Technician - Outside Services

Sappi; Ngodwana; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global provider of sustainable products is seeking a Technician – Outside Services to support water treatment and environmental operations. Responsibilities include operational monitoring, compliance with environmental standards, and customer relations. The ideal candidate holds a National Diploma in Environmental Science, has experience in water operations, and a valid driver's license. This position offers growth within a global organization and competitive benefits.

Benefits

Learning and development programmes

Opportunities to travel

Market leading leave benefits

Employee wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' experience in water and wastewater treatment operations.
• Valid Code 10 driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Support Outside Services and Farm Operations in achieving production and environmental objectives.
• Recommend maintenance, upgrades, and improvements to optimise plant performance.
• Monitor water, effluent, sewage, and stormwater systems for compliance.
• Conduct sampling, analysis, and reporting for environmental compliance.

Skills

Water treatment

Environmental compliance

Customer communication

Operational monitoring

Education

National Diploma in Environmental Science or equivalent

BTech / BSc / BEng in Chemical Engineering

NQF Level 4 Water and Wastewater Treatment qualification

Job description

We are hiring!

At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.

We’re on the lookout for an Technician – Outside Services to support Outside Services and Farm Operations Superintendents in water, effluent, sewage treatment and solid waste handling operations. Daily monitoring of plant performance and specifications to DWAF, SABS and ISO standards, including various administrative and performance monitoring / improvement tasks.

As an Technician – Outside Services you will be responsible for:

Operational Excellence

• Support Outside Services and Farm Operations in achieving production and environmental objectives.
• Recommend maintenance, upgrades, and improvements to optimise plant performance and resource utilisation.
• Assist in executing plant activities (start-ups, shuts, inspections, log sheets, trending) to maintain stability and quality.
• Monitor water, effluent, sewage, and stormwater systems to ensure compliance and take corrective action when required.
• Conduct sampling, analysis, and reporting for soil, landfill temperature, waste, river flows, and bacteriological counts.
• Manage and control raw materials (e.g., chlorine, alum, lime, polymers, caustic) to support continuous operations.
• Provide technical support for environmental performance improvement projects and process modifications.
• Participate in audits, coordinate RCA processes, and assist in closing out action items for Outside Services and the Farm.
• Provide operational support to Sewage and Water Treatment Plants, including borehole sampling coordination.
• Perform standby duties and act in the Superintendent role when required.

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Ensure compliance with SHEQ requirements, investigate incidents, and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards (5S) and support legal compliance for water, waste, and air-emissions licences.
• Conduct BBS observations, report near misses, and promote a strong safety culture.

Customer Relations

• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding incidents and service concerns.
• Address customer feedback promptly and implement corrective actions where necessary.

What are we looking for?

• National Diploma in Environmental Science, Natural Science, or an equivalent field.
• BTech / BSc / BEng in Chemical Engineering will be an added advantage.
• NQF Level 4 Water and Wastewater Treatment qualification is advantageous.
• Valid Code 10 driver’s license.
• At least 2 years’ experience in water and wastewater treatment operations.

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence.
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi.
• Opportunities to travel.
• Market leading leave benefits.
• Employee wellbeing benefits.