Dewatering Pump Technician (Contract)

About the role

The Dewatering Pump Technician is responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and overhaul of underground and surface dewatering pumps and their associated columns, valves, pipework and settler dam equipment. The role ensures safe, reliable and continuous removal of water from the mine by maximising pump availability, minimising unplanned downtime and complying with maintenance standards, statutory regulations and mine safety procedures.

Key responsibilities

• Install, level, align, couple and commission multistage centrifugal, submersible and positive‑displacement dewatering pumps according to drawings and manufacturer instructions.
• Strip, inspect and overhaul pumps, including impellers, wear rings, shafts, sleeves, bearings, mechanical seals and gland packing, setting clearances to specification.
• Inspect, maintain and repair pump columns, discharge pipework, flanges, non‑return and isolation valves, and rectify leaks and blockages.
• Diagnose and correct pump problems such as cavitation, seal leakage, overheating, excessive vibration and bearing failure.
• Monitor pump performance (pressures, flow, motor current, bearing temperature, vibration) and act on deviations.
• Carry out preventive maintenance and lubrication of pumps, motors, couplings and drive systems.
• Support settler dam and sump maintenance, including desilting, screens and penstocks.
• Attend breakdowns promptly, support shutdown maintenance and complete work orders and shift handover documentation accurately.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s Degree/HND in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) with a minimum of 3 years relevant experience, OR Technician Part III Certificate (Mechanical) with at least 5 years practical experience in mining, heavy‑industrial or process‑plant operations.
• Relevant certifications such as MINCOM, permit‑to‑work, LOTO, working at heights, confined‑space entry, rigging & slinging, and first‑aid are highly desirable.
• Strong problem‑solving, analytical, decision‑making, communication and teamwork skills.

Required skills

• Installation and commissioning of multistage centrifugal, submersible and positive‑displacement dewatering pumps.
• Overhaul of pump components (impellers, wear rings, shafts, bearings, mechanical seals).
• Shaft alignment and precision measurement.
• Preventive maintenance and lubrication of pumps, motors and drive systems.
• Pump performance monitoring (pressure, flow, motor current, temperature, vibration).