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Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings, a local diversified mid-tier organisation with investments in Mining, Real Estate, Health Care, Agriculture, Energy and Financial Services has a vacancy under the Hwange Mining and Processing Company Cokeworks and Gas Plant Section for an Instruments Technician. Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates who meet the following minimum requirements.
Job Summary
- Employer: Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Hwange, Zimbabwe
- Category: Engineering
- Closing Date: 2026-10-05
Key Responsibilities
- Carrying out duties in accordance with the applicable SHEQ Procedures and Working Instructions
- Carry out maintenance, installation, fault-finding and repairs on instrumentation, PLC, HMI and SCADA systems, and perform calibration of associated field instruments
- Install, calibrate, maintain and troubleshoot pressure, temperature, flow, level and gas-analysis instrumentation, including transmitters, switches, thermocouples, RTDs, flowmeters and associated field devices
- Inspecting and troubleshooting equipment for issues and repairing or replacing defective parts needed to minimize downtime
- Troubleshoot, maintain and diagnose PLC-based control systems, including PLC I/O modules, field signals, communication networks and associated control circuits
- Using scientific and analytic computer software to diagnose faults equipment and applications
- Read and interpret P&IDs, instrumentation loop diagrams, wiring diagrams, control schematics, instrument datasheets and equipment manuals
- Ensuring that the quality of work carried out is of high standard with no re-work
- Filling in job cards at the end of each task in order to provide feedback on the actual duration, methodology, spares used, challenges e.t.c. to allow for continual improvement of the planning and execution cycle.
- Assist in training of junior technicians, apprentices and attaches
- Suggest process improvements based on instrumentation data
- Work closely with electrical, mechanical, and process teams to ensure instrumentation systems are aligned with plant operations
Requirements
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Critical and analytical skills
- Experience with complex mechanical, pneumatic and computerised systems and control
- High degree of adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment
- Good Communication and team working skills
- Physically and Mentally fit
- At least three (3) years experience
- Holder of at least a Class 4 Drivers licence
- Knowledgeable in medical instrumentation
- Knowledge of PLC S7 300, S7 12 00, S7 1500
- Knowledge on weighing analytic and control equipment
- 5 O’ Levels including Maths, English and Science at grade “C” or better
- Four (4) years Apprenticeship training
- National Diploma in Instrumentation and Control
- Class 1 trade tested technician
How to Apply
Apply by email: careers@hwangecolliery.co.zw
About the Company
Hwange Colliery Company Limited Holdings (HCCL Holdings) stands as Zimbabwe's foremost coal producer. This pivotal company contributes significantly to the nation's industrial base, leveraging its extensive mining operations. Beyond its core function, HCCL Holdings operates as a diversified industrial group. The group's portfolio includes substantial operations within the energy sector, underscoring its broad impact across Zimbabwe's economy.
Zimbabwe's anchor coal producer and diversified industrial group.
Website: https://hwangecolliery.co.zw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications are typically required for an Instruments Technician role at mining companies like Hwange Colliery in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Instrumentation and Control, Electrical Engineering, or a related field from institutions like Harare Polytechnic or Bulawayo Polytechnic. A valid Zimbabwean driver's license and trade certification from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Authority (ZIMDEF) or relevant professional bodies strengthen your application. Some roles may also require specific mining safety certifications such as those from the Mining Industry Occupational Safety and Health (MIOSH) association.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Instruments Technician in Zimbabwe's coal mining sector?
Daily tasks include calibrating, installing, and maintaining process control instruments such as pressure transmitters, flow meters, and level sensors used in coal processing plants. Technicians troubleshoot faults in distributed control systems (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLC), often working in dusty, high-noise environments typical of Hwange's open-cast and underground operations. You will also maintain accurate maintenance records and coordinate with production teams to minimize equipment downtime.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ in Zimbabwe's mining sector compared to other industries?
Mining employers in Zimbabwe typically emphasize strict adherence to safety protocols and shift-based work schedules, often including night shifts and weekend rotations to maintain continuous operations. Hierarchical respect and clear chains of command are valued, with supervisors expecting prompt reporting and accountability. Punctuality is critical given the remote location of Hwange and the costs associated with production delays.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Instruments Technicians in Zimbabwe's mining and energy sectors?
With experience, technicians can advance to Senior Instrumentation Technician, then to Supervisor or Instrumentation Coordinator roles overseeing teams across multiple sites. Further progression to Maintenance Manager or Engineering Manager positions is possible with additional qualifications such as a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and professional registration with the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE). Some technicians transition into specialized roles in automation or consulting, particularly as Zimbabwe's mining sector modernizes.
What benefits are typically offered to technical staff in Zimbabwe's mining companies?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage through providers like CIMAS or PSMAS, pension contributions to the Mining Industry Pension Fund (MIPF), and annual leave entitlements aligned with the Labour Act. Many mining employers provide subsidized accommodation or housing allowances due to remote site locations, along with transport or fuel allowances. Performance bonuses and overtime pay are common but vary significantly by company profitability and individual contracts.
How should I apply for an Instruments Technician position, and what do Zimbabwean mining employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through official company websites, newspaper advertisements in publications like The Herald or Chronicle, or directly to human resources departments with a detailed CV and certified copies of qualifications. Employers prioritize hands-on experience with industrial instrumentation systems, proven problem-solving abilities, and a strong safety record. Demonstrating familiarity with specific equipment brands used in mining and willingness to work in challenging environments significantly improves your competitiveness.
