Senior Electrical Technician
Company
Sappi
Location
Durban
Posted
13 days ago
Via
via LinkedIn
Apply On
Job Description
Job description:
We are hiring!
At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
We’re on the lookout for an experienced Senior Electrical Technician to provide expert high-level technical support to the Electrical and related departments, specifically relating to plant optimization, plant automation, electrical reticulation, and fault diagnosis to maximize the plant's availability.
As a Senior Electrical Technician, you will be responsible for:
• Administer and ensure compliance with accepted standards
• Responsible for the maintenance of all PLC and SCADA Installations and Profibus Networks. Perform system backups. Implementation and commissioning of electrical and PLC system-related projects
• Ensures that all modifications/projects conform fully to Mill Change Management Procedures, Mill Standard Specifications, Mill Safety Standards, and the OHS Act
• Optimisation of plant performance and control characteristics to maintain high plant availability
• Review equipment in line with technological advancement within the industry on an ongoing basis
• Explore quality products at reduced costs in the event of replacement
• Fault-finding malfunctions of field devices and system components with the aid of electrical drawings and test equipment
• Proficiency in specialist areas such as BQS, BCU, PLCs, VFD’s, HV and LV reticulation and Protection Equipment, Power Generator, and Auxiliary Equipment
• Provides on-going training to personnel to perform specific tasks on new equipment, completed projects, and maintenance of equipment. Operator training (limitations due to system interlocks/sequences explained).
• Manages varied multi-disciplinary plant modifications/project work from concept to commissioning and closeout
What are we looking for?
• National Diploma or B Tech in Electrical Engineering
• 5 years of industrial experience in PLC / Profibus knowledge and experience in heavy industrial electrical equipment and systems
• Project Management Experience
• Supervisory experience
What’s in it for you?
• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi
• Opportunities to travel (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits
We are hiring!
At Sappi, we are a leading global provider with a reputation for delivering high-quality sustainable Woodfibre products and solutions for the global markets. We lead through our values centred around safety, integrity, courage, making smart decisions which we execute with speed. We are seeking unique people who believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive and safe environment.
We’re on the lookout for an experienced Senior Electrical Technician to provide expert high-level technical support to the Electrical and related departments, specifically relating to plant optimization, plant automation, electrical reticulation, and fault diagnosis to maximize the plant's availability.
As a Senior Electrical Technician, you will be responsible for:
• Administer and ensure compliance with accepted standards
• Responsible for the maintenance of all PLC and SCADA Installations and Profibus Networks. Perform system backups. Implementation and commissioning of electrical and PLC system-related projects
• Ensures that all modifications/projects conform fully to Mill Change Management Procedures, Mill Standard Specifications, Mill Safety Standards, and the OHS Act
• Optimisation of plant performance and control characteristics to maintain high plant availability
• Review equipment in line with technological advancement within the industry on an ongoing basis
• Explore quality products at reduced costs in the event of replacement
• Fault-finding malfunctions of field devices and system components with the aid of electrical drawings and test equipment
• Proficiency in specialist areas such as BQS, BCU, PLCs, VFD’s, HV and LV reticulation and Protection Equipment, Power Generator, and Auxiliary Equipment
• Provides on-going training to personnel to perform specific tasks on new equipment, completed projects, and maintenance of equipment. Operator training (limitations due to system interlocks/sequences explained).
• Manages varied multi-disciplinary plant modifications/project work from concept to commissioning and closeout
What are we looking for?
• National Diploma or B Tech in Electrical Engineering
• 5 years of industrial experience in PLC / Profibus knowledge and experience in heavy industrial electrical equipment and systems
• Project Management Experience
• Supervisory experience
What’s in it for you?
• Opportunity to work within a global organisation that continues to thrive in a rapidly changing world even after 80 years of existence
• Learning and development programmes to fast-track your career within Sappi
• Opportunities to travel (dependent on the role)
• Market-leading leave benefits
• Employee wellbeing benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Plumber Jobs
What is the minimum hourly wage for qualified plumbers in South Africa from 1 March 2026?
The Department of Employment and Labour sets the National Minimum Wage at R28.79 per hour for plumbers as of 1 March 2026. This applies to all Sectoral Determination 13 workers with overtime paid at 1.5 times the rate after 45 hours per week. Employers must display the wage schedule at every workplace.
Which trade test certificate is required to legally work as a plumber in South Africa in 2026?
Candidates must hold a Red Seal trade certificate issued after passing the QCTO trade test at an accredited centre. The certificate number must be registered on the National Artisan Database by 31 December 2025 for 2026 employment. No plumber may be employed without this qualification under the Skills Development Act.
How many annual leave days and sick leave days are plumbers entitled to under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act in 2026?
Plumbers receive 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave after 12 months of employment and 30 days of paid sick leave over a 36-month cycle. The leave must be taken within 6 months after the leave cycle ends or it is forfeited.
What documents must be submitted when applying for a plumber position through the Department of Employment and Labour in 2026?
Applicants must submit a certified ID copy, Red Seal certificate, proof of residence, and a completed Z83 form to the nearest labour centre. All documents must be uploaded to the ESSA online portal by 30 June 2026 for the annual placement cycle.
