Vacant Position – Electrical Technician

SKA South Africa; Carnarvon; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Research Foundation’s South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) invites applications for a Permanent Electrician based in Carnarvon, Northern Cape. You will inspect, maintain, and repair LV/MV installations, perform modifications, and support reliability of electrical systems across the SKA infrastructure.

Key requirements include a Trade Test Electrician, MV up to 33kV certification, and 3+ years of MV distribution experience.

Qualifications

• Qualified Electrician – Trade Test
• Certified to work on MV installations up to 33kV
• Certified to do Switching and linking on 22kV and 33kV
• Wireman’s Licence (advantageous)
• 3-years related experience in MV distribution power lines and equipment

Responsibilities

• Regular inspections of LV and MV installations.
• Fault finding and maintenance on MV and LV installations.
• Modifications and new installations per specifications.
• Switching and linking MV switchgear.
• Record keeping of equipment failures, inspections, spares and service records.

Skills

Fault finding

Problem solving

Communication skills

Team player

Safety awareness

Education

Trade Test Electrician

Wireman’s Licence (advantageous)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 10 September 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa??s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

Inspect, maintain and repair all Power lines, Electrical installations, Electrical Equipment. and perform new installations or modifications to existing installations.

Key Responsibilities

• Regular inspections of all LV and MV installations.
• Perform Fault finding, scheduled and emergency Maintenance on MV and LV installations.
• Perform modifications and new installations according to specifications.
• Switching and Linking of MV switchgear.
• Record keeping of equipment failures, Inspections, available spares and service records.

Key Requirements

Qualification

• Qualified Electrician – Trade Test
• Certified to work on MV installations up to 33kV
• Certified to do Switching and linking on 22kV and 33kV
• Wireman’s Licence (advantageous)

Experience

• 3-years related experience in MV distribution Power lines, distribution transformers, MV protection; motors and control circuits; motor/generator sets and standby batteries
• Valid driver’s license
• Computer literate (Microsoft Word, Excel and Power-point)

Knowledge

• MV and LV Installations
• Electrical Drawings
• MV and LV Safety and Switching Regulations and procedures
• Maintenance of Standby Generators and Electrical Motors

Additional Notes

• Fault finding and trouble shooting
• Technical report and writing skills
• Knowledge of and ability to apply stringent safety rules for construction, maintenance, and operation.
• Maintenance and repair of electrical systems
• Health and Safety Regulations and related procedures
• Conversant with MV switch-gear operating regulations
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• Good Team player
• Good analysing and problem solving skills
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Able to work in bad weather conditions

Information

The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Closing Date: 10 September 2026

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only