Trade Assistant

Oakey Beef Exports; Toowoomba Regional; On-site; AUD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift allowances

Optional OT

Staff discounts

Job summary

Oakey Beef Exports in Queensland is seeking a Trade Assistant to join our maintenance team. This full-time role offers exposure to a wide range of machinery in an export processing environment, with hands-on learning and opportunities to develop maintenance skills while working with an experienced team.

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, you will assist with maintenance, repair and installation, support breakdown responses, and collaborate with qualified tradespeople on mechanical,

Qualifications

• Reliable, proactive and willing to learn from experienced tradespeople.
• Capable and committed to following direction and procedures.
• Remain calm under pressure in a busy production setting.
• Possess high attention to safety and WHS practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance, repair and installation of plant and equipment across multiple processing areas.
• Support breakdown response and troubleshooting to minimise production downtime.
• Work alongside qualified tradespeople on mechanical, electrical and fabrication projects.
• Prepare tools, materials and equipment for maintenance activities.
• Conduct routine inspections, preventative maintenance and housekeeping tasks.
• Follow Lock Out Tag Out procedures, prioritising safety.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to support operations.

Skills

Hands-on maintenance

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Safety-conscious

Electrical/mechanical awareness

Tools

Basic hand tools

Job description

What is the opportunity?

Oakey Beef Exports is one of Australia’s largest and most advanced processing plants, offering a unique opportunity to work locally with the resources of an industry leader!

You'll gain exposure to a wide range of machinery, equipment and maintenance activities in a fast-paced export processing environment. From helping repair critical production equipment to supporting major projects and shutdowns, the role offers variety, hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to develop valuable trade and maintenance skills while working with an experienced team.

Reporting directly to the Maintenance Manager, your role will be to:

• Assist with maintenance, repair and installation of plant and equipment across multiple processing areas;
• Support breakdown response and troubleshooting to minimise production downtime;
• Work alongside qualified tradespeople on mechanical, electrical and fabrication projects;
• Prepare tools, materials and equipment for maintenance activities;
• Conduct routine inspections, preventative maintenance and housekeeping tasks;
• Follow Lock Out Tag Out procedures, holding safety as the highest priority; and
• Collaborate with other maintenance and production teams to support operations.

The Trade Assistant position is a full-time role working 40 hours per week (RDO accrual). There are two shift options: 2pm - 10pm or 5am - 2pm. Willingness to work across morning and afternoon shifts as required is essential.

What are we looking for?

We're looking for someone who enjoys hands-on work, takes pride in getting the job done safely, and is eager to build a long-term career in maintenance and trades. This role is particularly suited to individuals seeking to gain valuable industry experience with the goal of progressing into an apprenticeship in the future.

The successful applicant will be:

• Reliable, proactive and willing to learn from experienced tradespeople;
• Capable and committed to following direction and procedures;
• Remain calm under pressure, working alongside a busy production setting; and
• Possess high attention to safety, with knowledge of WHS practices and procedures.

Why choose Oakey Beef Exports?

As a local leader, we are proud to provide secure, full-time employment in our hometown of Oakey. You’ll be joining a highly skilled team of Maintenance Fitters and enjoy the support of a leading organisation and class-leading equipment. You will enjoy:

• Enjoy a variety of diverse range of tasks, machinery and environments;
• Upskill in Automatic/PLC systems and industry leading technologies; and
• Family-oriented team, shift allowances, optional OT and staff discounts.

NH Foods and Oakey Beef Exports is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not have capacity to sponsor overseas workers with this position.