Vacant Position – Electrical Supervisor

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 04 May 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

* The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavors.

To ensure availability and utilisation of site electrical systems through oversight and provision of safe and cost-effective maintenance programmes, functions and activities

Key Responsibilities:
* Apply electrical and associated technical maintenance and associated practices by meeting provisions of GMR-Phase 2.1 appointment
* Ensure adequate resourcing of staff by participating in staffing, recruitment and selection processes and providing value-added inputs
* Develop draft annual training plan based on needs of responsibility area and submit for approval
* Manage Key performance agreements and Key performance reviews of staff
* Manage staff leave and any disciplinary issues that may arise
* Allocate work as appropriate to ensure electrical maintenance objectives are achieved
* Take swift corrective action where performance gaps are identified to ensure maintenance functions and services are delivered
* Provide value-added inputs into budget processes based on clearly defined needs that have been identified to support electrical and associated maintenance functions
* Develop and implement condition based and preventative maintenance programs for substations, distribution systems and other electrical equipment.
* Utilize computer bases asset maintenance management program to create work requests, develop priorities, issue work orders, track labour and keep equipment maintenance histories.
* Oversee the electrical maintenance of wells, pump controls and other SARAO electrical facilities
* Direct the construction and installation of extensions and additions to underground and overhead electrical distribution systems.
* Perform switching and other tasks according to ORHVS regulations.
* Using SKA switching Regulations
* Perform medium voltage switching and operate generators in support of operations.
* Ensuring continues power availability to the telescope site

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
N5 or T3 Electrical Engineering (heavy Current)
ORHVS valid certificate (22kV and 33 kV)
Wireman’s License
Electrician Trade Test
Supervisory or management qualification (Advantageous)
Driver’s license code C (Prof Driving Permit)

Experience:
* 10 years’ electrical systems experience of which 5 (five) years in a supervisory in operations and maintenance of 22 to 33kV network (or above).
* Previous appointment as GMR2.1 (Advantageous)

Knowledge:
* Understanding of budgets
* Supply Chain Management
* Health and Safety
* Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
* Laws and regulations covering the erection, construction and maintenance of overhead and underground lines
* Good writing skills
* Computer skills
* Excellent communication skills
* Power generating systems (Diesel Generators)
* Grid Power lines (33kV and 22kV)
* Power distribution systems (22kV and 400V)

Additional Notes:
* Supervisory experience.
* RFI (radio frequency interference)
* Lightning protection systems
* UPS systems (Static + Rotary)
* OHS Act
* Good writing skills
* Computer skills
* Excellent communication skills

Information:
The website www.nrf.ac.za provides more details on the NRF initiatives and activities.

Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant’s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Closing Date: 04 May 2026

The NRF offers a challenging career and competitive remuneration package which is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The NRF is committed to employment equity and redress and the appointment to the position will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan.

The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only