Electrical Engineer/Technician

About the role

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is hiring an Electrical Engineer/Technician, based in Marion Island. This is a contract post, paying R605,742 a year. (Approximately Fifteen Months Contract) How to apply: All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/ Reference number to quote: OC32/2026 Closing date: 09 November 2026, 16:00. No late applications will be accepted Use the new Z83 form and attach a detailed CV. Note: The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with email, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental wellbeing of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.

Responsibilities

• The incumbent will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, fault-finding on and repairs of all the electrical equipment of Marion Base and associated buildings and field huts, including the power generators, forklift, airconditioning-, refrigeration, water reticulation and waste water systems.
• All electrical work will have to be done by this person.
• Operate cargo handling equipment.
• The incumbent will report to the team leader and will be part of the technical team, led by the technical team leader that has to perform any additional base related technical functions.
• Prepare monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes to order spares and equipment and do other common “non-technical” duties performed by expedition members.

Requirements

• National Diploma in Electrical Engineering or relevant comparable qualification (NQF6) as recognised by SAQA with at least 5 years post trade/qualification experience.
• Be competent in plant maintenance, power generation, diagnostics and repairs with proven fault-finding capabilities.
• Preferably have hands-on experience in facility management.
• The incumbent has to be familiar with good workshop practices, correct use of basic workshop tools and an understanding of current work, health and safety policies.
• It would be an advantage if there is experience with maintenance management plans as well as all the services that would be found in facilities like hotels or hospitals.
• The incumbent must be computer literate, have good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team.