Generalist Operator and Forklift Driver

Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime paid time and a quarter

40 hours minimum per week

Onsite training and development

Long-term career opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd in Invercargill, NZ is seeking a Generalist Operator and Forklift Driver for the Kennington-based Dry Mill team. The role spans timber processing, machine operation, wrapping and labeling, and relief forklift duties with occasional night and weekend cover for 24/7 kiln operations.

You will contribute to inventory management, moisture control, and timber handling while maintaining safety and teamwork in a hands-on, long-term career path within the company.

Qualifications

• Current forklift licence or willingness to obtain one.
• Good physical fitness and ability to perform manual handling.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn.
• Commitment to safety, teamwork and quality work.

Responsibilities

• Operating grading machinery and timber processing equipment
• Wrapping, labeling, and preparing timber packets for dispatch
• Relief forklift driving for leave and production cover
• Supporting kiln operations, including inventory management and moisture control
• General timber handling and production duties
• Working safely and efficiently within a team environment
• Assisting across multiple areas of the operation as required

Skills

Forklift operation

Manual handling

Teamwork

Safety-conscious

Communication skills

Willingness to learn

Reliability

Job description

Monday-Friday | 6:00am - 2:30pm | Regular Time & a Quarter Opportunities | Occasional Night & Weekend Cover

The Role

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our Kennington-based Dry Mill team as a Generalist Operator and Forklift Driver.

This hands-on role offers experience across timber processing, including operating grading machinery, wrapping and labelling packets, relief forklift driving, and supporting Dry Mill production activities. Most of your time will be spent working day shift; however, you'll also provide occasional night and weekend cover for our 24/7 kiln operations, assisting with inventory management, moisture control, and timber handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Operating grading machinery and timber processing equipment
• Wrapping, labelling, and preparing timber packets for dispatch
• Relief forklift driving for leave and production cover
• Supporting kiln operations, including inventory management and moisture control
• General timber handling and production duties
• Working safely and efficiently within a team environment
• Assisting across multiple areas of the operation as required

What We Offer

• Overtime opportunities paid at time and a quarter
• Guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week
• Full onsite training and ongoing development opportunities
• Exposure to multiple areas of Dry Mill and kiln operations
• Opportunities for advancement into specialist roles
• Supportive team environment and experienced management
• Long-term career opportunities with a company that invests in its people

About You

You are reliable, motivated, safety-conscious, and keen to build a long-term career in manufacturing.

You will have:

• A current forklift licence OR willingness to obtain one
• Good physical fitness and confidence with manual handling
• A positive attitude and strong work ethic
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and quality work
• Proven work history with recent employment references

About Us

Niagara Sawmilling is a leading New Zealand timber processor and manufacturer based in Kennington, Invercargill.

As Niagara Sawmilling celebrates 90 years of operation, we remain a trusted name in New Zealand's timber industry, built on a foundation of innovation, craftsmanship, and a people-first approach. We're proud to offer meaningful opportunities for people who want to be part of a team that values acting with integrity and striving for excellence.