Laboratory Technician jobs in South Africa

Company Description

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 93,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Job Description

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Instrumentation Technician is primarily responsible to oversee and lead maintenance procedures and actions while maintaining smooth cost-effective operations for all Natural Resources Geochem Laboratories. Responsible for managing all installation, repair and upkeep operations of the company’s facilities.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Conduct regular plant inspections to detect and resolve problems.
2. Plan and manage all repair and installation activities.
3. Attend to both electrical and mechanical breakdowns.
4. Assess breakdowns and apply appropriate fault-finding techniques.
5. Maintain and/or repair low level and high level mechanical and electrical equipment.
6. Familiarize yourself with Laboratory instrumentation – to be able to do initial diagnostics and front line repairs to try and avoid instrument vendor call outs.
7. Receive training on servicing of laboratory instrumentation and carrying out preventative maintenance and routine services.
8. Review and set up service contracts ensuring cost saving benefits are implemented as well as ensuring continuous operation of instruments and equipment.
9. Willing to travel to other SGS sites for repairs and for setting up of equipment when required.
10. Develop checklists for all applicable equipment.
11. Ensure adherence to scheduled preventative maintenance.
12. Develop and itemize the critical spare list.
13. Document and prepare daily progress reports and maintenance logs.
14. Keep and control the record of available critical spares and spares.
15. Assist staff with daily tasks (Technical and advisory capacity where needed).
16. Delegate work to staff (Distribution of daily job requests).
17. Check and test furnace operations as requested from time to time.
18. Ensure that all tools that are required to carry out tasks are available.
19. Perform standby and emergency call out and breakdowns.
20. Accountable for time keeping and material recorded on job request document.
21. Support efforts to overcome operational problems.
22. Oversee and ensure that equipment logbooks are filled and signed off.
23. Create and issue work order notifications.
24. Conduct maintenance administration on the appropriate systems.
25. Compile and consolidate the work order reports.
26. Proactively identify risks and threats to the process.
27. Recommend issues that can improve area performance.
28. Ensure all department workers adhere to the safety policies and procedures.
29. Ensure that appropriate PPE is always worn.
30. Ensure that all relevant SHEQ documents are always adhered to.
31. Maintain and uphold all the SHEQ related requirements.
32. Perform any other reasonable tasks as assigned by direct line manager.

COMPLIANCE & AUTHORITY

1. Any person has the right to refuse to perform work that may damage the environment in an imminent and serious way and to report such a situation. The employee has the responsibility to protect the environment as well.
2. Cease the use of any equipment that may be deemed to constitute a safety hazard or enter hazardous environments without the necessary knowledge and protection.
3. Cease to carry on with work that may affect the quality (integrity) of services and report the situation to higher authority to take action.
4. Initiate a formal improvement request when a deviation of the system occurs, possible improvements are identified or when nonconformity is identified.

Qualifications

Education

1. Matric (Grade 12) – with Mathematics and Science as subjects or equivalent qualification.
2. N3 Engineering studies or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Facility Management or similar field is preferred.
3. Completed a formal learnership programme prior to obtaining a Millwright artisan trade certificate.

Experience

1. A minimum of 5 years’ working experience in maintenance and/or as a qualified Millwright in the Mining industry.
2. PLC experience will be advantageous.
3. Previous experience in staff supervision.

Required Skills

1. Good understanding of the technical features of plumbing, carpentry, and electrical systems.
2. Strong knowledge of the facilities’ machines and equipment.
3. General hand tools and basic equipment use.
4. Knowledge and experience in Gas and furnaces for example, Pipes and controls, etc.
5. Knowledge and experience in electrical – Basic electrical installations and circuits.
6. Knowledge and experience in mechanical equipment.
7. Experience in the types of Laboratory Instrumentation found in mineral testing laboratories.
8. Knowledge and experience in plumbing and water pressure valves.
9. Excellent organizational and leadership abilities.
10. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.