Shift Technician (Instrumentation)

Job Purpose

The Shift Technician (Instrumentation) is responsible for carrying out instrumentation maintenance, calibration, fault finding, and repair activities during assigned shifts to ensure accurate process measurement, plant stability, and uninterrupted production in compliance with mine standards and statutory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Health & Compliance

• Perform all instrumentation work in compliance with Mine Health and Safety legislation, site rules, and company procedures.
• Adhere to permit‑to‑work, isolation, lock‑out/tag‑out, and hazardous area requirements.
• Use correct PPE and approved tools and test equipment.
• Identify, report, and rectify unsafe conditions where authorised.
• Participate in toolbox talks, risk assessments, and incident investigations.

Instrumentation Maintenance & Calibration

• Execute planned, breakdown, and corrective maintenance on plant instrumentation.
• Calibrate and maintain instrumentation including:
• Flow, level, pressure, temperature, and density transmitters
• Weigh feeders, belt scales, and load cells
• pH, ORP, conductivity, and analytical instruments
• Perform loop checks and functional testing.
• Maintain instrument accuracy to support stable zinc processing operations.

Fault Finding & Shift Support

Fault find on:

• Field instruments and junction boxes
• Signal cabling and instrument air systems
• Basic PLC I/O related to instrumentation
• Respond promptly to instrumentation breakdowns to minimise process disruptions.
• Support operations during abnormal plant conditions.

Process Control & Systems Support

• Support PLC, SCADA, or DCS systems by:
• Diagnosing instrument‑related alarms and faults
• Assisting with I/O checks and commissioning support
• Work closely with electrical, control, and operational teams to resolve issues.
• Support instrumentation during plant start‑ups and shutdowns

Preventive Maintenance & Housekeeping

• Carry out routine inspections and condition assessments of instrumentation.
• Maintain clean and organised work areas, instrument panels, and field installations.
• Ensure instruments and analyzers are protected from contamination and damage.

Documentation & Reporting

• Accurately complete job cards and work orders in the CMMS (SAP / Pragma / equivalent).
• Record calibration results, instrument histories, and faults.
• Provide proper shift handover with outstanding issues and plant status.

Teamwork & Development

• Work effectively with electricians, operators, and engineers.
• Assist with mentoring apprentices or junior assistants when required.
• Participate in training and skills development programmes.

Minimum Qualifications

• Trade Test Certificate – Instrument Mechanician / Instrumentation Technician
• Grade 12 / NQF Level 4
• Valid instrumentation authorisation (as per mine requirements)
• Medically fit for mine and shift work

Advantageous

• National Diploma in Instrumentation or Process Control
• PLC and SCADA exposure or training
• Hazardous area instrumentation training

Experience Requirements

• 3–5 years experience in instrumentation maintenance

Experience in:

• Mining or mineral processing plants (zinc advantageous)
• Shift‑based operations
• Continuous process environments

Technical Competencies

• Instrument calibration and diagnostics
• Process instrumentation fault finding
• Understanding of PLC I/O and control loops
• Use of calibration and test equipment
• Reading of P&IDs, loop diagrams, and datasheets

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong safety awareness
• Ability to work independently on shift
• Good communication and shift handover skills
• Analytical problem‑solving ability
• Reliability and attention to detail