Nitrates Process Technician — 12‑Hour Shifts, Growth

Orica Limited; Newcastle; On-site; AUD 72,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Orica on Kooragang Island in Newcastle, NSW, seeks a Process Technician to join the Nitrates team. This full-time, permanent role involves controlling plant operations, start-ups and shutdowns, and coordinating permits to work in a dynamic, safety-conscious environment.

The role supports troubleshooting, minor maintenance and project activities while contributing to a safety‑driven culture. The successful candidate will join a diverse, collaborative team with opportunities to grow.

Qualifications

• Electrical or mechanical trade background or chemical engineering knowledge.
• Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology considered.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting ability and adherence to procedures.
• Strong teamwork and willingness to develop and lead when needed.
• Ability to obtain national police clearance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety, health and environmental procedures are followed at all times.
• Monitor continuous plant operation and adjust variables for safety and efficiency.
• Coordinate start-ups and shutdowns to safe completion.
• Complete plant logs, sampling, and inspections.
• Troubleshoot plant instabilities and contribute to improvements.
• Regularly review operating procedures in line with site requirements.
• Train to respond to abnormal and emergency conditions.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Leadership

Safety focus

Education

Electrical/Mechanical Trade or equivalent

Chemical Engineering background

Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology

Job description

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Process Technician

Date: 12 Oct 2026

Location: Mayfield, Newcastle, NSW, AU, 2304

Company: Orica

About Orica

About the role

We’re excited to share an opportunity for aProcess Technician to join our Nitrates teamatKooragang Island, located inNewcastle, NSW. This is afull-time, permanent positionoffering a chance to contribute to a dynamic and supportive work environment.

As a Process Technician you will be responsible for controlling all plant operations including start-ups and shutdowns. In addition, our technicians also carry out plant troubleshooting, minor maintenance, project activities and permit to work coordination.

The roles form part of a shift team working on a 12-hour rotating roster. The roster is 2-day shifts, 2-night shifts, followed by 6 days off. Additional hours are required to be worked to meet business and training requirements.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about safety and keen to work in a diverse team environment. This role will suit someone who has great problem-solving abilities, initiative and who is keen to grow and develop in the role. We strongly encourage diversity in every role we have here at Orica. Our Process Technician roles are no exception. Our current team have a range of backgrounds, experience, qualifications, gender and expertise.

What you will be doing

• Ensure that safety, health, and environmental operating procedures are adhered to within the work area;
• Monitor the continuous operation of plant equipment and make changes to plant variables as required to maintain safe and efficient operation;
• Ensure plant start-ups and shutdowns are completed safely and efficiently;
• Completion of plant logs, laboratory sampling, and inspections;
• Actively participate in troubleshooting for plant instabilities;
• Complete regular reviews and updates of operating procedures in line with site requirements;
• Train for and be prepared to respond to abnormal and emergency conditions.

What you will bring

• Qualifications in Electrical or Mechanical Trade Background, Chemical Engineering, or a Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology combined with industrial experience are desirable;
• Competent troubleshooting skills and experience following procedures and policies;
• Work well in teams and willing to take ownership of ongoing personal development and training;
• Applicants that have demonstrated leadership skills in previous roles are encouraged to apply;
• Ability to obtain a national police clearance check.

What we offer

As part of a truly global company, you will have the ability to grow and learn in a diverse, collaborative culture. We foster relationships and learning through connected global and local teams, promote flexible and diverse career paths and support the development of your knowledge and skills.

You will be paid a competitive salary, learn from talented individuals across multiple disciplines and be able to thrive in a safe workplace within a collaborative culture. Ignite your career at a place where your distinct potential can find its home.

We respect and value all

Orica promotes and fosters a culture of inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment everywhere we operate. We treat our people and applicants with fairness, dignity, and respect, getting the best of everyone’s contributions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, nationality, age, military or veteran, marital or disability status.