Electrical Controls Technician

The U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Electrical Controls Technician in the Facilities Office.

The incumbent reports to the Facilities Manager and serves as a journeyman-level Electrical Controls Technician responsible for skilled maintenance, repair, and optimization of electrical power control systems across all U.S. Government-owned or leased properties. The position places primary emphasis on electrical support for residential housing, followed by responsibilities for the New Consulate Compound (NCC) and other facilities. The role ensures reliable power supply, safety compliance, and supports facility projects, requiring technical expertise, problem‑solving skills, and the ability to respond to emergencies 24/7.

Operations & Maintenance Support – Residential Properties (Primary Focus)

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems serving residential housing units, including power distribution, lighting, protection devices, and control components.
• Perform preventive maintenance at residences to ensure safe and uninterrupted electrical service.
• Respond to scheduled, unscheduled, and emergency residential electrical work orders.
• Inspect, test, calibrate, and update residential electrical systems for reliability, safety, and compliance.
• Monitor contractor/vendor work at residential properties to ensure technical accuracy, quality, and safety.
• Ensure proper use of tools, materials, and maintain electrical inventory for residential support needs.
• Provide after-hours emergency response for electrical failures affecting residential occupants.

Maintenance and Project Support

• Analyze performance of electrical power generation and distribution systems and report efficiency findings.
• Assist in preparing Statements of Work and construction documents for repair and upgrade projects.
• Monitor contractor work for compliance with technical specifications and quality standards.
• Provide guidance and training to staff and contractors on proper operation and maintenance of electrical equipment.
• Support development and implementation of preventive maintenance programs for new, upgraded, or recommissioned systems.

Logistic and Administrative Support

• Contribute to workplace safety programs and ensure compliance with all health and safety standards.
• Participate in technical training and remain current with technological developments related to electrical systems.
• Perform collateral duties as assigned (e.g., Assistant POSHO, project monitor, vendor escort).
• Participate in training programs sponsored by DOS, manufacturers, and authorized vendors.

**Note: This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by incumbent. Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency.

Education

• Completion of secondary school (High School) is required.
• Successful completion of specialized vocational training program from an accredited institute recognized as producing journeyman level electricians and mechanical system specialist trained in the maintenance of commercial or industrial buildings/facilities is required. A portion of the training must be in Electrical Controls and Automated Systems Technology.

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience at the journey level in installation, repair, and maintenance of commercial building electrical systems, including power generation and distribution, grounding, and digital building controls/automation systems.
• Demonstrated progression of responsibility with proven ability to troubleshoot and repair complex equipment, components, and systems.
• At least 2 years’ experience operating and maintaining 3-phase electrical equipment with ampere ratings of 1600 Amps or higher.
• Career history should reflect increasing responsibility in working with complex equipment, control circuits, and building automation systems.

Language Proficiency

• Good English Reading/Writing/Speaking is required

Job Knowledge

• Strong understanding of electrical theory, Ohm’s Law, and sizing of electrical equipment (generators, transformers, motor starters, circuit wiring, circuit breakers, and related components).
• Proficient in using test instruments to diagnose and repair electrical issues and determining required materials and equipment for repairs.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, including lockout/tag-out procedures for electrical components.
• In-depth technical knowledge of electrical control systems and their integration with other operating systems.
• Familiarity with all makes and models of installed electrical systems, power generation and distribution equipment, switchgear, and mechanical systems.
• Strong technical understanding of major building electrical and mechanical systems, with a specialty in controls.
• Knowledge of International Building Code standards, including electrical and mechanical requirements, as well as fire and life safety codes.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, riser diagrams, wiring schematics, equipment schedules, O&M manuals, and construction documents.
• Skilled in testing electrical components, taking equipment readings with meters, and using hand tools, power tools, and specialty tools to diagnose and repair issues.
• Proficient in installing, troubleshooting, and repairing building electrical controls, automated systems, and associated components.
• Experience working with emergency standby generator systems and ability to identify frequencies, sounds, color codes, and odors for troubleshooting.
• Strong comprehension of engineering reports, specifications, and technical materials in English.
• Ability to respond efficiently to emergency situations and work in adverse conditions (tight spaces, heights, temperature extremes, indoors/outdoors).
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written) for interaction with co-workers, contractors, and vendors.
• Computer literacy: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), report drafting, spreadsheet creation, email communication, and online research.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple tasks, and excellent interpersonal skills.

Basic Salary:    R 416 121.00 to R582 573.00 per annum

Non-cash benefits also include medical, pension and others where applicable

Other benefits include the following:

• The US Embassy contributes 70% of your Medical Aid (Discovery Medical Aid)
• Annual leave is 17 days which increases with years of service 
• Employees qualify for SA and USA public holidays.
• Provident Fund - Employer contribution -10.9%

How to Apply: 

All candidates must be able to obtain and hold a Local Security Certification or Public Trust clearance. 

For more information on how to apply visit the Mission internet site. http://za.usembassy.gov/jobs/

If you have not heard back from us within two weeks after the submission date has closed, please consider your application unsuccessful for this vacancy.