Empty Container Handler (ECH) Operator

Kinetic Recruitment; Tauranga; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free company health insurance

Life insurance

Full PPE provided

Training and development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Kinetic Recruitment is partnering with a Tauranga based logistics operation to recruit an Empty Container Handler (ECH) Operator. You will operate modern container handling equipment, move and position empty containers, and work within a busy port environment to keep containers moving safely.

The role requires a Class 2 (minimum) with preference for Class 4 or higher, and a strong safety mindset. Rosters include day and night shifts with full PPE and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Class 2 licence is required.
• Class 4 or higher licence preferred.
• Experience with container handling or heavy mobile plant.
• Strong Health & Safety mindset and good communication.

Responsibilities

• Operate empty container handling mobile plant and move/stack containers.
• Complete equipment checks and follow site procedures.
• Collaborate with other operators and ground staff.
• Maintain safety and operational efficiency.
• Work rostered shifts across a 7-day operation.

Skills

Class 2 licence

Class 4 licence

Heavy equipment ops

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Shift flexibility

Kalmar stackers

Tools

Kalmar stackers

Job description

We’re working with a well-established logistics operation in Tauranga that is expanding its empty container handling capabilities and looking for experienced Empty Container Handler (ECH) Operators to join the team.

This is a hands‑on role operating modern container handling equipment within a busy port environment, moving and positioning empty containers safely and efficiently.

About the role

You’ll be responsible for the safe and efficient movement of empty containers across the facility, working as part of a wider operations team to keep containers moving smoothly.

The role will involve:

• Operating empty container handling mobile plant
• Moving, stacking and positioning empty containers
• Completing equipment checks and following site procedures
• Working closely with other operators and ground staff
• Maintaining a strong focus on safety and operational efficiency
• Working rostered shifts across a 7-day operation

What we're looking for

Ideally, you’ll have previous experience working in an empty container depot, port, freight or similar heavy industrial environment.

ECH experience is strongly preferred, although experienced container handling operators with transferable skills will also be considered.

You’ll need:

• Class 2 licence minimum
• Class 4 or higher preferred
• Previous container handling or mobile plant experience
• Experience operating heavy equipment safely and confidently
• A strong Health & Safety mindset
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Flexibility to work rostered day and/or night shifts
• A reliable, proactive and can-do attitude

What’s on offer?

• Full-time hours with guaranteed rostered work
• Paid meal and rest breaks
• Free company health insurance
• Life insurance
• Full PPE provided
• Modern fleet of brand-new Kalmar empty container stackers
• Training and development opportunities
• Potential to progress into multi-skilled roles, including reach stacker operation
• Long-term career opportunities within a growing operation

This is a great opportunity for an experienced ECH Operator or container handling operator looking for stable, full-time work with modern equipment and genuine opportunities to develop.