Jobs · National · Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Communications Engineer/Technician
Fifteen Months Contract)
Closes Monday 9 November 2026 at 16:00
The circular is the only authoritative source. Open the PDF at page 70 (opens in new tab)
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A fifteen-month contract for a communications engineer or technician at Marion Island, a sub-Antarctic base. Suits people with a national diploma, 3 years' experience, and the ability to work alone in
- Duties: operate, maintain and repair the base's satellite, radio, IT, GPS, alarm and telephone systems, and operate cargo handling equipment.
- Must have: a National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in electronics, computer science engineering, IT or a related field recognised by SAQA, plus at least 3 years' experience after qualifying.
- Must be able to do electronic fault-finding and repairs, use an oscilloscope and spectrum analyser, and be computer literate.
- Preferred: experience with V-Sat satellite systems, Linux servers and routers, HF and VHF radio, PABX and VOIP telephones, fire detection systems, and GPS.
- Based at Marion Island for a full year, from April 2027 to May 2028, with no option to return to South Africa earlier. The salary is an all-inclusive package of R932 292 per annum.
- Shortlisted candidates face security vetting, a medical examination and a psychometric assessment, at no cost to the applicant. The advert does not state a closing date or how to apply; enquiries go to Mr Willem Boshoff on (021) 493 7379.
Generated by claude-haiku-5-5 from the text below; it may be wrong or incomplete. Original wording, page 70 (opens in new tab)
Requirements
- National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Electronic, Computer Science Engineering, IT or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA with a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience.
- Competency in electronic maintenance, diagnostics and repairs with proven fault-finding capabilities.
- Preferably have experience in V-Sat Satellite Systems, IT (managing a computer network with LINUX servers and routers), HF and VHF 2-way radio equipment and operation, Telephone systems (PABX's and VOIP), PC's, Fire Detection Systems, GPS's, general electronic equipment repair.
- The incumbent has to be competent in the use of an Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyser, etc., and be familiar with good workshop practices, correct use of basic workshop tools and an understanding of current work, health and safety policies.
- The incumbent has to be able to work independently with minimal support under extreme pressure and without supervision.
- The incumbent must be computer literate, have good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team.
Duties
- The incumbent will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, fault-finding on and repairs of all the communication services and equipment of our Marion Base including the satellite, radio, IT, GPS, alarm and telephone systems.
- Operate cargo handling equipment.
- The incumbent will report to the team leader and will be part of the technical team, led by the technical team leader that has to perform any additional base related technical functions.
- Prepare monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes to order spares and equipment and do other common “non-technical” duties performed by expedition members.
How to apply
All applications to be submitted online on the following link: https://erecruitment.environment.gov.za/
New to the Z83 form? Read the application guide.
Enquiries
Mr Willem Boshoff Tel No: (021) 493 7379
Notes from the department
- The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements.
- The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island.
- There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2028.
- The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential.
- Although the base is well-equipped with e- mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated.
- The location may affect both the physical and mental well- being of the incumbent, their family and close relationships.
- Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work.
- In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function.
- Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment.
- Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.
As printed in Circular 38 of 2026 · page 70 · open the PDF (opens in new tab)
POST 38/129: COMMUNICATIONS ENGINEER/TECHNICIAN REF NO: OC30/2026 (Fifteen Months Contract) SALARY: R932 292 per annum, (all-inclusive package) CENTRE: Marion Island REQUIREMENTS: National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Electronic, Computer Science Engineering, IT or relevant qualification as recognised by SAQA with a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience. Competency in electronic maintenance, diagnostics and repairs with proven fault-finding capabilities. Preferably have experience in V-Sat Satellite Systems, IT (managing a computer network with LINUX servers and routers), HF and VHF 2-way radio equipment and operation, Telephone systems (PABX's and VOIP), PC's, Fire Detection Systems, GPS's, general electronic equipment repair. The incumbent has to be competent in the use of an Oscilloscope, Spectrum Analyser, etc., and be familiar with good workshop practices, correct use of basic workshop tools and an understanding of current work, health and safety policies. The incumbent has to be able to work independently with minimal support under extreme pressure and without supervision. The incumbent must be computer literate, have good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work in a team. DUTIES: The incumbent will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, fault-finding on and repairs of all the communication services and equipment of our Marion Base including the satellite, radio, IT, GPS, alarm and telephone systems. Operate cargo handling equipment. The incumbent will report to the team leader and will be part of the technical team, led by the technical team leader that has to perform any additional base related technical functions. Prepare monthly and annual reports, do stock-takes to order spares and equipment and do other common “non-technical” duties performed by expedition members. ENQUIRIES: Mr Willem Boshoff Tel No: (021) 493 7379 NOTE: The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2027 to May 2028) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2028. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e- mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant has to be self-sufficient and self-motivated. The location may affect both the physical and mental well- being of the incumbent, their family and close relationships. Candidates must be physically fit, mentally strong and prepared for physically challenging and satisfying work. In addition the successful candidates may often be called upon to work long hours in extreme conditions on duties unrelated to their function. Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointment to these positions is subject to a rigorous medical examination as well as psychometric assessment, which will be arranged for at no cost to the applicants.