Floating Plant Mate

Port Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance for you and family

Relocation assistance to Dunedin

Job summary

Port Otago is seeking a Floating Plant Mate to join the Marine and Infrastructure team in Dunedin. The role involves serving as second in command on the tug Arihi, ensuring safe operation of the backhoe barge and associated hopper barges within Otago Harbour.

You may also crew other vessels and relieve on floating plant as needed. The ideal candidate holds MNZ qualifications for masters under 24m, an SRL endorsement, and has previous commercial vessel experience.

Qualifications

• Must hold an MNZ Master or Skipper ticket suitable for vessels under 24m and related endorsements.
• SRL < 3000GT or SRL < 500GT endorsement (or equivalent).
• Experience on vessels in a commercial setting is required.
• Barge handling and towage experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Second in charge of navigation on tug Arihi, ensuring safe and efficient vessel operation.
• Oversee seaworthiness and day‑to‑day operation of hopper barges Hapuka and TR Healy.
• May crew other vessels in Port Otago's fleet and relieve on other floating plant as required.
• Occasional duty on New Era (self‑propelled hopper barge).
• Be available for shifts that may extend beyond standard hours.

Skills

MNZ document

SRL endorsement

Team player

Seafarers Medical

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’s business is made up of a regional container terminal, multiple Supply Chain facilities, bulk port activities, cruise and property investment/development. 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.

About the role:

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a suitably experienced Floating Plant Mate to join our Marine and Infrastructure team on a permanent, full-time basis, working in a role that offers stunning views of the Otago Harbour.

Port Otago owns and operates the tug Arihi, principally engaged in the backhoe barge operation within Otago Harbour. The tug manoeuvres our backhoe barge Takutai into position and tows hopper barges Hapuka and TR Healy out to the dump ground. The Floating Plant Mate may also be required to operate or crew other vessels in the Port Otago fleet, such as shipping tugs, and to relieve on other floating plant when required.

As Floating Plant Mate, you will be second in charge of navigation on tug Arihi, responsible for operating the vessel in a safe and efficient manner. You will also be responsible for the seaworthiness of the hopper barges used in the backhoe barge operation (currently Hapuka and TR Healy), and for their day-to-day operation. On occasion, the vessels may operate outside Otago Harbour on special contracts.

From time to time, you may also be required to be a mate on the New Era which is a self-propelled spilt hopper barge.

Work allocation:

In this role, you will normally work 42 hours per week between 0600 and 1800, Monday to Friday. Flexibility is required, as additional hours may be needed to meet operational requirements.

What we're looking for:

Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• An MNZ document enabling you to sail as Master on vessels under 24m, such as:
  • Skipper Restricted Limits (<24m); or
  • Skipper Coastal/Offshore; or
  • An equivalent ring-fenced ticket
• An SRL < 3000GT endorsement or equivalent SRL < 500GT.
• Previous experience on vessels in a commercial setting.
• Barge handling and towage experience (an advantage).
• The ability to work well as part of a team, with the flexibility to respond to operational needs outside normal hours.
• The physical fitness to meet the demands of the role, and the ability to obtain a Seafarers Medical.
• A positive, collaborative attitude that embraces challenges with confidence.
• A true passion for Health & Safety, including excellent personal safety standards.

What's in it for you?

• Health insurance for you, your partner, and dependent children (valued at $8,800 p.a.).
• Superannuation matched up to 7% after 6 months' service.

Why work for Port Otago?

• A collaborative work environment which encourages people to be as great as they can.
• Wellness Programme and initiatives such as Health Checks, Fruit Boxes, and Free Period Products.
• Contribution towards relocation costs to Dunedin, if you're interested in relocating to Ōtepoti Dunedin for the role.

Applications close 5pm, Sunday 13th September 2026.