Control Engineering Technician (Telecommunications and Electronics) Grade A – Cape Town

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) invites qualified and experienced engineering professionals to apply for the position of Control Engineering Technician (Telecommunications and Electronics) Grade A. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a passion for engineering, technical problem-solving, and supporting scientific research in challenging environments such as the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) bases.

Salary and Location

Salary: R522,741 per annum (Occupational Specific Dispensation – OSD)
Centre: Cape Town
Reference Number: OC05/2026

This role is ideal for an engineering technician seeking to work in a dynamic environment that combines technical expertise, research support, and hands-on field operations.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Qualification: National Diploma (NQF 6) in Engineering or a relevant qualification recognized by SAQA
Professional Registration: Compulsory registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as an Engineering Technician
Experience: Minimum of six (6) years post-qualification experience in relevant engineering fields

Key Knowledge Areas

The ideal candidate must possess knowledge in the following areas:

Project management and technical planning
Technical design, analysis, and research development
Compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks
Writing and interpreting technical reports
Providing technical consultancy services
South African ocean and scientific research initiatives
Electronics maintenance and technical support
Science and technical support requirements for rigorous research
Understanding of departmental policies and public service procedures

Essential Skills and Competencies

Successful applicants must demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

Decision-making and problem-solving capabilities
Leadership and team management
Analytical thinking and self-management
Financial management for operational and capital budgets
Customer service focus and responsiveness
Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
Computer literacy, including network management and technical software
Planning, organizing, and time management
Conflict resolution and change management

Personal Attributes

The position requires individuals who exhibit the following personal traits:

Honesty and integrity
Ability to work long hours voluntarily in challenging conditions
Strong interpersonal relations and team collaboration skills
Creativity and innovation in technical problem-solving
Ability to work under pressure and with difficult situations
Capability to gather, analyze, and apply information for technical solutions

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Control Engineering Technician plays a critical role in ensuring the operational readiness and efficiency of communication and electronic systems at SANAP bases. Key responsibilities include:

Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor and report on the performance of communication systems and associated peripherals.
Evaluate contractor and service provider performance to ensure compliance with Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Consolidate technical and engineering inputs for work plans and project schedules.

Technical Operations and Maintenance

Install, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot communication and IT systems.
Ensure optimal performance of IT networks.
Test HF and VHF radios prior to each voyage
Maintain serviceability of medical, recreational, and audio-visual equipment at research bases.
Prepare detailed maintenance plans and update manuals, standards, and procedures.

Supervision and Mentorship

Provide guidance, mentorship, and supervision to overwintering personnel at SANAP bases.
Conduct training on the operation of radio and search-and-rescue (SAR) equipment.
Support recruitment processes for technical staff deployed to research bases.

Equipment Management and Procurement

Manage inventory of communication, IT, and scientific equipment according to departmental policies.
Participate in the procurement of equipment for research bases, including technical and operational tools.
Provide input for operational and capital budget planning.

Research Support and Collaboration

Liaise with scientific stakeholders regarding instruments, equipment, and data collection
Participate in ship-based and base-based research projects.
Evaluate and recommend new systems and installations based on performance and technological advances.
Conduct literature and technical research to improve knowledge and expertise.

Relief Voyages and Operational Planning

Plan and prepare for annual relief voyages, including stakeholder engagement and logistical coordination.
Ensure PIN codes and access permissions are managed effectively for all participants.
Participate actively in annual relief voyages, ensuring equipment and communication systems operate at peak performance.

Key Factors for Success

KEY FACTOR: Technical Expertise

Candidates must have strong technical skills in electronics, telecommunications, and IT system maintenance, enabling them to troubleshoot and maintain complex systems.

KEY FACTOR: Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to analyze data, evaluate technical performance, and recommend improvements is essential for ensuring research missions run smoothly.

KEY FACTOR: Leadership and Mentorship

Providing guidance to overwintering staff and leading technical teams is crucial to the success of SANAP operations.

KEY FACTOR: Operational Planning and Coordination

Managing maintenance schedules, procurement, and relief voyage preparations requires excellent planning, organization, and coordination skills.

KEY FACTOR: Adaptability and Resilience

The position demands working in extreme environments, sometimes under challenging conditions, requiring flexibility, resilience, and dedication.

Application and Enquiries

Enquiries:

Mr. W Boshoff
Tel: (021) 493 7379

Applications:

Email: OC05-2026@dffe.gov.za

This is an opportunity for highly skilled and motivated engineers to contribute directly to South Africa’s scientific research initiatives, particularly in challenging and remote environments. If you meet the requirements and are ready for a hands-on role that combines technical expertise with scientific support, this position is a perfect fit.

This role offers not only a competitive salary and professional growth but also the unique experience of working on research bases that contribute to South Africa’s oceanographic and environmental research programs. It is ideal for candidates who are committed, technically skilled, and passionate about making a tangible impact in science and engineering.