Facilities & Trades Assistant — HVAC & Maintenance

PAE; RNZAF Base Ohakea Transmitting Station; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

PAE is recruiting a Trades Assistant for RNZAF Ohakea to support maintenance across facilities and infrastructure. The role runs Monday to Friday, 40 hours weekly, delivering hands-on support alongside skilled tradespeople to keep critical environments safe and operational.

You’ll assist with planned and reactive maintenance, HVAC tasks, and site upkeep, while ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently in a collaborative team setting. Eligibility for security clearances may apply.

Qualifications

• Experience in a maintenance, trades assistant, or operational support environment.
• Ability to safely undertake physical work activities.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Confidence using mobile technology and work management systems.
• A proactive and reliable approach to work.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• A positive team-focused attitude.
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances, including Ministry of Justice checks.
• Experience supporting facilities maintenance or relevant health and safety certifications would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist trades personnel with planned and reactive maintenance activities.
• Undertake labouring, manual handling, and general maintenance support tasks.
• Support preventative maintenance programmes across building services and infrastructure.
• Assist with routine HVAC maintenance activities, including filter cleaning and replacement.
• Maintain tools, equipment, workshops, storage areas, and vehicles.
• Accurately update work orders and maintenance records using work management systems.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Physical work ability

Communication and customer service

Mobility tech proficiency

Proactive and reliable

Attention to detail

Independent work with priorities

Team-focused attitude

NZ Driver Licence

Security clearance readiness

Education

Health and safety certifications

Job description

PAE is recruiting a Trades Assistant for RNZAF Ohakea to support maintenance across facilities and infrastructure. The role runs Monday to Friday, 40 hours weekly, delivering hands-on support alongside skilled tradespeople to keep critical environments safe and operational.

You’ll assist with planned and reactive maintenance, HVAC tasks, and site upkeep, while ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently in a collaborative team setting. Eligibility for security clearances may apply.