Junior Millwright, Port Alfred

University of Fort Hare; Port Alfred; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, seeks a qualified Millwright for a permanent vacancy based in Port Alfred. The role focuses on maintenance of large electrical and mechanical installations; requires apprenticeship, Section 13/26D certificate, and 3+ years' experience in SCADA/PLC systems.

You will diagnose faults, plan routine servicing, apply MHSA/OHS standards and maintain CMMS (MaintainX), reading drawings, and working independently in a high-pressure environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified Millwright with apprenticeship or equivalent training.
• A Section 13 or Section 26D Trade Test Certificate as a Millwright (Electromechanician).
• 3+ years of maintenance experience on large electrical and mechanical installations.
• Strong electrical background with troubleshooting accuracy and speed.
• 3+ years’ experience with SCADA and PLC systems; field-control instrumentation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Ensure use of and adherence to MaintainX CMMS and keep Asset Register updated.
• Attend breakdowns and prioritise repairs promptly.
• Plan and perform routine servicing and preventive maintenance on electro-mechanical equipment.
• Comply with safety standards including MHSA/OHSA and ISO requirements.
• Provide accurate reporting and coordinate with clients and service teams.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Technical drawings

SCADA/PLC experience

Maintenance planning

Fault finding

Independence

Client communication

Education

Section 13/26D Millwright trade test certificate

Millwright apprenticeship

Tools

MS Office

Maintenance systems

VSD interfaces

Job description

We are seeking a Millwright for a permanent vacancy based in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape

Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:

• Qualified Millwright having undergone apprenticeship or equivalent apprenticeship training.
• A Section 13 or Section 26D Trade Test Certificate as a Millwright (Electromechanician)
• 3+ years relevant experience in maintenance of large electrical and mechanical installations.
• Strong electrical background and be able to trouble shoot accurately and quickly.
• 3+ years’ relevant experience with SCADA and PLC control systems is required. Experience with field-control instrumentation will be advantageous.

KNOWLEDGE

• Sound knowledge of mechanical and electrical maintenance principles
• Extensive knowledge of centrifugal pumps (slurry and clean water applications)
• Strong understanding of positive displacement pumps (diaphragm, screw, peristaltic, etc.)
• Knowledge of pump alignment, fault diagnosis, vibration causes, and bearing failures
• Understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Working knowledge of VSDs and soft starters (setup, fault finding, parameter verification)
• Basic instrumentation knowledge including: pH probes, ORP probes, Conductivity probes
• Calibration and fault finding of analytical instruments
• Electrical fault-finding on low voltage systems
• Interpretation of electrical drawings, P&IDs, and mechanical schematics
• Knowledge of root cause analysis (RCA) principles
• Understanding of preventative and predictive maintenance strategies
• Knowledge of lubrication systems and practices
• Sound understanding of the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and/or OHSA of South Africa
• Knowledge of lock-out, tag-out (LOTO) procedures
• Understanding of contractor-client service level expectations
• Familiarity with working in mining and heavy industrial environments
• Strong mechanical and electrical fault-finding skills
• Ability to diagnose complex pump and process-related failures
• Precision alignment skills (laser alignment preferred)
• Effective troubleshooting under pressure
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and manuals
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability / Good report writing and feedback skills
• Ability to communicate professionally with client representatives
• Planning and organizing maintenance activities efficiently
• Time management and ability to prioritize breakdowns
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Computer literacy (MS Office, maintenance systems, VSD interfaces)
• Strong safety leadership and compliance mindset
• Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure mining environment; build and maintain professional client relationships; represent the company professionally.
• Ability to think independently and develop practical, cost-effective on-site solutions.
• Resourcefulness during breakdown situations / Ability to mentor and guide junior artisans.
• Adaptability across multiple sites and varying plant conditions.
• Willingness to work extended hours and perform standby duties when required.
• A high level of accountability and ownership.

REQUIREMENTS

• Medically fit & clear criminal record
• Able to work in confined spaces; at heights; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces
• Enough physical ability to perform moderate to heavy lifting, standing and walking
• See in the normal visual range & hear the normal audio range with or without correction.
• The role may require support at other sites within the region.
• Must own a vehicle with a valid driver’s licence, or have own method of transport
• Be willing to travel
• Have own accommodation within the region
• Standby duties after hours and over weekends.

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

• Ensure application of and adherence to the Computerized Maintenance Management System (MaintainX) and ensure all assets are clearly marked and controlled with Asset Register.
• Attend breakdowns and prioritize jobs promptly.
• Plan and perform routine servicing, repairs and preventive maintenance on electro-mechanical equipment in a professional, timely and cost-effective manner.
• Apply sound human resource principles, administration and control procedures in order to meet performance objectives.
• Apply and comply with all relevant safety and housekeeping standards, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Mine Health and Safety Act, as applicable to the site.
• Comply with all applicable ISO management-system requirements and contribute to the continual improvement of these systems.
• Be able to hold legal Safety appointment/s, in line with job requirements and MHSA & OHSA
• Ensure that specified, approved and contractual required stock levels are kept.
• High standard of Monitoring and Reporting on electro-mechanical plant condition.
• Assist with specifications, sourcing, quality control of equipment required / refurbished / repaired as well as pricing, tendering and implementation on new electrical, mechanical and civil installations.

Salary: Market related