Job Description

Our client, a leading construction firm, is seeking a strategic and hands-on Plant Maintenance Electrician. They will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, and installing electrical systems and equipment in the plant. The role ensures the uninterrupted operation of sawmills, kilns, conveyors, woodworking machinery, and dust extraction systems through effective troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and adherence to electrical safety standards and local regulations.

Reports to: Maintenance Supervisor / Plant Engineer

Job Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Electrical Maintenance and Repair:

Diagnose and repair electrical faults on production equipment such as saws, moulders, planers, edge banders, drying kilns, hydraulic systems, and conveyors.

Inspect and maintain motor controls, contactors, overloads, relays, and solenoids in high-dust and high-vibration environments.

Carry out corrective and breakdown maintenance of electrical systems with minimal disruption to production.

Service and replace electrical components such as motors, switchgear, lighting fixtures, and wiring.

Preventive and Predictive Maintenance:

Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) and predictive diagnostics on motors, panels, Motor Control Centers-MCCs, and switchboards.

Maintain proper records of all maintenance tasks using maintenance logs

Monitor and address wear and tear in equipment due to wood dust accumulation, moisture, or high usage.

Installation and Upgrades:

Assist in the installation and commissioning of new production lines or wood processing equipment.

Upgrade existing electrical systems to improve energy efficiency and meet KPLC or regulatory requirements.

Interpret electrical schematics, plant layouts, and OEM manuals to support correct installation and repair.

Safety and Compliance:

Ensure all electrical work adheres to Kenyan Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA-Kenya), Energy Act regulations, and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).

Practice proper lockout/tagout (LOTO), arc flash safety, and grounding procedures.

Identify and report potential electrical hazards or unsafe conditions.

Energy and Utility Support:

Monitor and troubleshoot issues with the plant’s power distribution system, transformers, and backup generators.

Support energy conservation initiatives and maintenance of lighting, heating, and ventilation systems.

Ensure proper functioning of emergency electrical systems and fire alarm circuits.

Team Collaboration:

Work with mechanical fitters, millwrights, machine operators, and engineers to minimize downtime.

Participate in maintenance planning and shift handovers.

Provide mentorship or guidance to apprentices or junior electricians as required

Other Requirements

Diploma or Craft Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Power Option) from a recognized institution (e.g., TVET, KNEC, NITA).

KCSE certificate.

Valid Electrical Wireman License (Class T2 or above)

Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on electrical maintenance experience in an industrial setting, preferably wood/timber processing.

Experience with motor controls, VFDs, PLCs, generators, and wood manufacturing equipment is an added advantage.

Excellent knowledge of three-phase systems, motor starters, overloads, and control circuits.

Ability to read and interpret electrical diagrams and technical manuals.

Skilled in fault-finding using test instruments (e.g., multimeter, clamp meter).

Strong adherence to safety and regulatory compliance.

Good communication, teamwork, and time management skills.

Basic computer skills.

Ability to work in a physically demanding industrial environment.

Capable of climbing ladders, working at heights.