Electrician: Grain Storage and Silo Operations x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Electrician: Grain Storage and Silo Operations
- Company: VKB Engineering Services / VKB Group
- Location: Reitz, Free State
- Department: Other
- Post Date: 26 September 2026
- Closing Date: 10 October 2026
- Employment Type: Not specified
Job Description
VKB Engineering Services is looking for an experienced Electrician to support its grain storage and silo operations in Reitz. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting and improving electrical, automation and control systems used in grain handling, storage and processing operations.
The role is critical to ensuring equipment reliability, minimising unplanned downtime and supporting the efficient movement of grain, particularly during peak harvest periods. The successful candidate will work with systems such as conveyors, bucket elevators, grain dryers, aeration systems, PLC-controlled equipment and other industrial electrical infrastructure.
The position also involves mentoring apprentices and junior technicians, supporting improvement projects and ensuring that electrical maintenance activities comply with safety and operational standards.
Key Responsibilities
Electrical Maintenance
- Perform preventative, predictive and corrective electrical maintenance.
- Diagnose and resolve electrical and automation faults.
- Maintain electrical infrastructure, substations and control systems.
- Conduct safe switching and isolation procedures.
- Ensure electrical equipment remains reliable and operational.
Grain Handling and Silo Systems
Maintain and troubleshoot:
- Bucket elevators.
- Belt conveyors.
- Chain conveyors.
- Drag conveyors.
- Augers.
- Grain intake systems.
- Grain dryers.
- Aeration systems.
- Grain storage facilities.
- PLC-controlled equipment.
- Automation and monitoring systems.
Projects and Continuous Improvement
- Assist with electrical upgrade projects.
- Support the commissioning of new equipment.
- Improve plant reliability and operational performance.
- Identify opportunities for optimisation.
- Contribute to energy-efficiency initiatives.
Safety and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable legislation and company standards.
- Maintain maintenance records and technical documentation.
- Follow occupational health and safety requirements.
- Apply safe working practices at all times.
Leadership
- Mentor and develop apprentices and junior technicians.
- Support technical training initiatives.
- Promote teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Assist with the coordination of technical activities when required.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Grade 12 / Matric with Mathematics and Science.
- Electrical Trade Test / Red Seal.
- Wireman’s Licence for Low Voltage installations up to 1kV.
- Valid Code B driver’s licence.
- Clear criminal record.
Experience
- Minimum 10 years’ experience as a qualified Electrician in an industrial, agricultural processing or grain-handling environment.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in grain storage, grain handling, grain processing, feed milling or silo operations.
- Experience maintaining and fault-finding on grain-handling equipment.
- Experience with industrial automation and electrical control systems.
- Experience working in environments where equipment uptime is critical.
- Experience supervising apprentices, contractors or junior technicians.
Skills and Competencies
- Advanced electrical maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
- PLC fault-finding and diagnostics.
- Industrial automation and control systems knowledge.
- Variable Speed Drive (VSD) troubleshooting.
- Medium and Low Voltage switching.
- Preventative and predictive maintenance.
- Technical documentation and reporting.
- Project planning and coordination.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office.
- Mentoring and team leadership.
- Strong problem-solving and diagnostic abilities.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration.
- Commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
Additional Working Requirements
The successful candidate must be prepared to:
- Work at heights and on elevated grain-handling infrastructure.
- Work in environments involving dust and noise.
- Perform overtime and standby duties during harvest periods.
- Respond to after-hours breakdowns when operationally required.
- Work in a high-accountability environment where equipment reliability is critical.