Instrumentation Technician, Vanderbijlpark

University of Fort Hare; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 280,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare seeks an Instrumentation Technician for a permanent vacancy based in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. The role focuses on fault finding on PLCs, SCADA software, and instrumentation, with programming of PLC and SCADA systems and calibration of process instruments.

The ideal candidate holds a Trade Certificate in controls and instrumentation, 5 years of post-trade experience, and a valid code 08 driver's licence. Travel within the region is required.

Qualifications

• Trade certificate in controls and instrumentation is required.
• Minimum of 5 years post-trade experience, preferably in water treatment operations.
• Valid Code 08 driver’s licence with N3/NCV4-C&I credentials.

Responsibilities

• Fault finding on PLC controls, SCADA software and instrumentation equipment.
• Program PLC and SCADA systems and handle software changes.
• Calibrate temperature, pressure, flow or other instrument characteristics.
• Assemble, test, maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation.
• Assist with small mechanical work and valve actuators.
• Audit spare parts inventory and document instrumentation.
• Provide technical maintenance guidance and safety compliance.
• Assist contingency planning and planned outages; respond to outages promptly.

Skills

Instrumentation controls

PLC/SCADA

Fault finding

Communication

Teamwork

Safety procedures

OHS Act knowledge

Maintenance planning

Education

Trade Certificate – controls and instrumentation

N3 / NCV 4 – C&I

Code 08 drivers licence

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Adroit SCADA

Job description

10 Sep 2026 - 10 Oct 2026

Permanent

EL003365

Manufacturing, Production and Trades

We are seeking an Instrumentation Technician for a permanent vacancy based in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

• Trade Certificate – controls and instrumentation
• 5 years post trade test related work experiences, preferably within water treatment operations
• N3 / NCV 4- C&I / Valid code 08 drivers licence
• Extensive Experience on Siemens PLCs & Adroit SCADA software fault finding and programming & Profibus fault finding

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Instrumentation and controls aptitude and awareness:
• Knowledge of appropriate instrumentation principles and practices
• Skills in programmable logic controllers (PLC) / Automation, SCADA, Plant Maintenance and Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Operating principles of plant equipment
• Adequate knowledge of system structures and how to troubleshoot systems by utilizing the knowledge of how the system was designed to perform
• Operational and safety procedures pertaining to maintenance activities, including safe use of tools and hand tools.
• Maintain pertinent records / Read, interpret and understand data.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in written form.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Basic understanding of OHS Act and the application there of.
• Solution and improvement focused (initiative and motivation).
• Effective time management skills with a sense of urgency.
• Ability to multi- task. Working under pressure.
• Proactively work within a team with the ability to work unsupervised.
• Medically fit & clear criminal record is required
• Able to work in confined spaces; at heights and /or walk on various types of surfaces.
• Physical ability to perform moderate to heavy lifting, standing and walking for prolonged periods
• Good hand-eye-co-ordination & see in the normal visual range with or without correction
• Hear the normal audio range with or without correction.
• This position is regional, and the employee will be utilised at plants within the region to conduct C&I work. As such, the employee:
• Must own a vehicle (own transport) / Be willing to travel
• Perform standby duties after hours and over weekends.

The successful applicant would be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Fault finding on PLC controls, SCADA software and instrumentation equipment as well as software communication issues
• Involvement with small scale software changes and programming of PLC and SCADA systems
• Calibrate temperature, pressure, flow or other characteristics of instruments.
• Assemble, disassemble and test parts of instruments, maintain, repair and troubleshoot instrumentation.
• Assist with small mechanical work, including valve actuators, switch boxes, and removing/installing
• Audit and maintain spare parts inventory and manage documentation around instruments.
• Provide technical and expert advice on general maintenance of all equipment and machines.
• Assist in contingency planning and organising of planned outages.
• Respond to outages and problems promptly and document root causes.
• Minimise engineering related breakdowns and call outs in areas of responsibility.
• Ensure all tools and equipment are always maintained in good working condition.
• Ensure safety and housekeeping meet the standards as set out in terms of the OHS Act and client requirements.
• Execute small programming improvements and projects on the PLC and SCADA

Salary: Market related