HVAC Operator

Main Purpose of the Job

The main purpose of the Refrigeration Assistant is to support the refrigeration technician team in maintaining, repairing, and servicing all refrigeration, cooling, and HVAC equipment to ensure reliable and efficient operation in a 24-hour environment. The role assists with routine inspections, basic maintenance tasks, fault-finding preparation, temperature monitoring, and safe handling of tools and materials. The Refrigeration Assistant helps ensure compliance with health, safety, and food safety standards while contributing to the prevention of equipment failures, downtime, and product loss. This position plays a key role in keeping all refrigeration systems operational, stable, and functioning at optimal performance.

Duties and responsibilities

• Maintenance Support
• Assist technicians with routine inspections, servicing, and cleaning of refrigeration and HVAC equipment.
• Support with preventative maintenance tasks to ensure optimal performance and reduce breakdowns.
• Breakdown Assistance
• Provide immediate support during refrigeration faults and equipment failures.
• Assist in troubleshooting, preparing tools, and carrying out basic repair tasks under supervision.
• Temperature Monitoring & Compliance
• Conduct regular temperature checks on cold rooms, freezers, fridges, chillers, ice machines, hotel rooms
• Report deviations immediately to prevent product loss and ensure compliance with HACCP and safety standards.
• Equipment & Tool Management
• Maintain tools, equipment, and materials in good working condition.
• Ensure proper cleaning, storage, and safe handling of tools and consumables.
• Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance
• Adhere to all safety procedures, PPE requirements, environmental guidelines and Training.
• Assist in maintaining safe working conditions in refrigeration plant rooms and work areas.
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Support the completion of job cards, maintenance logs, and temperature records.
• Communicate faults, risks, or irregularities to the Refrigeration Technician or Supervisor.
• Support for Projects & Contractors
• Assist during installations, upgrades, planned shutdowns, and contractor work.
• Ensure that all tasks are carried out safely and in line with operational requirements.
• General Operational Support
• Perform ad-hoc duties required to maintain continuous equipment availability.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)

• Matric / Grade 12
• National Technical Certificate (refrigeration or mechanical)
• Basic refrigeration knowledge or training (advantageous)

Minimum job- related experience & requirements

• Minimum 2–3 years' experience in a similar technical environment (air-conditioning or refrigeration repairs and maintenance).
• Ability to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays in line with 24-hour operational requirements.
• Basic understanding of HVAC and refrigeration systems, components, and maintenance procedures.
• Physical ability to lift, carry, and operate HVAC tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Mobility and stamina to work in confined spaces, heights, plant rooms, and various operational areas.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, safety procedures, and standard operating practices.
• Basic electrical knowledge (advantageous).

Scope and limits of the job

• Assisting the HVAC/Refrigeration Technicians with installation, maintenance, servicing, and repairs of HVAC and refrigeration systems.
• Carrying out routine inspections, basic maintenance tasks, temperature checks, cleaning of components, and preparation of tools and equipment.
• Supporting fault-finding processes by providing technical assistance, gathering information, and preparing the work area.
• Ensuring safe handling, loading, and movement of HVAC tools, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintaining accurate records, completing checklists, and updating maintenance logs as instructed.
• Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, food safety, and engineering standards.
• Reporting system abnormalities, hazards, or risks to the Technician or Supervisor immediately.
• Assisting with plant start-up, shutdown, and operational checks as required.

Skills and competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Initiative and willingness to learn
• Problem-solving ability
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Customer centricity and ability to engage with stakeholders professionally
• Reliability, punctuality, and strong work ethic
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to procedures

Technical / proficiency competencies

• Basic understanding of refrigeration and air-conditioning principles
• Ability to assist with installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC and refrigeration systems
• Knowledge of safe handling of refrigerants, tools, and HVAC equipment
• Ability to perform basic fault-finding preparation and support diagnostic processes
• Understanding of mechanical components such as compressors, condensers, evaporators, fans, motors, and filters
• Ability to perform temperature monitoring, pressure checks, and routine system inspections
• Familiarity with SHE legislation, safe working procedures, and hazard identification
• Ability to use basic hand tools, power tools, gauges, and testing equipment under supervision
• Basic understanding of electrical components related to HVAC systems (e.g., thermostats, relays, contractors)
• Ability to follow technical instructions, maintenance schedules, and SOPs accurately
• Proficiency in completing checklists, job cards, and maintenance logs
• Basic computer literacy (MS Office, email)

Note:

The appointment of a candidate is at Sun International's sole discretion, taking into account factors which Sun International considers relevant, including but not limited to Sun International's employment equity plan.

Please note that if you have not been contacted within 1 month after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful

Please note further that by applying for this position, you consent to Sun International "processing" your "personal information" as these concepts are defined in Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 as well as to Sun International conducting various reference checks and/or confirming the accuracy of information provided by you.