Senior Training Officer (Operations)

This position offers an opportunity to play a central role in the development of skilled electrical personnel within eThekwini Municipality’s Energy Management Directorate. Based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, the Senior Training Officer (Operations) is responsible for shaping the practical competence of teams working on electrical distribution and transmission systems. The role sits at the intersection of technical expertise and instruction, requiring a seasoned electrician who can translate deep operational knowledge into effective learning experiences. By ensuring that trainees and incumbent staff meet stringent safety and performance standards, this officer directly supports the reliability and safety of the city’s electrical network.

Candidates must bring a strong technical foundation built on a recognised trade test as an Electrician, accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training, together with an NTC4 qualification in Electrical Engineering from a registered Further Education and Training College. The role demands formal authorisation as a competent person in all three core competency areas — Overhead Lines (OHM), Underground Mains (UGM) and Substations — for the MV/LV Operations divisions, or equivalent competencies covering the HV Cables or HV Substations branches. Additionally, applicants must already be authorised to operate on the directorate’s Medium Voltage Networks without restrictions. A valid learning facilitator certificate and an assessor certificate from the approved Education, Training and Development Authority are essential, as the core of this job is instructional delivery and competency evaluation. Candidates must also pass a departmental proficiency test that verifies both broad knowledge of construction, operations and maintenance of distribution or transmission systems and the ability to impart that knowledge effectively. A valid motor vehicle driving licence, a First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain one within six months), and a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) or commitment to secure one within six months are also required.

Substantial hands-on experience is non-negotiable. Applicants must have served a recognised apprenticeship prior to trade testing, or alternatively, via the APRL route, provide documented proof of at least three years of relevant practical experience at the level of an Electrician under direct supervision of a competent Electrician across diverse aspects of network construction, operation and maintenance. In addition, at least five years of post-trade-test experience in all facets of electrical reticulation is expected, covering switching, isolating, testing and earthing of apparatus operating from 230V up to 11kV, with a minimum of one year of that time acting as a competent person in OHM, UGM or Substations. Those who are also authorised for the High Voltage network up to 275kV, or who hold a Learning Moderator certificate, will have a distinct advantage.

Day-to-day responsibilities revolve around designing and presenting training interventions, assessing learner progress, and ensuring that all operational staff are proficient in safe switching and isolation procedures. The officer will also play a quality assurance role, verifying that competence declarations are accurate and that training outcomes meet the directorate’s technical and safety benchmarks. The post is structured as a 40-hour, five-day week, but incumbents must be prepared to work overtime when service demands arise, and will be issued protective clothing per the PPE schedule. Physically, the role is demanding: candidates must be fit and healthy as certified by the City Medical Officer, must not be colour blind, and must be able to handle electrical equipment and work deftly with tools and instruments. This is a position for a technically excellent, physically capable and instructionally skilled electrician ready to build the next generation of network operators.