O&M Technician (Release)

Overview

Want to join an innovative player in renewable energy that is rapidly growing in Africa? Since it was established in 2019 as part of renewable energy frontrunner Release by Scatec has been developing and deploying a unique, flexible leasing solution of pre-assembled and modular solar and battery equipment for the mining and utilities market. Recently announced funding by Climate Fund Managers will enable our dynamic, young team in its ambition to power and electrify Africa. We are present in several countries in Africa and in the Americas, and are headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

Main purpose of position

Currently we are looking for an O&M Technician to be based in Cape Town, South Africa and be part of our global team. The primary mandate of the O&M Technician is to ensure the reliable operation, maintenance, and performance optimization of our assets. In addition, the O&M Technician will be responsible for performing routine inspections, trouble-shooting equipment issues, and executing preventive and corrective maintenance tasks. This role is critical in minimizing down-time and ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

This role will require occasional work during weekends and holidays, as needed.

Main responsibilities:

1. Monitor and perform maintenance tasks: The role shall include the monitoring, and/or performance of routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and corrective repairs on equipment to ensure optimal performance. The role shall support the Technical Asset Management function by ensuring that all preventative and maintenance schedules are correctly executed.
2. Troubleshooting and solving of technical issues: Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation issues.
3. System performance monitoring: Conduct real-time monitoring of system performance and respond to alerts, alarms, and operational deviations.
4. Interfacing party between Release/GOC/Site: The role shall serve as the interfacing party between Release and Scatec’s Global and Operations Centre (GOC), and between Release and the site-based personnel (either Release employed or client resources) for plant performance issues.
5. Technical assistance to operating projects: The role shall provide the day-to-day technical assistance to site-based personnel (either Release employed or client resources) during the plant operation stage.
6. Ensuring that system operation adheres to safety standards and performance benchmarks.
7. Coordinating with the maintenance System Specialist to generate work orders in CMMS, ensuring that maintenance teams receive accurate, priority-based tasks to minimise downtime.
8. Follow up on plant maintenance work orders which are assigned to the onsite maintenance personnel via the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) and ensure accurate documentation of all maintenance activities.
9. Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental policies, and operational guidelines during all maintenance tasks.
10. Support emergency response efforts in case of equipment failure or unexpected downtime.
11. Generation of monthly plant performance reports.

Qualifications and competencies

1. National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Renewable Energy Engineering (minimum).
2. 3+ years’ experience working at a solar PV plant.
3. Battery Energy Storage systems experience also advantageous.
4. 3+ years’ experience in operations and maintenance of PV plants.
5. Fluent in both written and spoken English. French competency will be an advantage.
6. Experience in renewable energy power plant operations.
7. Understanding of the procurement processes.
8. Understanding of PV and BESS operation and performance metrics.
9. Understanding of plant monitoring, data acquisition, data analysis, reporting.
10. Excellent MS Office Suite software knowledge and good working knowledge of PDF software.

For the particular role we also expect

1. Task oriented, prioritization skills, highly structured, systematic and analytical.
2. Independent and proactive.
3. Able to work in a fast-paced and deadline driven project environment.
4. Continuous learning and skill development of self and subordinates.
5. A willingness to be available during weekends, holidays, and on-call periods to address urgent maintenance or emergency situations.

It is part of every Release employee’s terms of reference to contribute to Scatec group’s vision: Improving our Future and adhere to our company values which are:

1. Predictable: demonstrate clear communication and listening skills, shares information in an open and honest way.
2. Driving results: demonstrate determination, pro-activeness, can prioritise and work independently.
3. Changemaker: demonstrate entrepreneurship, can challenge, fast learner, take initiatives and adjust.
4. Working together: demonstrate teamwork, shares responsibilities, can compromise, has a can-do attitude.

We offer

Release is an exciting, innovative and ambitious company operating in a growing industry. We offer a challenging and interesting position where you will be part of a flexible, diverse and truly international working environment consisting of highly competent and committed colleagues with a positive drive to make a difference.

Release is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by appropriate law.

All hiring decisions are made based on merit, competence and business need.