Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Professional Highlights
Professional Courses
Awards
Timeline
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Thomas Harmse

IT Support Associate - Level IV
Port Elizabeth

Summary

IT Specialist, Specializing in Lan and Wan networking and security. Advanced knowledge and practical experience in Network support, maintenance and design, IT management and support, helpdesk management and support, designing and planning network high sites, building network infrastructure, and fault finding. I have strong stakeholder management skills and interact well with customers, sharing knowledge to ensure they gain insight into the workings on the systems they work on.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1993
1993
years of post-secondary education

Work History

IT Contractor (contract)

First tech
Port Elizabeth
05.2025 - 06.2025
  • Company Overview: Are composed of a group of companies that provide products and value-added services, all related to Information Technology environments and business processes.
  • Responsible for the day to day IT activities and upgrade of PCs for migration to the new AZURE AD environment.
  • Improved system efficiency by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues in a timely manner.
  • Developed comprehensive documentation for IT projects, ensuring clear communication of expectations and deliverables among team members.
  • Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.
  • Installed, configured and maintained computer systems and network connections.
  • Diagnosed and troubleshot hardware, software and network issues.
  • Configured and tested new software and hardware.
  • Tested new software and hardware prior to deployment.
  • Installed and configured operating systems and applications.
  • Configured hardware, devices, and software to set up work stations for employees.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively, leading to increased satisfaction levels.

IT Contractor

First tech
Port Elizabeth
07.2023 - 09.2023
  • Responsible for the roll-out and upgrade of PCs for migration to the new AZURE AD environment.
  • Streamlined project completion with effective communication between team members and stakeholders.
  • Collaborated closely with internal departments to align IT strategies with overall business objectives.
  • Installed and configured operating systems and applications.
  • Configured hardware, devices, and software to set up work stations for employees.

BIS Practitioner

Samancor Chrome Corporate
Steelpoort
07.2002 - 12.2021
  • Company Overview: Samancor Chrome Limited is a producer of chrome products. The Company produces chrome ores, alloys, and quartzite.
  • Responsible for all IT technical support and monthly reports. Specializing in Lan and Wan networking with 3 High sites, 8 Mining sections and 2 Chrome smelting plant sections consisting of 1100 end users in the Eastern region of South Africa.
  • Looking after the Samancor Chrome Eastern Region (located in Steelpoort, Limpopo).
  • Reporting: Report directly to the BIS Superintendent.
  • Staff: Supervised 9 On site Technicians & 1 BIS Practitioner.
  • In charge of 3 Business Units who assist with local IT support (on-site).
  • Stakeholders: Internal: Full Business Complement (All Corporate Business Units). External: Contractors; Comsol networks, Venticon, Duxbury, Nashua & G4S.
  • IT Operations: Managing day to day IT operations, Managing contractors on site, Managing SLA's, Creating and maintaining IT infrastructure, Maintaining Standard Operating Procedures and Codes of Practice, Corresponding with service providers and suppliers, Enforce company policies, Help desk management (Service-Now), Active directory administration, Support, fault finding and configuration of all, Microsoft and third-party server and software products, Share knowledge with clients to enhance productivity, Repairs and installation of (HP, Tally, IBM, and Epson) range of printers and scanners, Fault finding, repair, and maintenance of Dell, HP and IBM server and PC hardware, Disaster recovery administration, Performing safety risk assessments, Assigning permits to work.
  • Projects & Planning: Planning and Implementing IT and security related services, IT project management, Planning, maintaining, and enforcing of the Standard operating environment.
  • Data Center Management: Maintenance and support on fire suppression systems, Maintenance and support of environmental monitoring systems.
  • Networks: Aruba, Cisco and Bay Networks switches and router management, WAN routing, LAN switching, VLAN management, Infrastructure management, Administration of HP IMC Network management software, Installations of network cabinets, Data center cable management, Fiber optic installations, OTDR testing, Fiber, UTP, STP and Coaxial cable testing and verification, Support and maintenance of telecommunication towers.
  • Systems: Support and maintenance on Petroman fuel and vehicle management system, Programming of Petroman pump control units, Administration of Petroman servers and PC software, Support and maintenance on Optimim diesel and lubricant management system, Administration of Optimim servers and user interface equipment, Support and installations of weather station equipment (Davis instruments), Calibrations of weather station equipment, Administration and support of Aloha and Pilot POS systems, Administration and support of Geology and Survey Software, Installation and Support on Payroll Software (SAP, VIP, and Pastel), SAP client installations and support, Installation and support of scanning and archiving software for SAP, Setup, installation, and repairs on Remote Desktop (Microsoft and Citrix) Terminals and Servers, Support on weighbridge software and hardware (Klerk scale, SA scale and MES), Calibration of weighbridges, Programming of weighbridge interface units, Support on SCADA and PLC servers and PC's (Siemens, Allen Bradley, and Mitsubishi), Support on OPC i/o servers.
  • Electrical: Support on UPS systems, Installations and support on UPS battery cabinets, Electrical cabling of UPS and Generator systems, Electrical cabling of AVR's, Installation and support on Victron DC backup systems, Battery installations and maintenance of DC power systems, Support on Victron inverters, Installations of Victron battery monitors, Installation and support on 12,24 and 48V dc charge controllers, Maintenance of Petrol and Diesel generators 5KVA to 120KVA, Maintenance and support on generator switch over equipment, Installation and support on automatic voltage regulators.
  • Time and Attendance & Access Control: Installation, repair, configuration, and fault finding of (Blick, Stanly SA, G4S, Centurion and EOH) T/A readers, Line controllers, gateways, Bio-metric readers, turn stiles, Gate motors, sliding gates and boom gates.
  • Telecommunications: Support on (Philips, SNOM and NEC) IP and SIP phones, Programming of IP and SIP phones, Support and administration of (Philips and NEC) PABX systems, Cabling of PABX systems, Installation of PABX systems.
  • Surveillance Systems & CCTV: Axis camera installations and maintenance, Milestone Server setup and Support, Milestone server administration.
  • Samancor Chrome Limited is a producer of chrome products. The Company produces chrome ores, alloys, and quartzite.
  • Developed strong working relationships with colleagues and external partners to facilitate effective collaboration on shared goals.
  • Championed a positive work environment by fostering open communication channels among staff members and encouraging teamwork.
  • Contributed to quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas for improvement and proposing actionable solutions.

IT Contractor

Tubatse Ferrochrome (BHP Billiton)
Steelpoort
05.1999 - 06.2002
  • Provided day-to-day IT support for all the business units / departments. Reported directly to the IT Manager and worked solely by myself.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure projects were completed on time and within budget constraints.
  • Conducted thorough testing on new software releases to identify bugs and areas for improvement prior to implementation.
  • Reduced downtime by proactively identifying potential risks and resolving them before they escalated into major incidents.
    Coordinated vendor relationships to ensure successful collaboration on large-scale technology initiatives.
  • Established reliable backup systems to prevent data loss during system failures or disasters.
  • Evaluated emerging technology trends, making recommendations for integration into existing systems when appropriate.
  • Provided exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively, leading to increased satisfaction levels.
  • Assisted in the selection of new hardware components based on compatibility with existing systems, supporting overall functionality goals.
  • Diagnosed and troubleshot hardware, software and network issues.
  • Key Deliverables: Faultfinding, repair, and maintenance of Dell, HP, Compaq and IBM desktop and notebook systems, Support and faultfinding on LAN and WAN equipment and cabling, Share knowledge with clients to enhance productivity, Maintaining company policies regarding LAN, WAN, e-mail, and internet, Support faultfinding and configuration of all Microsoft and third-party software products, Faultfinding and configuration of AS400 clients, Support, faultfinding, and configuration of Oracle clients, Repairs and installation of HP, Tally, IBM and Epson range of printers and Plotters, Installation, repair, configuration, and faultfinding of Blick, Stanley SA and EOH time and attendance readers, gateways, LC's, Controllers, boom gates and turnstiles, Updating of computer and printer layouts on asset register, Configuration and implementation of LAN, WAN, MAN, and IT equipment, Sorting and updating software, Disaster recovery administration, Repairs of computer peripherals, Backup Administration, Support on Philips PABX system, Installation of telephones, Installation of Payroll (VIP) and SAP.

IT Contractor

Eastern Chrome Mines
01.1998 - 01.1999
  • Managed cross-functional teams to ensure projects were completed on time and within budget constraints.
  • Delivered high-quality code reviews for fellow developers, providing constructive feedback aimed at improving overall product quality and maintainability.
  • Maintained a thorough understanding of industry best practices, continuously updating technical skills to stay current with advances in the field.
  • Enhanced network security by implementing firewalls, antivirus software, and regular updates.
  • Implemented efficient patch management processes that minimized disruptions while keeping systems up-to-date with the latest security protocols.
  • Optimized IT infrastructure performance by analyzing system requirements and recommending upgrades.
  • Managed high levels of call flow and responded to technical support needs.
  • Researched and identified solutions to technical problems.
  • Monitored system performance to identify potential issues.
  • Created user accounts and assigned permissions.
  • Patched software and installed new versions to eliminate security problems and protect data.
  • Removed malware, ransomware, and other threats from laptops and desktop systems.
  • Helped streamline repair processes and update procedures for support action consistency.
  • Maintained servers and systems to keep networks fully operational during peak periods.
  • Developed and implemented preventive maintenance procedures.
  • Improved system efficiency by troubleshooting and resolving technical issues in a timely manner.
  • Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.
  • Installed, configured and maintained computer systems and network connections.

Self Employed

Private Computer Shop
Vanderbijlpark
01.1995 - 01.1998
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.

Education

Profesional Certificate - Cyber Security

Coursera
USA
07.2025

Certificate - Computer Networks

UNISA
Pretoria
12.2004

Certificate - Designing and implementing LAN and WAN

UNISA
Pretoria
12.2004

National Senior Certificate (Matric) -

HTS Carel De Wet
Vanderbijlpark
11.1993

Skills

Maintenance Management

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Websites

Professional Highlights

Samancor Chrome – Eastern Region Backbone upgrade, 2011-01-01, 2016-12-31, Managed the project as project owner, responsible for the radio network and WAN design. Upgraded the old redundant wireless network equipment on the Samancor Eastern region high sites linking the five business units of Samancor Chrome to a new high bandwidth licensed broadband network with a new power backup solution offering network redundancy and stability.

Professional Courses

  • Certificate Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate V2, Coursera
  • Certificate Automate Cybersecurity Tasks with Python, Coursera
  • Certificate Sound the Alarm: Detection and Response, Coursera
  • Certificate Assets, Threats and vulnerabilities, Coursera
  • Certificate Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL, Coursera
  • Certificate Connect and Protect Networks and Network Security, Coursera
  • Certificate Foundations of Cybersecurity, Coursera
  • Certificate Manage Security Risks, Coursera
  • Certified Wireless Engineer Course, Duxbury Networking
  • Certified Network Engineer Course (Advanced), Duxbury Networking
  • Certified Network Associate Course (Basic Networking), Duxbury Networking
  • Certificate Introduction to VoIP Course, Duxbury Networking
  • Certificate HP Adaptive EDGE Fundamentals, HP invent
  • Certificate Windows7, Smart Solutions
  • Certificate Windows Vista, Smart Solutions
  • Certified Fiber Optic Technician, mictseta
  • Certificate LDP (Leadership Development Program) Certificate, Samancor
  • Certificate Designing and implementing LAN and WAN, UNISA
  • Certificate in Computer Networks, UNISA
  • National Senior Certificate (Matric), HTS Carel de Wet (1993)

Awards

  • Nominated as Best Support Service Employee, Tubatse Chrome (Samancor), 2013
  • Long Service Award, Samancor, 2011

Timeline

IT Contractor (contract)

First tech
05.2025 - 06.2025

IT Contractor

First tech
07.2023 - 09.2023

BIS Practitioner

Samancor Chrome Corporate
07.2002 - 12.2021

IT Contractor

Tubatse Ferrochrome (BHP Billiton)
05.1999 - 06.2002

IT Contractor

Eastern Chrome Mines
01.1998 - 01.1999

Self Employed

Private Computer Shop
01.1995 - 01.1998

Profesional Certificate - Cyber Security

Coursera

Certificate - Computer Networks

UNISA

Certificate - Designing and implementing LAN and WAN

UNISA

National Senior Certificate (Matric) -

HTS Carel De Wet

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Thomas HarmseIT Support Associate - Level IV