Shift Plant Operator

Excellerate; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Excellerate is seeking a Data Centre Shift Plant Operator to monitor and operate critical engineering plant in a data centre, ensuring 100% uptime in line with contractual obligations. The role requires flexibility for night shifts, weekends and holidays, and adherence to OHS and safety standards.

Essential qualifications include Matric, 2–3 years’ facilities or industrial experience, basic HVAC knowledge, and BMS experience.

Qualifications

• Matric or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
• 2–3 years’ experience in a facilities, industrial plant, or critical environment.
• Basic HVAC and building services knowledge.
• Experience working with BMS systems in temperature/humidity-controlled environments.
• Working knowledge of Permit to Work systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitor BMS, EMS and alarm systems continuously.
• Perform routine plant checks and inspections.
• Record plant readings and deviations.
• Execute first-line fault response.
• Escalate abnormal conditions promptly.
• Assist technicians during planned maintenance.
• Prepare plant for maintenance activities.
• Ensure safe isolation and reinstatement.
• Verify completion of maintenance tasks.
• Follow Permit to Work procedures.
• Conduct pre-task risk assessments.
• Ensure PPE compliance.
• Stop unsafe acts immediately.
• Participate in toolbox talks.
• Apply Critical Environment Risk Management processes.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Document incidents accurately.
• Participate in root cause investigations.
• Support subcontractor supervision.
• Maintain professional client communication.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide effective shift handovers.

Skills

BMS monitoring

Fault finding

Communication skills

Customer relationship

Structured procedures

Shift work

Report writing

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

NQF Level 4

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Who we are

We are the market leader in commercial real estate services and investments and provide an integrated suite of high-quality real estate services to our clients across Africa and the Middle East, including facilities management, advisory & transaction services, project management. We support predominantly corporate clients who buy services on a contracted basis all across the Middle East and Africa - even globally, depending on their portfolio.

Why choose us

Imagine more than just the future of work; with CBRE Excellerate, you can create it. As part of our global powerhouse, you'll find a culture that fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, where your best work is not just encouraged but celebrated. Collaborate with talented individuals, harness the support of unparalleled resources, and enjoy the journey as you grow both personally and professionally.

About the role:

The Data Centre Shift Plant Operator is responsible for the monitoring, operation, and first-line maintenance support of critical engineering plant and infrastructure within a data centre environment. The role ensures continuous availability of mission-critical systems to achieve 100% uptime in line with contractual obligations and CBRE service delivery standards. The incumbent will operate under strict health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements in accordance with South African legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993), and all applicable CBRE and client procedures. The role operates on a shift basis and requires flexibility in working hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA).

What you will bring:

Essential:

• Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a facilities, industrial plant, or critical environment.
• Basic HVAC and building services knowledge.
• Experience working with BMS systems in temperature/humidity-controlled environments.
• Working knowledge of Permit to Work systems.

Desirable:

• Electrical or Mechanical trade apprenticeship.
• Previous Data Centre experience.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Skills required:

• Ability to monitor and interpret BMS and plant alarms.
• Basic fault-finding and troubleshooting capability.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Good customer relationship skills.
• Ability to follow structured procedures.
• Ability to work shifts under pressure.
• Report writing and incident documentation skills

Knowledge required:

• HVAC systems (CRAC units, chillers, cooling towers).
• Electrical distribution systems (LV panels, UPS, generators).
• Fire detection and suppression systems.
• Building Management Systems (BMS).
• Permit to Work and Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures.
• OHS Act requirements and safe systems of work.
• CBRE Critical Environment Risk Management methodology.

Decision Making Authority:

• Make operational decisions within approved standard operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency operating procedures (EOPs).
• Escalate critical plant alarms and risks according to escalation matrices.
• Stop unsafe work in line with OHS Act requirements.
• Approve routine permits within delegated authority.
• Recommend corrective actions for plant performance deviations

Behavioural competencies:

• Communication
• Drive and Productivity
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Customer and Quality Focus
• Accuracy

Interface/Relationships with:

Internal

• Data Centre Operations Manager
• Shift Technicians
• Technical Specialists
• Contract Support
• Health & Safety Officers
• CBRE Projects Team

External

• Client representatives
• Subcontractors
• OEM service providers
• Auditors and regulatory authorities

What will you be doing:

Critical Plant Monitoring & Operations:

• Monitor BMS, EMS and alarm systems continuously.
• Perform routine plant checks and inspections.
• Record plant readings and deviations.
• Execute first-line fault response.
• Escalate abnormal conditions promptly

Preventative Maintenance Support:

• Assist technicians during planned maintenance.
• Prepare plant for maintenance activities.
• Ensure safe isolation and reinstatement.
• Verify completion of maintenance tasks.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Follow Permit to Work procedures.
• Conduct pre-task risk assessments.
• Ensure PPE compliance.
• Stop unsafe acts immediately.
• Participate in toolbox talks.

Incident & Risk Management:

• Apply Critical Environment Risk Management processes.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Document incidents accurately.
• Participate in root cause investigations.

Teamwork & Client Support:

• Support subcontractor supervision.
• Maintain professional client communication.
• Participate in training and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide effective shift handovers.

CBRE Excellerate is committed to striving for diversity and equitable representation in our workforce. Preference may thus be given to suitably qualified candidates as identified in our employment equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.