ELECTRICAL ENGINEER/TECHNICIAN REF NO: OC32/2026 (Approximately Fifteen Months Contract)

Applications are invited for the position of Electrical Engineer or Technician based at Marion Island, a sub-Antarctic research station operated by the Department of Environment. This is a contract post of approximately fifteen months, with the successful candidate expected to remain on the island for a full year, from April 2027 until May 2028, with no option to return to South Africa before the end of that period. The role forms part of the base’s technical team, reporting directly to the technical team leader, and the incumbent will work alongside a small, tightly knit expedition group. Because the base operates in an extremely remote and isolated environment, the position requires more than just technical expertise: it demands resilience, adaptability, and the capacity to live and work harmoniously with a small group of people for an extended stretch.

The core of the job is to ensure the safe and reliable operation of all electrical infrastructure on the base and its associated buildings and field huts. This includes power generators, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, water reticulation, waste water treatment, and the electrical components of cargo handling and forklift equipment. The incumbent will be responsible for plant maintenance, power generation, diagnostics, fault-finding, and repairs across all of these systems, and will also be expected to operate cargo handling equipment. All electrical work on the base falls to this role, making it a demanding and varied position that requires sound knowledge of workshop practices, proper use of basic workshop tools, and a strong awareness of current occupational health and safety policies. In addition to the hands-on technical work, the role includes preparing monthly and annual reports, conducting stock-takes to order spares and equipment, and assisting with the routine non-technical chores that all expedition members share. The role may also call for long hours in extreme weather conditions performing tasks unrelated to the electrical function, so flexibility and a positive attitude are essential.

To be considered, candidates must hold a National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or a comparable qualification at NQF6, recognised by SAQA, together with at least five years of post-trade or post-qualification experience. Proven fault-finding capability and hands-on competence in plant maintenance and power generation are required. Experience in facility management, as well as familiarity with maintenance management plans and the types of services found in hotels or hospitals, will be a strong advantage. The successful applicant must be computer literate, possess good verbal and written communication skills, and be able to work effectively as part of a team. Given the extreme isolation, candidates must be physically fit and mentally strong, prepared for physically challenging yet rewarding work, and aware that the posting may affect their own well-being as well as their family and close relationships. Although the base has email, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the individual must be self-sufficient and self-motivated. Short-listed candidates will undergo screening and security vetting, and appointment is subject to a rigorous medical examination and psychometric assessment, both arranged at no cost to the applicant. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced electrical professional ready to take on a challenging, fulfilling role in one of the most remote workplaces on earth, where the well-being of the entire base depends on their skills and reliability.