Senior Electrician- Engineering and Sustainability x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Senior Electrician (Post Level 9): Engineering and Sustainability
- Job ID: 6578
- Organisation: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Department: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People and Operations – Facilities Management – University Estates
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State
- Employment Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Salary: Available on request
- Assumption of Duties: As soon as possible
- Closing Date: 9 September 2026
Job Overview
The University of the Free State is seeking a Senior Electrician to provide technical expertise and leadership in the maintenance and operation of critical electrical and energy infrastructure.
The successful candidate will be responsible for solar PV systems, fire detection systems, electrical metering, microgrid operations, UPS systems and high-voltage switching. The role also includes project support, compliance management, contractor coordination and mentoring electricians and apprentices.
Key Responsibilities
Solar Maintenance Management
- Inspect, test and perform preventative maintenance on solar PV systems, inverters and batteries.
- Identify and rectify electrical faults.
- Coordinate repairs and component replacements.
- Develop preventative maintenance schedules.
- Ensure compliance with electrical standards, manufacturer specifications and safety regulations.
- Evaluate quotations and oversee approved maintenance work.
- Maintain maintenance records and performance data.
- Ensure compliance with SANS 10142.
Fire Detection System Maintenance
- Inspect, test and maintain fire detection and alarm systems.
- Monitor fire panels using the NIMBUS monitoring platform.
- Coordinate servicing, certification and compliance audits.
- Investigate faults and ensure corrective action.
- Maintain inspection and compliance records.
- Assist with fire-safety awareness and training.
- Evaluate quotations and oversee implementation.
Metering Infrastructure
- Install, inspect, test and maintain electrical metering systems.
- Verify meter accuracy and investigate discrepancies.
- Collect and analyse metering data.
- Support billing, monitoring and energy-management objectives.
- Coordinate maintenance and upgrades.
Microgrid & UPS Management
- Monitor microgrid generation, storage and load distribution.
- Investigate alarms and operational inefficiencies.
- Analyse performance data and recommend optimisation initiatives.
- Manage UPS operation, maintenance and testing.
- Monitor battery health and load capacity.
- Coordinate battery replacements and system upgrades.
- Ensure reliable backup power for critical infrastructure.
High-Voltage Switching
- Perform authorised high-voltage switching in accordance with approved procedures.
- Follow strict lockout, tagout, isolation and safety protocols.
- Coordinate switching activities with relevant teams.
- Respond to electrical emergencies and faults.
- Maintain switching logs and safety records.
- Ensure compliance with SANS 10142 and applicable Occupational Health and Safety Regulations for High Voltage Systems.
Maintenance & Project Support
- Act as a technical link between maintenance and project teams.
- Provide technical input during project planning and implementation.
- Support project handovers into operational environments.
- Identify maintenance and operational risks.
- Assist with commissioning, testing and acceptance of projects.
- Evaluate quotations and oversee implementation.
Mentorship & Skills Development
- Provide technical leadership and supervision to electricians and apprentices.
- Support training and skills-development initiatives.
- Assess competency levels and provide performance feedback.
- Promote safe working practices and regulatory compliance.
- Assist in developing workplace-learning opportunities.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have:
- Matric/Grade 12
- Electrical N3 Certificate or higher
- At least 2 years’ relevant experience as a qualified electrician
- Qualification as a Qualified Installation Electrician
- A valid Wireman’s Licence
- A valid driver’s licence
Copies/proof of the required qualifications and licences must be attached to the application.
Recommended Experience & Knowledge
An advantage would be experience in:
- Solar photovoltaic systems
- Electrical distribution systems
- Fire detection systems
- Electrical metering
- UPS systems
- Microgrid operations
- Contractor management
- Quotation evaluation
- Project coordination
- High-voltage switching
- Electrical compliance management
- Occupational Health and Safety and electrical safety practices
- SANS 10142 compliance
The university also recommends 3–5 years’ relevant experience as an electrician.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- Results Orientation: Ability to adapt to changing environments and remain calm under pressure.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to manage multiple activities and analyse information effectively.
- Business Acumen: Ability to follow rules, regulations and work procedures.
- Leadership: Ability to take charge, provide direction and encourage teamwork.
- Building Coalitions: Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions, benefits include:
- Pension scheme
- Medical aid scheme
- Group life insurance
- Housing allowance
- Leave and sick leave
- Service bonus
- Study benefits
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website. Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
Applicants should submit:
- Detailed CV
- Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications
- SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications, where applicable
- Copy of ID or passport
- Proof of current/most recent employment for external applicants
- Proof of the required electrical qualifications and licences
Important: The application system allows a maximum of eight attachments. Applicants are advised to merge documents where necessary. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Closing Date
9 September 2026