Cargo Handlers

Port Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 91,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

5 weeks annual leave

Free parking

Job summary

Port Otago is seeking a Cargo Handler based in Dunedin (Port Chalmers) to operate straddles and sideloaders, perform container lashings, and assist with mooring. The role offers a guaranteed 40-hour week, with potential overtime during peak periods, plus a relocation contribution and health insurance options.

You will work in a safety-focused, collaborative team that values a positive attitude, resilience, and the ability to adapt to change.

Qualifications

• Experience operating straddle carriers or sideloaders in a cargo/port terminal environment.
• Strong commitment to health and safety and a collaborative attitude.
• Be dependable, resilient and able to adapt to change.

Responsibilities

• Operate straddles and sideloaders with accuracy and safety.
• Lash/secure containers to vessels and assist with mooring operations.
• Support with vessel berthing lines and terminal activities.

Skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Adaptability

Health & safety

Tools

Straddle carriers

Sideloaders

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Port Otago Group’s business comprises a regional container terminal, bulk port activities, cruise, and property investment and development. Based out of 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.

About You:

Our ideal candidate will have either/both of the following:

• Experience operating straddle carriers, sideloaders, or similar heavy port equipment in a commercial cargo or container terminal environment, or
• Someone who helps us achieve our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

We welcome applicants, including women, from all backgrounds who bring the right attitude and willingness to learn. What matters just as much to us are the following qualities:

• Be someone who has a strong commitment to health and safety.
• Have a positive and collaborative attitude, you’ll be the kind of person who embraces challenges with confidence.
• Be team‑oriented, enjoys helping others and contributing to shared success.
• Be dependable, resilient and easily adapt to change.
• Be respectful and solutions focused.

About the Role:

Our Cargo Handler role is varied; you will complete the following range of duties (plus others):

• Operating straddles and sideloader’s, which requires good co‑ordination and driving ability. Previous experience with this type of equipment is preferred.
• Lashing/securing of containers to vessels, which needs a good level of fitness and strength.
• Assisting with mooring of ship berthing lines to secure/unsecure vessels from our terminal.

Work Allocation:

Every Friday you’ll get your indicative roster for the week ahead, with a guaranteed day off built into the roster to support work/home balance, and:

• Confirmed work allocation and/or days off for Sat/Sun/Mon
• Indicative work allocation and/or days off for Tues/Wed/Thu/Fri (with actual roster confirmed by 1500 the day prior).
• A guaranteed minimum of 40 hours of work each week (4 x 10-hour shifts or 5 x 8-hour shifts depending on your team rotation).
• Indicative notice if overtime shifts may be required (up to 50 hours) which are typically needed during our peak season.

You’ll receive just over $90,500 per annum for working a guaranteed 40‑hour working week plus superannuation, health insurance and an availability allowance on top. The total package for a Cargo Handler is just over $110,500.

The finer details:

• The availability allowance is $108 per week which is paid for you to be available to be allocated an extra shift each week, when required.
• Health insurance is paid for you and your partner and dependent children (valued at $8,800 p.a.).
• Superannuation is matched up to 7% after 6 months service.
• Voluntary overtime, any hours over 50 each week, is paid at double the hourly rate ($87.10 per hour).
• 5 weeks annual leave.
• Free parking and EV Chargers.
• Wellness Programme and initiatives such as Health Checks, Fruit Boxes and Free Period Products.
• A payment contribution to support your relocation to Dunedin.

Heads up:

• This role is based in Port Chalmers, Dunedin
• A full clean NZ Driver's licence is required.
• You must be eligible to work in New Zealand.
• You must be able to pass Criminal Conviction Screening, ACC checks and a full medical which includes a drug and alcohol test and functional movement testing.
• Random drug and alcohol testing.

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