About Company
Hippo Valley Estates Limited, a proud subsidiary of Tongaat Hulett, stands as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural and industrial landscape. Located in the fertile Lowveld region of Chiredzi, Masvingo Province, we are a leading sugar producer, operating vast sugar cane plantations spanning over 40,000 hectares and a state-of-the-art sugar mill. Our commitment extends beyond sugar production to fostering sustainable agricultural practices, driving industrial excellence, and actively contributing to community development within our operating areas. We are a significant contributor to the national economy, producing high-quality sugar and related products that meet both local and international standards. At Hippo Valley Estates, we believe in innovation, operational efficiency, and empowering a dedicated workforce that is crucial to our ongoing success. Joining our team means becoming an integral part of a company with a rich legacy of agricultural and industrial leadership, where your skills and dedication will make a tangible impact.
Job Description
Hippo Valley Estates Limited, a pivotal player in Zimbabwe’s agricultural processing sector and a subsidiary of Tongaat Hulett, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Instrumentation Technician to join our dynamic engineering team in Chiredzi, Masvingo Province. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional to contribute to the efficient and reliable operation of our large-scale sugar cane processing facilities.
As an Instrumentation Technician, you will be at the heart of our industrial operations, responsible for the installation, calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of a wide range of industrial instrumentation and control systems. Your expertise will ensure the precision and accuracy of critical measurements and control loops that drive our sugar production process, from cane crushing to sugar crystallization and packaging. This role demands a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of industrial automation principles, and a proactive approach to problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
You will work with advanced Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and a variety of field instruments including pressure, temperature, flow, and level transmitters, control valves, analytical instruments, and motor control circuits. Your daily tasks will involve performing preventive and corrective maintenance, conducting routine calibrations to meet stringent quality standards, and responding swiftly to equipment breakdowns to minimize downtime.
This role is not just about fixing equipment; it’s about ensuring the heart of our operation beats smoothly. You will be instrumental in identifying potential issues before they escalate, implementing improvements to existing systems, and collaborating with cross-functional teams including electrical, mechanical, and production personnel to achieve our shared goals. The successful candidate will be a proactive problem-solver, adept at reading and interpreting technical schematics, P&IDs, and control logic diagrams. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about industrial automation and committed to continuous improvement, contributing to Hippo Valley’s ongoing success as a leader in sustainable sugar production. If you are ready to take on a challenging yet rewarding role with a company that values expertise and dedication, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Install, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial instrumentation and control systems (e.g., transmitters, control valves, sensors, PLCs, DCS, SCADA).
- Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on process control equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimize downtime.
- Conduct routine calibration of instruments to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Diagnose and resolve complex technical issues related to instrumentation and control systems quickly and efficiently.
- Interpret and utilize technical drawings, schematics, P&IDs, and wiring diagrams for maintenance, installation, and modification tasks.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, electrical, and mechanical teams to support plant operations and optimize processes.
- Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, calibrations, and equipment history using a CMMS.
- Adhere strictly to safety regulations, company policies, and environmental standards, promoting a safe working environment.
- Participate in the commissioning of new equipment and control systems, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
- Identify and recommend improvements to existing instrumentation and control systems to enhance efficiency, reliability, and safety.
Required Skills
- Proven experience as an Instrumentation Technician in a heavy industrial environment (e.g., manufacturing, processing plant, mining, sugar industry).
- Strong understanding of industrial automation, process control theory, and instrumentation principles.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing various PLCs (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider), DCS, and SCADA systems.
- Expertise in calibrating and maintaining a wide range of field instruments (pressure, temperature, flow, level, analytical devices).
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, electrical schematics, P&IDs, and loop diagrams.
- Excellent diagnostic, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a systematic approach.
- Strong commitment to safety procedures and best practices in an industrial setting.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively in a team.
- Physical ability to perform duties in an industrial setting, including working at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying temperatures and conditions.
- Computer literacy for record-keeping and diagnostic software.
Preferred Qualifications
- National Diploma or Degree in Instrumentation and Control, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Specific certifications in PLC programming, industrial automation, or hazardous area instrumentation.
- Experience with SAP PM or similar Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
- Prior knowledge or experience with instrumentation specific to the sugar processing industry.
- Relevant First Aid and Firefighting training/certification.
- Membership in a relevant professional body.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive medical aid scheme for you and your dependents.
- Generous leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, and compassionate leave.
- Significant opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement within a large organization.
- Company housing or a housing allowance, depending on eligibility and company policy.
- Access to a range of recreational facilities on the estate (e.g., sports clubs, social amenities).
- Contribution to a robust pension fund scheme.
- A supportive, collaborative, and safety-conscious work environment.
- Performance-based incentives.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria and are eager to contribute their expertise to a leading agricultural processing company are invited to submit their detailed CV and a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and career aspirations. Please ensure your application clearly highlights your proficiency in industrial instrumentation and control systems. To apply, please click on the application link below and follow the instructions on our careers portal. We appreciate all applications, but only shortlisted candidates who meet our specific requirements will be contacted for an interview.