Plant Technician

Job Description

Plant Operations and Equipment Maintenance

• Operate, monitor, and maintain plant machinery and equipment in accordance with operating procedures and manufacturer specifications.
• Conduct routine inspections of machinery, equipment, electrical/mechanical systems, and other plant installations.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance activities.
• Identify equipment defects, abnormalities, leaks, unusual noises, vibrations, overheating, and other potential faults.
• Carry out repairs and replacements of worn or defective components.
• Ensure machinery is properly lubricated, adjusted, calibrated, and maintained.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, modification, and decommissioning of plant equipment.
• Ensure plant equipment is maintained in a condition that supports continuous and efficient production.

Fault Finding and Troubleshooting

• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and other equipment-related faults.
• Respond promptly to equipment breakdowns and emergencies.
• Undertake corrective actions to restore equipment to operational condition.
• Escalate complex technical problems to the Maintenance/Plant Manager or relevant specialist.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for recurring equipment failures and recommend corrective measures.
• Maintain accurate records of breakdowns, repairs, and equipment performance.

Preventive Maintenance

• Implement scheduled preventive maintenance activities in accordance with the plant maintenance plan.
• Inspect critical equipment and identify potential failures before they result in breakdowns.
• Maintain maintenance checklists and ensure scheduled tasks are completed within the required timelines.
• Recommend replacement or refurbishment of equipment and components where necessary.
• Support the development and improvement of preventive maintenance schedules.

Safety and Compliance

• Comply with all occupational health and safety requirements, company policies, and plant procedures.
• Follow safe work procedures when working on machinery, electrical systems, moving equipment, and other hazardous plant installations.
• Apply Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures before undertaking maintenance or repair work where applicable.
• Properly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, equipment hazards, incidents, near misses, and environmental risks.
• Participate in safety inspections, toolbox talks, emergency drills, and risk assessments.
• Ensure maintenance activities do not compromise the safety of employees, contractors, visitors, or plant operations.

Production Support

• Work closely with production teams to ensure equipment availability and minimize production interruptions.
• Provide technical support during equipment start-up, shutdown, changeovers, and production activities.
• Respond to production-related equipment concerns and technical requests.
• Advise operators on correct equipment operation and basic maintenance requirements.
• Support efforts to improve equipment reliability, productivity, and efficiency.

Spare Parts and Tools

• Identify and communicate requirements for spare parts, consumables, tools, and maintenance materials.
• Ensure tools and equipment are properly maintained, stored, and accounted for.
• Assist in maintaining appropriate stock levels of critical spare parts.
• Verify that replacement components meet required technical specifications.
• Minimize wastage and ensure responsible use of maintenance materials.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate maintenance records, equipment history, inspection reports, and breakdown reports.
• Complete maintenance work orders and job cards accurately and on time.
• Record equipment readings, maintenance activities, faults, repairs, and replacement parts.
• Prepare reports on equipment performance, downtime, recurring faults, and maintenance activities as required.
• Ensure maintenance documentation is properly filed and readily available for reference and audits.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve plant reliability, efficiency, safety, and productivity.
• Participate in root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Recommend modifications or improvements to machinery and plant systems.
• Support initiatives aimed at reducing equipment downtime, maintenance costs, energy consumption, and production losses.
• Keep up to date with relevant technical developments, equipment technologies, and maintenance practices.Housekeeping and Environmental Responsibilities

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe maintenance work area.

• Ensure tools, equipment, and spare parts are stored appropriately after use.
• Dispose of used oils, lubricants, damaged components, and other maintenance waste in accordance with environmental requirements.
• Prevent and promptly report oil, chemical, fuel, or other hazardous-material spills.
• Support the plant's environmental management and sustainability initiatives.

Requirements

• Minimum tertiary qualification - Diploma or Degree in Mechanical/Electrical Electromechanical, Mechatronics, or Industrial Engineering, or in a relevant field.
• Trade Test certification.
• PLC/Automation certification.
• Certification / Knowledge of warehouse machinery, refrigeration systems, or facility equipment.
• Office clerical procedures.
• 3-5 years' experience in an automated manufacturing, processing, FMCG, cold-chain, or industrial environment with experience operating and maintaining production equipment – Avoline etc.
• Attention to detail
• Able to work under pressure and independently
• Time management
• Assertive, organized and proactive
• Leadership Skills
• Delivers high output and is deadline driven
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of PLC-controlled equipment.
• Understanding of sensors, actuators, VFDs, and control panels.