Cargo Handler - Experienced

Qjumpers; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation support

5 weeks annual leave

Free parking

Job summary

Port Otago Group is seeking confident operators for the Cargo Handler team in Dunedin. The role involves operating straddle carriers, sideloaders, and STS gantry cranes, plus lashing and securing containers to vessels and mooring lines handling at our harbour terminal.

We require experience with heavy port equipment, a strong health and safety mindset, and a team‑first attitude. Shifts include days, nights, and weekends with a rotating roster, offering a substantial annual package and harbour

Qualifications

• Experience operating straddles, sideloaders or similar heavy equipment in a port or terminal.
• Strong commitment to health and safety for yourself and your team.
• Depаendable, team‑first approach with adaptability when plans change.

Responsibilities

• Operate straddle carriers and sideloaders.
• Operate STS gantry cranes.
• Lash and secure containers to vessels.
• Handle mooring lines to secure and release vessels.
• Perform other terminal duties as required.

Skills

Straddle carrier operation

Sideloader operation

Heavy equipment operation

Health & safety

Teamwork

Job description

Port Otago Group’s business comprises a regional container terminal, bulk port activities, cruise, and property investment and development. Based at Port Chalmers (Dunedin), we service South Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, working with customers to streamline their supply chains. Our culture is hands‑on; safety focused and encourages continuous improvement.

Our diverse portfolio means there is always something on the go and as a business we are collaborative, fast‑paced and always open.

We’re looking for confident, capable operators to join our Cargo Handler team on a full time permanent basis. If you’ve operated straddle carriers, sideloader’s or similar heavy port equipment in a container or cargo terminal, we’d love to hear from you. In return you’ll get a great package and a harbourside lifestyle, with Dunedin city just 20 minutes away.

About the Role:

• Operating straddle carriers and sideloader’s
• Operating our STS (ship-to‑shore) gantry cranes
• Lashing and securing containers to vessels
• Handling mooring lines to secure and release vessels at our terminal
• Other terminal duties as required

Our team work outside in all weather conditions and at heights. Full PPE is provided including work boots.

About You:

• Experience operating straddles, sideloader’s or similar heavy equipment in a port or terminal
• A strong commitment to health and safety, for yourself and your team
• A dependable, team‑first approach. You back your crew and adapt when plans change
• A positive, respectful, solutions‑focused attitude

Shifts and roster:

This is shift work, including days, late nights (up to 2am) and weekends. Our three teams rotate through a roster cycle, so you’ll always know which pattern is coming up:

• 2 weeks on vessel day shift: 6am–4pm, at least 4 x 10-hour shifts on any day, as ships call
• 2 weeks on vessel late shift: 4pm–2am, at least 4 x 10-hour shifts on any day, as ships call
• 2 weeks in the yard: Monday to Friday, 5 x 8-hour shifts (you’ll work either 7am–3pm or 3pm–11pm each time you rotate into the yard), with Saturday overtime as required

You’ll get an indicative roster each Friday, with one guaranteed day off and one or two rostered days off that may change with shipping. Saturday to Monday shifts are confirmed on Friday, and Tuesday to Friday shifts by 3pm the day before. You’re guaranteed at least 40 hours a week, plus availability for one additional shift (covered by your allowance). Weeks of up to 50 hours may be needed, mainly in peak season which is November to July each year.

Why us?

You’ll receive just over $90k per annum for a 40-hour week, with a total package value of over $110k per annum, including:

• Availability allowance: $108 a week for being available to work one additional shift (and an overtime payment for that shift when you work it).
• Health insurance: covers you, your partner and dependent children ($8,800 p.a.).
• Superannuation: matched up to 7% after 6 months’ service.

Plus:

• $15k towards relocating to Dunedin

Time and a half ($65/hr) for all hours worked between 50 and 60 and Double time ($87/hr) for voluntary overtime over 50 hours

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Free parking and EV chargers
• On‑site kitchen, showers, changing rooms, hairdryers and free period products
• Wellness programme, including health checks and fruit boxes

Heads up:

• This role is based at Port Chalmers, Dunedin
• A full clean NZ driver licence and eligibility to work in New Zealand are required
• You must pass criminal conviction screening, ACC checks and a full medical, including a drug and alcohol test and functional movement testing
• We carry out random drug and alcohol testing

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 8 November 2026. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so don’t delay.