Transnet Electrician Vacancy 2026 โ Saldanha | Red Seal Trade Test | Permanent Job | Apply by 2 October 2026
Transnet is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for a permanent Electrician position at Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) in Saldanha, Western Cape.
This opportunity is aimed at qualified electricians with a Red Seal Electrical Trade Test Certificate, a valid Code 08/B driver’s licence and relevant experience in an electrical engineering environment.
The successful candidate will work within the Engineering Department and will be responsible for maintaining and repairing high-voltage and low-voltage electrical equipment, substations, ship loading and off-loading equipment, electrical control systems and other equipment required for port operations.
Applications close on 2 October 2026.
Job Overview
Employer: Transnet
Operating Division: TPT Saldanha IOT
Position: Electrician
Reference: req5948
Department: TPT, Engineering
Location: Saldanha, South Africa
Employment: Permanent
Grade: I3
Reporting To: Technical Manager
Qualification: Red Seal Electrical Trade Test Certificate
Driver’s Licence: Valid Code 08/B
Experience: Depends on applicant category โ see requirements below
Closing Date: 2 October 2026
About the Transnet Electrician Position
The purpose of the position is to provide a professional, efficient, economical and reliable technical service to support Transnet’s port operations.
The Electrician will be responsible for repairing and maintaining a range of electrical infrastructure and equipment, including:
- High-voltage equipment.
- Ship loading and off-loading machines.
- Substations.
- Buildings.
- Low-voltage electrical equipment.
- Electronic control systems.
- Electrical motors.
- PLC systems.
- Other electrical equipment associated with port operations.
The role involves both planned maintenance and responding to equipment breakdowns.
Because the Port operates continuously, maintaining reliable electrical systems and reducing equipment downtime are important parts of the position.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. High-Voltage Operations
The successful candidate will perform duties involving high-voltage electrical systems.
Responsibilities include:
-Performing high-voltage switching.
-Taking H.T. permits.
-Testing equipment for safe maintenance and repairs.
-Supporting safe maintenance of ship loading and off-loading equipment.
-Working with relevant internal teams and external contractors.
-Helping maintain a reliable high-voltage power distribution network.
-Supporting continuous electrical supply to port equipment and infrastructure.
Safety procedures will be particularly important when performing high-voltage work.
2. Electrical Maintenance and Repairs
The Electrician will carry out general and SAP-related maintenance, repairs and modifications.
This includes work on:
- Ship loading equipment.
- Ship off-loading equipment.
- Plant machinery.
- Electrical systems.
- Port equipment.
Maintenance and repair work must be carried out according to applicable health and safety requirements and Transnet standards.
3. Breakdown Analysis and Fault Finding
The successful candidate will be required to investigate equipment breakdowns and determine their causes.
Responsibilities include:
- Analysing electrical breakdowns.
- Identifying the cause of faults.
- Determining appropriate repair methods.
- Performing repairs.
- Finding cost-effective solutions.
- Restoring equipment availability.
- Helping minimise operational downtime.
Strong fault-finding ability is therefore an important requirement for this position.
4. Work With Mechanical Teams
The position requires a basic understanding of mechanical procedures.
The Electrician may need to work together with:
- Millwrights.
- Examiners.
- Other technical personnel.
This may be required when resolving breakdowns involving both electrical and mechanical components.
5. Electrical Inspections
The Electrician will conduct post-operation electrical inspections on port electrical equipment.
Responsibilities include:
- Inspecting electrical equipment after operations.
- Identifying potential faults.
- Recording equipment conditions.
- Keeping accurate maintenance records.
- Helping prevent recurring electrical faults.
6. PLC and Electrical Fault Finding
The position requires fault-finding capability across several systems and equipment types.
This includes:
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
- AC electrical motors.
- DC electrical motors.
- Electrical systems.
- Hydraulic systems.
- Compressors.
- Dalmatics.
- Scales.
- Portable electrical tools.
- Multicore cables.
- Fibre-optic cables.
- Associated port electrical equipment.
Fault finding may be required on a 24-hour operational basis to support efficient port operations and minimise downtime.
7. Distribution Boards and Electrical Safety
The Electrician will also:
- Inspect distribution boards.
- Test earth systems.
- Test for electrical leakage.
- Test plugs.
- Inspect portable electrical tools.
- Carry out necessary repairs.
- Record equipment conditions.
- Record identified faults.
- Maintain relevant records and files.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must carefully check the requirements before applying.
Qualification
Applicants require:
Red Seal Electrical Trade Test Certificate
Driver’s Licence
Applicants must have:
Valid Code 08/B vehicle driver’s licence
Experience
The advertisement distinguishes between applicant categories.
External Candidates
External candidates require:
2โ3 years of relevant experience in an electrical engineering environment.
Apprenticeship / Internal Candidate Experience
The advertisement states:
1 year relevant experience in the electrical engineering environment, with apprenticeship training included and for internal candidates.
Applicants should make sure their CV clearly demonstrates how they satisfy the experience requirement applicable to them.
Technical Knowledge Required
Candidates should have knowledge of:
- Programmable Logic Control (PLC).
- AC/DC drives.
- High-voltage equipment.
- Lifting equipment.
- AC/DC motors.
- Electrical fault finding.
- Safe working practices.
- Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
- Electrical schematic drawing interpretation.
- Applicable code of practice.
- SANS 0142 / Wireman-related requirements as stated in the advertisement.
- SAP.
- PLC and drives.
The vacancy also lists knowledge of Transnet H.V. electrical safety instructions for internal candidates.
Skills Required
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Good communication skills.
- Decision-making ability.
Personal Attributes
Transnet is looking for candidates who are:
- Quality driven.
- Self-motivated.
- Technologically aware.
- Comfortable working at heights.
The vacancy specifically states โno fear of heightsโ as an attribute required for the position.