Electrical Engineer/technician

In brief

**Overview** The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking an Electrical Engineer/Technician for an approximately fifteen-month contract position, referenced as OC32/2026. This role is based at Marion Island, a Sub/Antarctic Base, and offers a salary of R605 742 per annum, plus 37% in lieu of service benefits. The successful applicant will be required to execute duties at the base and adhere to health, safety, and environmental requirements. The incumbent will spend a full year on Marion Island, from April 2027 to May 2028, with no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. This position requires individuals who can live and work with small groups, are self-sufficient, and self-motivated. Candidates must be prepared for a physically and mentally challenging experience in extreme conditions, often working long hours on duties potentially unrelated to their core function, as the location may affect physical and mental well-being. **What you will do** The incumbent will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, fault-finding, and repairs of all electrical equipment at Marion Base and associated buildings and field huts. This includes power generators, forklifts, air-conditioning, refrigeration, water reticulation, and waste water systems. All electrical work on the base will be performed by this person. Additional duties include operating cargo handling equipment, reporting to the team leader, and performing any additional base-related technical functions as part of the technical team. The role also involves preparing monthly and annual reports, conducting stock-takes to order spares and equipment, and performing other common non-technical duties expected of expedition members. **Requirements (from the original advert)** * National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or a relevant comparable qualification (NQF6) as recognised by SAQA. * Minimum of five years post trade / qualification experience. * Competency in plant maintenance, power generation, diagnostics, and repairs with proven fault-finding capabilities. * Preferably have hands-on experience in facility management. * Familiarity with good workshop practices, correct use of basic workshop tools, and an understanding of current work, health, and safety policies. * Experience with maintenance management plans as well as all the services that would be found in facilities like hotels or hospitals would be an advantage. * Computer literacy. * Good verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to work in a team. * The ability to work and live with small groups of people is essential. * The applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. * Candidates must be physically fit and mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. **Who should apply** Candidates applying for this role should be qualified Electrical Engineers/Technicians with a National Diploma (NQF6) and a minimum of five years of relevant post-qualification experience. They must demonstrate strong technical skills in plant maintenance, power generation, diagnostics, and fault-finding. The ideal candidate will be familiar with workshop practices, health and safety policies, and be computer literate with strong communication skills. They must be adept at working in a team environment, highly self-sufficient, self-motivated, and capable of thriving in small group living conditions for an extended period. Physical fitness and mental strength are crucial, as the role demands preparedness for physically challenging work, long hours, and potentially extreme conditions on a remote Sub/Antarctic base. Prior hands-on experience in facility management or maintenance management plans for complex facilities (like hotels or hospitals) would be advantageous. **Deadline** Not specified **Reference** Original posting: https://www.govpage.co.za/vacancies/department-of-forestry-fisheries-and-the-environment-vacancies-from-dpsa-circular-38-of-2026#spani-ref-oc32-2026 Source: govpage

Summary drafted with AI assistance from the original advert. The advert itself is the authority — how we use AI.

At a glance

• Forklift operation

Extracted automatically from the advert; confirm requirements on the original listing.

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