CONTROL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN-MECHANICAL: INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE & TECHNICAL SUPPORT (GRADE A- B) (X1 POST) Re-Advert

This re-advertised position for a Control Engineering Technician specialising in mechanical engineering sits within the Limpopo Department of Health’s Provincial Office in Polokwane, forming part of the Infrastructure Maintenance and Technical Support unit. The incumbent’s primary role is to render technical services and support by managing external service providers responsible for the maintenance of critical building systems, including lifts, laundry machines, refrigeration plants and boilers, and to manage information on the use of utilities. The work is carried out within the framework of the Provincial Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS) and must align with all applicable legislation, policies, frameworks and instruction notes. The role requires close collaboration with the broader health infrastructure environment, so an understanding of the health service delivery platform, its indicators and service plans, and how these link to infrastructure, is essential.

Candidates must hold a National Senior Certificate or Matric plus an NQF level 6 qualification in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent relevant qualification, along with registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Professional Engineering Technician in Mechanical Engineering. A minimum of six years’ post-qualification technical experience is required. Successful completion of a training programme in Project Management would be an added advantage. The ideal candidate will be computer literate in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as virtual meeting platforms, and must possess a valid driver’s licence, except in the case of applicants with disabilities. The nature of the work demands extensive travel throughout the province and a willingness to work longer hours when necessary.

The incumbent will be expected to provide comprehensive mechanical and electrical engineering inputs and guidance, covering innovative and complex engineering applications for the development of infrastructure strategies, policies, systems, projects and technical norms and standards. Key duties include developing and maintaining technical and functional norms and standards for mechanical and electrical installations; assisting with investigations into proposals for innovative service delivery mechanisms; undertaking feasibility studies; compiling briefing documentation and specifications; providing inputs to the Construction Procurement Strategy and the Infrastructure Programme Management Plan; and validating the quality of service provider performance. The role also involves compiling reports with recommendations regarding non-performance in maintenance, investigating 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, training and commissioning of installations, undertaking research, and managing human, physical and financial resources.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to apply the IDMS, understand how acquisitions and disposals are managed in government, undertake risk analysis and develop mitigation strategies, and understand the infrastructure information fields required for updating health infrastructure information management systems. Strong project management skills are crucial, including preparing documentation, report writing, chairing site meetings and taking minutes, as is the ability to prepare budgets and extract and interpret information from related systems. The post is graded at Control Engineering Technician level A to B, with the department determining the salary notch based on years of experience after professional registration. This is a re-advertised vacancy, and interested candidates are encouraged to ensure they meet all requirements before applying, as non-compliance with the application conditions will lead to disqualification. General enquiries can be directed to the departmental officials listed in the advertisement during office hours.