Field Service Technician - De Beers Group of Companies

The duties of a Field Service Technician are focused on the implementation and support of all infrastructure components and technologies related to the Trackless Mobile Machinery- and Mine Automation Systems in Venetia Underground Mine. These duties will include the execution of installation- and maintenance task assignments associated with underground Mine Automation Systems infrastructure e.g. perimeter access control, WLAN telecommunication, machine and personnel location tracking, emergency and rescue communication, environmental monitoring and ventilation-on-demand. The Field Services Technician will work closely with personnel in the mine automation support team to ensure that the Mine Automation Systems meet the system productivity and availability targets.

The Field Services Technician is expected to display good interpersonal skills as he\she will interact with colleagues across all departments and at all levels. This includes the identification of the client’s technical needs and the implementation of customized solutions in response to defined problems. This role requires the incumbent to work underground.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

The performance will be evaluated against the following:

• Promotion of the ‘Put Safety First’ company value through participation in Safety, Health & Environmental reviews, recommending appropriate actions where necessary, keeping abreast of SHE industry best practices and ensuring communication to stakeholders, peer groups and reporting staff.
• Implementation and maintenance of the following underground Mine Automation Systems infrastructure and associated components:
• WLAN telecommunication
• Perimeter access control
• Machine and personnel location tracking
• Rescue chamber equipment
• Emergency telecommunication
• Portable and mobile radios
• Ventilation-on-Demand
• Environmental monitoring; and
• Any other technologies related to TMM in the operating areas of the mine.
• Mine Automation System infrastructure availability and down-time
• Solving complex technical problems on Mine Automation Systems related to hardware, software and telecommunication issues.
• Maintenance of safety critical components of Mine Automation Systems and ensuring that these systems are functional at all times as required.
• Adherence to Safety, Health and Environmental Policies and Procedures.
• Adherence to legal requirements as set by the Departments of Health, Minerals Resources and the Radiation Directorate.
• Creating and maintaining strong working relationships with colleagues and customers.

TYPICAL DUTIES

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Install, repair, inspect and commission hardware, software and telecommunication system components of a diverse technical nature.
• Maintain tools and equipment for maintenance and service work.
• Upgrade Mine Automation Systems infrastructure with new hardware and software to keep it up to date.
• Plan preventative and corrective maintenance tasks for Mine Automation Systems.
• Conduct routine maintenance and services on Mine Automation Systems.
• Report and document results after the aforementioned actions have been completed.
• Guide colleagues in service methods and use of tools of the trade.
• Share your own subject matter expertise to enable colleagues to expand their knowledge.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: (Education & Experience)

Pre-requisite

• Grade 12 certificate, or equivalent NQF level 4 qualification
• Minimum 3 years (post-graduation) continuous work experience in the engineering or mining industry
• Computer literate and proven understanding and experience with ICT/IIT systems, industrial automation and associated technologies and terminology
• English proficiency
• Ability to work with hands/dexterity

Your consideration for employment is subject to:

• SAPS Criminal Record verification
• Valid EB/Code 08 Drivers License
• Qualifications verification
• Psychometric and technical assessments
• Obtaining a Medical Fitness Certificate (Red Ticket) to work in an underground mine – including heat tolerance and working-at-heights assessments
• Being physically fit and able to work in an underground mine
• Must be prepared to perform standby and call-out duties
• Must be prepared to work shifts

Academic qualifications

One of the following qualifications at NQF/HEQSF Level 6:

• National N Diploma Engineering Studies (preference Electrical/Light Current) (N4/N5/N6)
• National Diploma Engineering: Electrical (preference Light Current/Mechatronics/Telecommunications
• National Diploma in Electronic/Mechanical (Mechatronics) Engineering (Field 006 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology or Field 012 - Physical Planning and Construction) the following will be advantageous:

Trade Certificate of Competence in one of the following trades:

• Millwright (Electro-mechanical)
• Mechatronics Technician
• Instrument Mechanician
• Telecommunication Technician
• Practical experience in underground Mine Automation System maintenance and support at system technical level
• Knowledge, experience and training in PLCs, SCADA and process plant instrumentation/actuators i.e. measurement and control devices
• Knowledge and experience of TMM/Earthmoving equipment onboard control- and communication systems e.g. CAN bus, machine health and data logging, proximity detection/collision avoidance, task- or fatigue management
• In-depth knowledge of IIT, Industrial Ethernet and wireless voice and data communication networks
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent telecommunications network qualification

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:

• Strong problem-solving and good analytical abilities
• Communication, teamwork, customer, interpersonal and negotiation skills
• The ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines Good organizational, planning, analysis and coordinating skills and ability to prioritise task assignments
• Being flexible and able to adapt to changing work circumstances and operating conditions
• Punctual, reliable and dependable
• Independent, self-motivated, proactive thinker with ability to do own job planning and work without close supervision
• Being assertive, decisive and willing to take initiative
• Business awareness and understanding of business requirements, priorities and urgency
• Commitment to remain abreast of developments in new technology and undertake continuous professional development
• Understanding of information legislation, such as the Data Protection Act