CONTROL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN-MECHANICAL: INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT [GRADE A-B] = 1 POST [RE-ADVERT]

This is a re-advertised vacancy for a Control Engineering Technician specialising in Mechanical Engineering, based at the Provincial Office in Polokwane. The successful candidate will join the Infrastructure Maintenance and Technical Support unit within the Limpopo Department of Health, operating at a professional engineering level on an occupation-specific salary dispensation Grade A or B, with the final notch determined according to the number of years of experience gained after professional registration.

The primary purpose of the post is to render comprehensive technical services and support in the management of service providers responsible for the maintenance of critical mechanical infrastructure, including lifts, laundry machines, refrigeration systems and boilers. The post also carries responsibility for managing and reporting on information regarding the use of utilities across the province’s health facilities. The incumbent must work in line with the Provincial Infrastructure Delivery Framework and apply the Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS) in all projects, while operating within all applicable legislation, policies, frameworks and instruction notes. A thorough understanding of the health service delivery platform and how infrastructure links to service plans is essential, as is knowledge of the processes for acquisitions and disposals in government.

To be considered, applicants must hold a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent relevant qualification, alongside registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technician in the Mechanical field. At least six years of post-qualification technical experience is required. A successfully completed training programme in Project Management will be an added advantage. Candidates must be fully computer literate, which includes MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as proficiency in virtual meeting platforms. The responsibilities of the role demand extensive travel throughout the province and occasional longer working hours, so a valid driver’s licence is required, except for applicants with disabilities who are exempt from this requirement.

The key performance areas are broad and technically demanding. The incumbent will develop, determine and maintain technical and functional norms and standards for mechanical engineering installations and systems; investigate proposals for innovative service delivery mechanisms; undertake feasibility studies; and compile mechanical briefing documentation and specifications. Other duties include contributing to the Construction Procurement Strategy and the Infrastructure Programme Management Plan, validating the quality of service providers against norms and maintenance contracts, and compiling reports with recommendations on non-performance. The role also involves investigating mechanical installations and equipment to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Engineering Regulations, loading project documents onto data management systems, implementing construction commissioning and training, undertaking research, and managing human, physical and financial resources. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong report-writing skills, the ability to chair and minute site meetings, strict deadline management, budget preparation, risk analysis and mitigation, and familiarity with health infrastructure information management systems.