Division: Maintenance

Reference Number: SEFS-05-25

Grade: C4

Purpose of the job

The Solar Evaporation Farm (SEF) is governed by various environmental legislative requirements and municipal by-laws, the major ones being (but not limited to) 

1)         National Water Management Act (NEMA) – The Water Use License (WUL)

2)         National Water Act – Dam Safety Regulations (Registered Dams) – 5 yearly North and South Dam inspection

3)         Inspections as per Code of Practice

4)         National Water Management Act (NEMA) – Water balances of NCP sites

5)         National Water Management Act (NEMA) – Ground water pollution.

6)         Alien and Invasive Species Regulations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act – Alien and Invasive Vegetation.

The SEF Supervisor must ensure the Farm complies with the above-mentioned regulations / acts by doing inspections, audits, day to day maintenance as prescribed by these regulations / acts and any other pertinent legislation requirements that may arise. Fulfil the daily duties on the Solar Evaporation Farm according to COP.

Must have full understanding of SAP to reduce back log on job cards / notifications / statutory inspections and to optimise and continuously improve the preventative maintenance strategy Deviations captured and addressed regarding breakdowns / calls outs / notifications / job cards from SAP.  

Ensure that all Business standards are implemented and maintained as required within the environmental management field (OSHAS 18001, SANAS, ISO & SANS) standards etc. Ensure a full understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements and ensure that all legal inspections are carried out.

Ensure that safety standards are in place and new legislation changes are implemented accordingly.

The abovementioned activities shall be conducted in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993 and all relevant NCP policies and procedures. This position profile acts as a guide to the role only, and additional work outcomes may be required to be performed by the incumbent. This position profile acts as a guide to the role only, and additional work outcomes may be required to be performed by the incumbent.

Key performance area

1. Manage the Solar Evaporation Farm team and assist with daily tasks.
   • To ensure that water meter readings, North & South Dam levels, main effluent meter readings, storm water readings, rain readings, salt and freshwater evaporation readings are taken daily and recorded on an excel spread sheet to distribute to the Primary Manufacturing Manager, Site Facilities Manager and General Manager: Operations.
   • Ensure that daily inspections for spillages are done according to the log sheet, the farm fence is inspected to determine any damage and ensure that repairs are done, that pumps and pipeline inspections are conducted daily to determine any damages and ensure that repairs are done, and that evaporation pans are inspected to detect any erosion or damages and ensure that repairs are done.
   • Ensure that weekly inspections are conducted on the Storm water channel and Effluent line from the factory to the Solar Evaporation Farm, and action any repairs required to ensure compliance.
   • Ensure that conductivity complies to instrument standard by conducting weekly tests with instrument personnel, that main effluent meter comply to instrument standard by conducting weekly tests with instrument personnel, that storm water & effluent samples are taken, and that V-Notches are cleaned on a weekly basis.
   • Ensure that fin drains inspection are conducted to determine if there are any blockages and ensure that the necessary cleaning is performed, that surface water samples are taken monthly according to the standard operating procedures and submit to the NCP Chlorchem laboratory for analysis,
   • Ensure that “V” notch flows are measured according to standard operating procedure and that inspection & maintenance are done on farm equipment & buildings according to the ISO 18001 standards.
   • Dam wall inspections are performed, that spillways are recoated with VIASEAL, that Catwalks inspections are conducted and recorded, and that area photographs of farms are arranged to compare any changes.
   • Ensure that the farm is inspected to locate pampas grass & wattle trees and inform the weed control contractor for removal.
   • Ensure the MOC process is followed when changes are made at the Solar Evaporation Farm.
   • Measure the levels of the boreholes monthly at the farm and report on an excel spread sheet.
   • Engage with various section Supervisors to identify effluent sources across site and implement mitigation strategies to reduce effluent discharge to the Solar Evaporation Farm.
   • Highlight / escalate any potential risks and non-compliances to the Site Facilities Manger as soon as practicably possible to ensure it can be addressed timeously.
   • Ensure that security is notified of any incidents found at the SEF (i.e. theft, cutting of HDPE pipes etc).
   • Contractor management:
     • Plan, organize, control, integrate and evaluate the work of all contractors at the SEF.
     • Ensure the weekly report is compiled by contractors and is distributed to Site Facilities Manager and/or Primary Manufacturing Manager
2. Solar Evaporation Farm Safety Focus.
   • Review effectiveness of Planning / Gatekeeper Meetings by measuring it against the backlog list on a weekly basis.
   • Take necessary actions to prepare for the annual shutdown.
   • Ensure compliance of personnel by ensuring that risk assessments are done daily, auditing work areas and housekeeping after executing daily tasks.
   • Audit safety work permit book and SHE rep book, ensure notifications loaded in SAP to address findings.
   • Ensure respective legal appointments of personnel as per OHS Act (First aider, SHE rep, Authorizing official and Permit issuer, etc.)
   • Managing and implementing the necessary legal standards e.g.: SANAS, ISO, SANS, AWS D1.1, MHI, Dam Safety regulations, WUL, etc.
   • Ensure compliance with OSHAS 18001 at the Solar Evaporation Farm by conducting audits and closing the gaps identified on an on-going basis.
   • Ensure documents for major tenders and contractor work required have all safety aspects covered to allow safe working conditions before work commence.
   •  Ensure that contractors comply with safety standards and legislation when working at the Solar Evaporation Farm by doing safety audits monthly.
   • Ensure all tasks, non-conformances, corrective actions, preventative actions, etc. assigned to the SEF Supervisor are addressed within allocated time frame or follow the concession process to extend deadlines.
3. Investigate equipment failures to stop re-occurrences.
   • To ensure that re-occurrences of equipment failures are stopped by conducting call-out and overtime investigations and compiling monthly reports. 
   • To ensure that equipment failures are investigated by doing problem solving and RCI’s on failed equipment within the timeframe as specified in the RCI requirements.
4. Report writing, conduct inspections and audits as required by COP
   • The spillways leading to these canals, together with the Gabion structures and inlet pipes from surrounding areas, must be inspected daily during periods of prolonged or high-water flow, for erosion, corrosion and settlement, and any defects reported to the Professional Engineer immediately.
   • Every two years these fin drains should be internally photographed by a specialist contractor, under the direction of the Professional Engineer, to ensure that they are operating efficiently and that no blockages have occurred.
   • Several fin drains have been installed across the farm, and these must be inspected monthly and monitored to make sure that their outlets are clear. The fin drain discharge flow rates must be measured fortnightly by means of the V-notch weirs. The information is to be recorded and maintained by the Work Coordinator and presented at a monthly meeting with the Professional Engineer.
   • Comply With Alien and Invasive Species Regulations of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act
   • Remove Pampas grass, Black wattle trees, blue gum trees and Reeds.
   • Modifications to the facility
   • Any modification to the geometry and deposition rate must be properly integrated into the existing pan system under the direction of a Professional Engineer and must be handled as a project.
   • Decommissioning
   • When discussing decommissioning alternatives, a Professional Engineer should be appointed to ensure that the design of each aspect of the facility is safe and fit for the purpose.
   • Earth wall stability
   • The various earth dam walls should be surveyed annually by a professional engineer and together with visual inspections assessed for stability at critical sections.
5. Budgeting and cost control
   • Control fixed cost budgets allocated per area by monitoring the cost displayed on SAP.
   • Assist with annual budget requirements.
   • Ensure compliance with purchasing procedures as set by the procurement department
6. Related SHERQ responsibilities

Knowledge/Skills/Competencies

• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993.
• Knowledge of ISO 14001, 45001, 9001
• Knowledge of the National Water Act.
• Knowledgeable in the Water Use License.
• Extensive understanding of weather patterns.
• Knowledgeable in Eco-systems and Biodiversity.
• Knowledgeable on earth moving and excavation machinery.
• Technical ability to read, understand and interpret Geo-technical drawings.
• Experience in managing and coordinating inspections and maintenance projects.
• Experience in using Ariscu and Corrective Action Systems.
• Knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (i.e., SAP PM and MM).
• Must be able to identify and act on potential problems quickly and effectively.
• Must demonstrate effective leadership attributes.
• Understanding of World Class Manufacturing Principles.
• Ability to work in a pressurized environment.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Experience

• 5 years’ experience in manufacturing operations.

Qualifications:

• Matric
• National Diploma: Engineering (Chem / Mech / Civil) (must)
• Certificate in Environmental Management (Advantageous)

Certifications:

• Certificate in Project Management

Reporting structure:

This position reports to the Facilities Manager. 

Personal Circumstances:

• Must be able to obtain a satisfactory medical report from the companies’ medical centre.
• May be required to be on Standby.

Other requirements:

Please ensure:

• That the application form is fully completed and attached with your CV.
• That the reference number and/or position name of this advertisement is quoted on your application form.
• That recently certifiedcopies of all qualifications referred to on your application form and cv, are submitted.
• Applications can be handed in at the HR offices (Head Office) or sent electronically (email below) on or before the closing date.
• Only applications that are submitted to HR directly with either of the 2 methods mentioned above will be considered.

External Applicants:

Please attach a copy of your most recent payslip. We regret we cannot consider any applications received without this information.

Failure to comply with the above requirements will result in your application being disqualified.

Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, should the applicant be successful the incumbent will be reasonably accommodated depending on the inherent requirements of the job.

All applicants are thanked in advance for showing interest however correspondences will only be entered into with the shortlisted candidates.

Closing date: 02 June 2025

Applications to be sent to: careers@ncp.co.za

Recruitment for this position will be conducted with the intention of progressing our Employment Equity policy, targets, and objectives. The Company reserves the right not to fill this position.