VKB Group is hiring an experienced Electrician to join its Engineering Services team in Reitz, Free State. This is a permanent electrician job within the VKB Grain division and offers an opportunity for a qualified electrical tradesperson to work in an industrial and agricultural environment.
Electrician Job at VKB Group
The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, testing, commissioning and optimisation of electrical and electronic equipment used in grain storage and handling operations.
The role includes working with electrical control panels, switchgear, motors, substations, transformers, grain handling equipment, automation systems and related infrastructure. The electrician will also be expected to conduct fault-finding, electrical switching operations, preventative maintenance and project-related work.
This position plays an important role in keeping grain storage and handling facilities operating safely, reliably and efficiently while reducing equipment failures and operational downtime.
About VKB Group
VKB Group is an agricultural company supporting farmers and operating across the food supply chain. The group has interests ranging from agricultural inputs and services to food production, processing, logistics and market channels.
Its regional brands include VKB, GWK and NTK, with agriculture remaining at the heart of the organisation’s operations.
Electrician Requirements
Applicants for the VKB Electrician vacancy should meet the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 / Senior Certificate with Mathematics and Science.
- Electrical Trade Test (Red Seal).
- Wireman’s Licence for low-voltage installations up to 1kV.
- Valid Code B driver’s licence.
- At least 10 years of electrical maintenance experience in an industrial or agricultural environment.
- Experience in grain storage, grain handling or silo operations will be advantageous.
- Clear criminal record.
Candidates should have strong practical electrical maintenance experience and be able to work independently as well as within a technical team.
Technical Skills and Experience
The successful electrician should have knowledge and practical experience in electrical maintenance, troubleshooting and repair, including:
- Motors and motor starters.
- Electrical control boards.
- Substations and transformers.
- Variable Speed Drives (VSDs).
- PLC systems and industrial automation.
- PLC and electronic programming.
- Slip-ring motors and Vapormatic starters.
- Direct Online (DOL) motor starters.
- Star-Delta starters.
- Vapormatic starters.
- Resistive starters.
- Soft starters.
- Medium-voltage switching at 6.6kV and 11kV.
- Low-voltage switching operations.
- Electrical switchgear and earthing systems.
- Single-phase and three-phase electrical systems.
- Electrical energy distribution and protection systems.
- Grain dryers and grain storage systems.
- Grain conveying equipment.
- Electrical interface systems and control networks.
- Safety systems used in grain handling operations.
- Electrical drawings and technical documentation.
- Computer-aided electrical design and diagnostic software.
- Electrical project management from feasibility through technical completion.
- Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- PRAGMA maintenance management software.
Duties and Responsibilities
The VKB Electrician will conduct scheduled preventative and corrective electrical maintenance across grain handling and storage facilities.
Key responsibilities include fault-finding and diagnostics on motors, motor control panels, conveyors, augers, grain dryers, silo machinery and control systems.
The successful candidate will also:
- Install, inspect and upgrade electrical wiring and control panels.
- Maintain electrical distribution systems.
- Maintain substations, transformers, switchgear and earthing systems.
- Conduct medium-voltage and low-voltage switching operations safely.
- Assist with electrical projects, upgrades and technical installations.
- Ensure compliance with electrical legislation and company safety standards.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and inspection documentation.
- Reduce equipment failures, breakdowns and production downtime.
- Respond promptly to electrical problems affecting operations.
- Identify opportunities to improve reliability, energy efficiency and workplace safety.
- Mentor apprentices and support skills development.
- Maintain workshop standards.
- Comply with Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
- Complete required training interventions.
- Maintain good housekeeping and professional workplace standards.
- Perform other reasonable duties assigned by management.
Behavioural Skills
VKB is looking for an electrician who demonstrates strong technical judgement, accountability and teamwork.
Important behavioural competencies include:
- Strong teamwork and collaboration.
- Ability to work independently.
- Initiative and ownership.
- Ability to perform under pressure.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Commitment to continuous learning.
- Ability to mentor apprentices and junior employees.
- Reliability and a strong work ethic.
- Effective time management and planning.
- Adaptability and openness to change.
- Leadership ability.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to excellent internal customer service.
Physical and Working Requirements
The Electrician position involves working in an active industrial and agricultural environment. Applicants must be physically fit and comfortable with the demands of the role.
The successful candidate must be able to:
- Regularly climb and descend stairs.
- Work at heights.
- Work in dusty environments.
- Work in warm, humid and noisy operating areas.
- Work overtime when required.
- Respond to after-hours equipment breakdowns when necessary.
Key Skills Required
Candidates should have strong skills in:
- Electrical fault-finding and diagnostics.
- Technical problem-solving.
- Mathematics and analytical reasoning.
- Electrical maintenance.
- Project coordination.
- Communication.
- Conflict management.
- Attention to detail.
- Working under pressure.
- Following technical procedures and instructions.
- Working independently and as part of a team.
Electrician Vacancy Details
Job Title: Electrician VKB Engineering Services
Company: VKB Group
Division: VKB Grain
Business Unit: Engineering Services Management
Location: Reitz, Free State
Industry: Agriculture
Functional Area: Engineering
Employment Type: Permanent
Experience Level: Associate
Closing Date: 11 September 2026
How to Apply for the VKB Electrician Job
Qualified electricians who meet the minimum requirements and have substantial industrial or agricultural electrical maintenance experience are encouraged to apply for the Electrician VKB Engineering Services position in Reitz before the closing date of 11 September 2026.
Applicants should ensure that their qualifications, trade test, Wireman’s Licence, driver’s licence and relevant electrical maintenance experience are clearly reflected in their application.
