Transnet Pipelines is offering a fantastic job opportunity for individuals passionate about the maintenance and operation of pipeline instrumentation and control systems. The role of Instrument Mechanician plays a crucial role in ensuring that all instrumentation, metering, and control equipment function optimally, adhering to international standards and safety regulations.
Instrument Mechanician Job Overview
- Job Title: Instrument Mechanician
- Department: OPS & TEC, M&W, MC&I, TLR
- Location: Tarlton, South Africa
- Employee Group: Permanent
- Grade: I4
- Reference Number: req2777
- Application Closing Date: Not Specified
Instrument Mechanician Job Description
The main purpose of the Instrument Mechanician role is to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair various instrumentation, metering, and control equipment associated with the Transnet Pipelines infrastructure. This equipment must function in classified hazardous locations and potentially explosive atmospheres to ensure safe, efficient, and effective custody transfer and transportation of petroleum products.
Additionally, the role involves the minor installation of MC&I (Measurement, Control, and Instrumentation) equipment, contributing to the overall smooth operation of the pipelines. The ideal candidate must be proficient in both routine maintenance and fault-finding tasks and must ensure that all tasks are completed according to Transnet’s policies, procedures, and international standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Routine Maintenance:
Ensure the optimal availability of equipment by performing regular checks, servicing, and preventive maintenance to avoid unexpected downtime. - Fault-Finding:
Troubleshoot and repair faulty instrumentation, metering, and control systems to ensure their functionality is restored to meet operational standards. - Administration:
Record and maintain accurate information in the SAP Plant Maintenance system, and manage the documentation and process for minor installations and small projects. - Maintenance Contracts:
Supervise and manage maintenance contracts, ensuring that external service providers conform to Transnet’s requirements and industry standards. - Safety Compliance:
Ensure that all tasks are performed safely to protect yourself, others, and the environment. This includes working in line with Transnet’s safety policies and adhering to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). - Adherence to Policies and Work Instructions:
Maintain consistency and uniformity in performing tasks by adhering to Transnet’s internal policies, work instructions, and procedural guidelines.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- Education and Training:
The successful candidate must have completed a three-year apprenticeship in process instrumentation, along with at least three years of on-the-job experience in an instrumentation environment. Alternatively, a formal technical qualification such as an N3 in process instrumentation, combined with four years of relevant on-the-job experience, will be accepted. - Technical Skills:
In-depth knowledge of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) principles, and custody transfer metering principles is essential. Familiarity with instrument communication protocols and SAP Plant Maintenance is also required. - Experience in Hazardous Environments:
Previous experience working in classified hazardous locations and potentially explosive atmospheres is highly desirable, as the Instrument Mechanician will be required to work in such environments. - Additional Skills:
- Competency in using actuators and performing minor installations.
- Sound knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
- A valid driver’s license (Code 08/B) is required for this position.
Competencies:
- SCADA System Fundamentals: Understanding the basic principles and operation of SCADA systems for real-time control and monitoring.
- PLC Principles and Application: Ability to work with and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems.
- Custody Transfer Metering: Knowledge of metering equipment used in custody transfer, ensuring the accurate measurement of petroleum products.
- Instrument Communication Protocols: Familiarity with communication protocols used for instrumentation, such as HART, Modbus, etc.
- Computer Literacy: Competence in using computers for data management, troubleshooting, and communication purposes.
- Actuators Competency: Understanding and operating actuators as part of the instrumentation systems.
- Health and Safety Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations and the ability to ensure a safe working environment.
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How to Apply
If you meet the qualifications and experience requirements for this position, we encourage you to apply by submitting your application via the Transnet careers portal. Make sure to complete your application before the closing date to be considered for the role.
The Instrument Mechanician job opportunity at Transnet offers a rewarding career for skilled professionals in the field of process instrumentation and control systems. With the essential responsibility of ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of petroleum products, this position provides the chance to work in a challenging yet highly rewarding environment.
