Instrumentation Technician - Power Plant Operations

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Paid annual leave

Training & certifications

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Instrumentation Technician for our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role focuses on installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of process instruments, sensors, transmitters, valves, and control loops within a power/industrial plant.

You will work with DCS and PLC systems, read P&IDs, and ensure safety and compliance. The position requires a National Diploma or N3 in Instrumentation or related field, plus at least 5 years' experience.

Qualifications

• Requires National Diploma or N3 Certificate in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as an Instrumentation Technician in power generation or heavy industry.
• Proficiency with calibration equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Familiarity with DCS and PLC systems.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to read complex technical docs.

Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, test, and maintain plant instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow, level).
• Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation and control system faults.
• Perform preventive maintenance to ensure reliability.
• Read and interpret diagrams, P&IDs, and instrument loop diagrams.
• Work with DCS and PLC systems for diagnostics and basic configuration.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and equipment history.
• Collaborate with operations/maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Participate in safety meetings and contribute to safety culture.
• Respond to emergency call-outs as needed.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator in the energy generation field, requires a skilled and dedicated Instrumentation Technician to join their operational team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the plant's instrumentation and control systems, ensuring safe and reliable power production. The Instrumentation Technician will be responsible for the installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair of a wide range of process instruments, including sensors, transmitters, control valves, and associated control loops. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on technician to contribute to the operational success of a significant energy facility and develop their skills within a technically challenging environment. The position is field-based, focusing on the critical infrastructure within the power plant in Richards Bay.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, calibrate, test, and maintain all types of plant instrumentation, including pressure, temperature, flow, and level instruments.
• Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation and control system malfunctions, diagnosing faults using appropriate test equipment and procedures.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on instrumentation systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and instrument loop diagrams.
• Work with distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for diagnostics and basic configuration adjustments.
• Ensure all instrumentation work complies with safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, calibration results, and equipment history.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to minimize downtime and ensure efficient plant operation.
• Participate in safety meetings and contribute to a strong safety culture within the plant.
• Respond to emergency call-outs as required to address critical instrumentation issues.

Requirements

• National Diploma or N3 Certificate in Instrumentation, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Instrumentation Technician, preferably in a power generation or heavy industrial environment.
• Proven experience with various instrumentation technologies (e.g., transmitters, control valves, analyzers, safety instrumented systems).
• Proficiency in using calibration equipment and diagnostic tools.
• Familiarity with DCS and PLC systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety procedures and practices.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical documentation.
• Good problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be eligible to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with shift allowances where applicable.
• Comprehensive medical aid.
• A retirement annuity.
• Paid annual leave.
• Extensive on-the-job training and opportunities for further technical certifications within the energy sector.
• Working on critical infrastructure in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, offers a stable and essential career path.
• Strong safety culture and opportunities for career progression within the operational division.
• Join a team dedicated to powering the nation reliably and efficiently, contributing directly to the energy supply chain.