Master Electrician | Transnet Careers

Transnet Vacancies – Master Electrician

Position Purpose

The Master Electrician is responsible for ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of electrical substations, traction power supply systems, transmission and distribution networks, and associated electrical infrastructure supporting train operations.

Working under general supervision, the Master Electrician performs inspections, testing, fault-finding, repairs, and preventive maintenance on electrical substations, traction power supply equipment, overhead track equipment, and transmission lines. The role ensures the continuous availability of electrical power for train operations, signalling systems, and other operational requirements in accordance with established maintenance programmes, electrical standards, safety regulations, and company procedures.

Key Responsibilities

1. Investigate, identify, and rectify electrical faults within substations and signalling supply points following thorough fault assessments and approved maintenance programmes or instructions from the Supervisor or Centralised Electrical Control Office.
2. Service and maintain high-voltage circuit breakers, including minimum oil, bulk oil, SF6 gas, and vacuum circuit breakers. Inspect for malfunctions, leakages, and damage, and assess resistance and load conditions to determine appropriate corrective actions.
3. Inspect, service, and maintain main and auxiliary transformers to identify operational defects, oil leakages, physical damage, and other malfunctions, determining whether immediate repairs or planned maintenance are required.
4. Inspect and maintain earthing systems for current and voltage transformers, including secondary-side cable block jointing, to ensure safe and reliable electrical connections.
5. Service and maintain 3kV DC silicon diode rectifiers and wave filter equipment, identifying malfunctions, leakages, and damage while assessing resistance and load conditions.
6. Inspect 3kV DC busbars and under-voltage relays to identify earth leakage circuits and verify that relay drop-out and pick-up operations function correctly.
7. Maintain and repair high-speed circuit breakers, ensuring they operate reliably and comply with substation electrical, safety, and operational standards.
8. Service and maintain batteries and battery chargers by inspecting connections, tightening terminals where necessary, and adjusting boost-charging current according to safety requirements and battery ampere-hour capacity.
9. Retrieve and analyse readings from PLC microprocessors to assess equipment performance, identify faults, and implement appropriate corrective measures.
10. Ensure the safe storage, handling, and control of tools, equipment, and materials assigned to the work vehicle.
11. Maintain good housekeeping by ensuring that work areas, machinery, equipment, and tools are clean, organised, and properly maintained after completing repairs and maintenance activities.
12. Compile and submit technical reports to the Technical Supervisor detailing completed maintenance work, identified faults, repairs, and other relevant operational matters.
13. Conduct pre-trip inspections of equipment, road vehicles, road-rail vehicles, personal protective equipment, and lifting equipment to ensure they are safe, serviceable, and fit for use.
14. Respond to emergency callouts involving electrical breakdowns, equipment failures, and other urgent operational faults.
15. Perform maintenance on 25kV outdoor and vacuum circuit breakers, 11kV oil circuit breakers (OCBs), and troubleshoot defective circuit breakers.
16. Identify, repair, and seal leaking or sweating transformers to maintain operational efficiency and prevent further equipment deterioration.
17. Adjust transformer tap changers to achieve the required voltage levels and maintain stable electrical supply.
18. Troubleshoot and maintain telecontrol equipment to ensure reliable monitoring and control of electrical systems.
19. Carry out the installation and stringing of substation flying busbars in accordance with approved technical and safety requirements.
20. Install 11kV and 25kV auxiliary transformers, ensuring correct connections, testing, and operational readiness.
21. Perform high-voltage and medium-voltage cable jointing and termination in compliance with applicable electrical standards and safety procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Grade 12 or N3 qualification.
• Red Seal Trade Test certification.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience working as an electrical artisan.
• Working at Heights certification.
• Completion of all required OBML modules.
• Valid Code B driver’s licence and willingness and ability to drive a company vehicle.
• Successful completion of the 6.6kV and 11kV AC course or an Electrical Power Systems course of approximately three months.
• Completed training in 3kV DC, 25kV AC, and 50kV AC Electrical Traction Systems, as well as Electrical Power Systems.
• Valid red/brown certificates covering 6.6kV AC, 11kV AC, 25kV AC, 50kV AC, and 3kV DC systems.
• Must be physically fit and medically fit to perform the duties associated with the position.
• Good visual acuity.

Required Knowledge

• Electrical maintenance principles and practices.
• Electrical systems and power distribution networks.
• Occupational health and safety policies, procedures, and relevant legislation, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85).
• High-voltage safety instructions and procedures.
• Fleet management policies and procedures.
• Electrical norms, standards, and regulations.
• Electrical materials, tools, and equipment.
• Electrical wiring and installation standards, including SABS 0142 of 1993.
• SANS 3000-4 requirements.
• High-voltage electrical systems and substation operations.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Electrical fault-finding, troubleshooting, and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematic diagrams.
• Root cause analysis and technical investigation skills.
• Effective teamwork and resource coordination.
• Technical report writing and communication skills.
• Sound decision-making and business acumen.
• Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• First aid and firefighting skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Conflict management and negotiation skills.
• Project management capabilities.
• Supervisory, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Ability to manage and coordinate teams and resources efficiently.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to quality and high work standards.
• Self-confidence and professional integrity.
• Cost awareness and responsible use of company resources.
• Results-oriented approach.
• Reliability and accountability.
• Strong safety awareness and commitment to safe working practices.
• Sense of urgency when addressing operational issues.
• Positive attitude and professional conduct.
• Fairness and sound judgement in decision-making.
• Approachability and effective interpersonal relationships.
• Leadership qualities and the ability to motivate others.
• Emotional maturity and the ability to maintain composure in challenging situations.

Employment Equity Statement

Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of designated groups, in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity Plan and the employment equity targets of the relevant Operating Division.