Vacant Post – Maintenance Planner

Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Skilled / Middle Management
Work Location: Carnarvon, Northern Cape
Closing Date: 08 March 2024

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 endeavours.

The incumbent will be responsible for developing job plans, improving work schedules, technical task evaluations, detailed and analysed task developments, and maintenance execution plans while adhering to health, safety, industry regulations and standards.

Key Responsibilities:

* Conducting daily maintenance activities planning
* Training maintenance and maintenance workshop staff
* Developing of maintenance tasks and schedules
* Ordering of parts and spares for maintenance
* Managing workflow and using CMMS
* Updating task and job requirements as the depth of maintenance increases
* Procuring tools and equipment to facilitate maintenance to the component level
* Ensuring compliance with ISO 2001 requirements and good workmanship practices
* Producing technical drawings for maintenance task descriptions and job specifications
* Ensuring compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations and rules
* Providing mentorship to assigned apprentices for on-job training and signing off on their task books
* Assisting in internal training module developments
* Evaluate job feedback and analyse job entries for work improvements

Key Requirements:
Qualification:

* National N Diploma (N6 in Mechanical )
* Fitter and Turner trade-tested
* Computer Literacy
* 5 years of experience in the maintenance of mechanical systems, of which one is in manufacturing and product development
* Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

Experience:

* Experience in Maintenance Processes (documentation, configuration management, procurement, etc.)
* Procurement of tools and equipment to facilitate maintenance to component level
* Mechanical and electrical systems
* Milling and machining of mechanical components
* Using CMMS systems
* Maintenance planning & scheduling
* Documentation Management
* Configuration control
* Workshop practices and work
* Tools and tooling
* Materials and materials handling

Knowledge:

* Maintenance and workshop practices and procedures
* Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical systems and a working knowledge of electrical systems
* Relevant materials standards
* Maintenance strategies and applications
* Maintenance prioritisation and scheduling
* Computer applications that support maintenance
* Quality Management system ISO 9001 requirements
* Safety hazards and appropriate precautions
* OHS Act and applicable regulations

Additional Notes:

* Communicate clearly and effectively (both written and verbal)
* Act independently and be a mentor to junior team members
* Conduct training and transfer of knowledge
* Work independently as well as in a team
* Work in confined spaces and at heights up to 12m (elevated)
* Read and interpret technical drawings, files, records and catalogues
* Forecast and plan in anticipation of future tasks and jobs
* Drive on dirt roads and off-road conditions
* Basic mathematical computing skills for procurement quantities

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: 08 March 2024

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