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TRANSNET
 
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​TRACTION LINESMAN
Operating Division: Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM)
Employee Group: Permanent
Department: TR-COR-CEN-ELE-Subs & Distribution-VRR
Location: Bayhead
Reporting To: Master Electrician
Grade: I1X
Reference: req3933
 
The closing date is on 30/01/2026. 
 
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that HR has received the application before the closing date of the advertisement.
 
Position Purpose
To ensure the optimal utilisation of high voltage overhead track equipment by performing maintenance, alterations, construction and repairs to overhead track equipment, transmission line and negative return circuits according to prescribed quality and safety standards in live and dead working conditions.




​Position Outputs
1. To supervise trade hands, infra-assistants, trainee traction linesman, contractors and unauthorized personnel ▪ To ensure that all workers have the correct PPE ▪ To provide instructions to the team ▪ To put control measures in place to ensure that tasks are completed ▪ To ensure that the team understands the tasks needed to be performed ▪ To explain the dangers involved in the tasks to be performed ▪ To maintain a presence on site so that instructions are adhered to ▪ To ensure that the right materials and tools are used ▪ To ensure that there is sufficient manpower and capacity to perform tasks ▪ To render first aid and hazmat when necessary
2. To construct and maintain overhead track equipment (OHTE) according to required standards. ▪ To cast foundations and erecting mast poles ▪ Rolling, sagging and tensioning wires ▪ Ensure that installation and repair bonding (negative returns circuit) is done ▪ Isolating and earthing OHTE ▪ Ensure that flag protection duties are completed ▪ Communicate with train operating personnel and electrical control ▪ Basic welding (exothermic and arc welding) ▪ Lifting heavy equipment ▪ Work to “clearance from” and on live OHTE ▪ Alignment of OHTE (Staggering, balancing of striking point) ▪ Fault finding on OHTE and return circuit ▪ Cable joining /splicing ▪ To compile reports for feedback purposes
3. To transport staff and material from the station depot to site and back ▪ Conduct a pre-trip inspection of the vehicle ▪ Ensure that the material required for the job is in the vehicle ▪ Adhere to road regulations ▪ Load, secure and unload material from the vehicle
4. To issue work permits ▪ Read and analyze the reticulation diagram ▪ Communicate with electrical control and CTC ▪ Complete and read work permits ▪ Open and close track and link switches ▪ Apply live line tester and portable earth connection ▪ Explain the limits and dangers involved to staff on site ▪ Ensure that work permit is understood and signed ▪ Ensure that equipment and personnel are clear from the site when cancelling work permit
5. To attend to emergency breakdowns on site ▪ Identify affected area (Fault finding) ▪ Switch off electrical power ▪ Communicate with CTC and electrical control ▪ Demarcate the affected area ▪ Provide feedback to superior
6. To operate and pilot on track machines and cranes ▪ Maintain speed restriction according to Train Working Rules ▪ Ontrack RRV ▪ Communicate with the CTC ▪ To operate AWP and truck mounted hiab jib crane ▪ Conduct pre- trip inspection and break test ▪ Observe the signals and ensure that they are adhered to ▪ To ensure that the line is dead before you start working ▪ Observe the clearance when working near the adjacent ‘live’ line ▪ Warn (hooter) subordinates of the passing trains on the adjacent lines and machine movement
7. To ensure that workers on site adhere to safety standards ▪ Conduct green area / toolbox safety talks before commencement of work ▪ Explain dangers and risks involved ▪ Explain safe working procedures ▪ Make sure that everyone understands what is needed ▪ Ensure that flag protection is afforded ▪ Make sure that workers are wearing the correct PPE
8. To provide on the job training, coaching and guidance to subordinates, trainees and unauthorized personnel ▪ To provide coaching to the new trainees ▪ Ensure that the correct working procedures are explained and understood ▪ Physically demonstrate the correct way of working ▪ To assist and supervise the workers ▪ To identify the knowledge gaps and train accordingly
9. To issue reports to the assistant foreman ▪ Complete and submit job cards, Sap01 and logbooks ▪ Compile reports of incidents when required ▪ Provide verbal reports of incidents
 
Qualifications and Experience
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: ▪ Grade 12 (NQF4) Maths and Science ▪ Traction Linesman Certificate ▪ Category A Red/A Brown certificate ▪ Train Working rules ▪ Code 29 ▪ RRV Certificate ▪ Firefighting ▪ First Aid ▪ Working on heights certificate ▪ Welding Certificate ▪ Protection Certificate ▪ ET1, ET2 ▪ Vehicle licence Code C1 with PDP
 
Competencies
KNOWLEDGE: ▪ Standards operating procedures for Infrastructure ▪ Safety policy and procedures/Act 85 ▪ OHTE equipment ▪ Track machines ▪ Isolate/earthed 3kv, 25kv, 50kv ▪ Train working rules ▪ Track occupations work permits procedures ATTITUDES: ▪ Conscientious ▪ Sense of urgency ▪ Safety conscious ▪ Results orientated ▪ Willing to work shifts ▪ Quality orientated ▪ Willing to do call SKILLS: ▪ Be able to work at heights ▪ Physically fit ▪ Medical fitness ▪ Communication ▪ Team working ▪ Report writing ▪ Developing people COMPETENCIES: ▪ Earthing and bonding procedures ▪ Train operating systems ▪ Safety (working areas) ▪ Oxy-acetylene flame cutting ▪ Electrical safety instructions ▪ OHTE safety regulations ▪ Traction Lineman duties (training modules) ▪ Maintenance of electrical. 3KV DC, 25 KV or 50 KV AC
 
 
Equity Statement
Preference will be given to suitably qualified Applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Organisation/Operating Division.
 
Disclaimer
If you have not heard from Transnet within 90 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
Transnet, its employees or representatives never ask for a fee from job seekers. Any such requests are fraudulent. Please report any suspicious activities in this regard to the Transnet anti-fraud line on 0800 003 056 or email reportit@ethicshelpdesk.com.
 
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