• Installation, maintenance and programming of Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
• PLC systems and related automation technologies
• Programming of PLCs and related electronics
• Fault-finding and maintenance on slip ring motors and Vapormatic starters
• Motor starters including:
  • Direct Online (DOL)
  • Star-Delta
  • Vapormatic
  • Resistive
  • Soft Starters
  • Variable Speed Drives (VSDs)
• Medium Voltage (6.6kV and 11kV) switching
• Low Voltage switching operations
• Electrical switchgear and earthing systems
• Single-phase and three-phase electrical systems
• Electrical energy distribution systems and protection devices
• Grain dryers, grain storage systems and grain conveying equipment
• Electrical interface systems and control networks
• Safety systems associated with grain handling operations
• Reading, interpreting and generating electrical drawings
• Computer-aided electrical design and diagnostic software
• Project management from feasibility phase through to technical completion
• Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Ability to use PRAGMA

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct scheduled preventative and corrective electrical maintenance.
• Perform fault-finding and diagnostics on:
  • Motors
  • Motor control panels
  • Conveyors
  • Augers
  • Grain dryers
  • Silo machinery
  • Control systems
• Install, inspect and upgrade electrical wiring, control panels and distribution systems.
• Perform maintenance on substations, transformers, switchgear and earthing systems.
• Execute medium-voltage and low-voltage switching operations safely and effectively.
• Assist with planning, execution and completion of electrical projects and upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with electrical legislation, company standards and safety requirements.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports and inspection documentation.
• Minimise equipment failures, breakdowns and downtime.
• Support operational teams by resolving electrical issues effectively and timeously.
• Identify opportunities for improved system reliability, energy efficiency and safety.
• Mentor apprentices and assist with knowledge transfer and skills development.
• Maintain workshop standards and ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
• Complete all mandatory training interventions successfully.
• Perform housekeeping and maintain a professional attitude and appearance.
• Carry out any additional duties as reasonably required by management.

Behavioral Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Initiative and strong ownership of responsibilities
• Ability to perform under pressure in a high-paced operational environment
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Commitment to continuous learning and technological advancement
• Ability to mentor and develop apprentices
• Loyalty, reliability and a strong work ethic
• Effective time management and planning skills
• Adaptability and openness to change
• Ability to take leadership while remaining receptive to guidance
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to exceptional internal client service

Physical Requirements

• Physically fit and in good health
• Able to regularly ascend and descend stairs
• Comfortable working at heights
• Willing and able to work in dusty environments
• Willing and able to work in warm, humid and noisy operating environments
• Must be willing to work overtime and after-hours breakdowns when required

Skills Required

• Electrical fault-finding and diagnostics
• Technical problem solving
• Mathematical and analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Project coordination
• Communication skills
• Conflict management
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures
• Ability to function independently and as part of a team

Other Information

VKB Group is an equal opportunity employer. VKB Group's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to VKB Group's Employment Equity and Transformation Strategy. VKB Group actively supports the recruitment of People with Disabilities.

The company reserves the right to expire vacancies at its own discretion and reserves the right not to make an appointment.

VKB Group and its subsidiary companies will use any personal information collected through the recruitment process for recruitment purposes only and, should your application be successful, for purposes connected to your employment.