Hands-On Mechanical Maintainer — 2X12H Shifts + Relocation

Rio Tinto; Southland; On-site; NZD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Tinto in Southland, New Zealand is seeking an experienced Crane Operator to join our hands-on mechanical maintenance team. You will safely operate a Mobile crane to support mechanical works and assist with lifting and positioning heavy equipment on site.

Working with mechanical trades and riggers, you will help maintain safe lifting practices and efficient operations, reading lift plans, and following site procedures. A minimum of 2 years of crane experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of crane or industrial experience.
• Background in mechanical, piping, or industrial construction projects.
• Understanding of load charts, lifting limits, rigging, and safety protocols.
• Ability to read and execute lift plans and site procedures accurately.
• High reliability with strong communication skills and zero-harm commitment.
• Physically fit and able to work long shifts in an industrial environment.
• Relevant driver’s license and tickets preferred.

Responsibilities

• Test plant operation before use to ensure safety.
• Operate cranes to rotate, move, lift, and position loads.
• Collaborate with riggers and crane chasers to position loads.
• Control load movement and monitor speed, acceleration and braking.
• Monitor plant operation and gauges for malfunctions.
• Lubricate ropes and winches and replace worn cables.
• Operate cranes with attachments for demolition and pile driving.
• Operate overhead cranes with hand controls.

Skills

Crane operation

Load charts understanding

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Driver's license

Job description

Showing 1 Hands On Mechanical Maintainer 2x12h Shifts Relocation jobs in Southland

Experienced Mobile Crane Operator wanted for full-time mechanical engineering projects ($30–$38/hr, up to 60 hrs /wk, immediate start) in Southland.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Crane Operator to join a reputable mechanical engineering operation in Southland. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for safely operating a Mobile crane to support mechanical works, assisting with the precise lifting and positioning of equipment and materials. Working alongside mechanical trades and riggers, you will play a crucial role in maintaining safe lifting practices and efficient site operations.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Testing the operation of plant before use to ensure safety


• Operating controls to rotate cranes, move cranes on fixed rails, raise and lower jibs and booms, and raise, lower and move hooks and objects


• Working in conjunction with Construction Riggers and Crane Chasers to position hooks and raise, move and place loads


• Controlling the movement of loads, and monitoring speed, acceleration and braking distances directly and by signalling to other operators


• Monitoring plant operation, instruments and gauges to detect malfunctions and problems


• Lubricating ropes and winches on cranes and replacing worn cables


• May operate cranes fitted with attachments for purposes such as demolition and pile driving


• May operate overhead cranes using hand controls suspended by cables from cranes

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience (qualification preferred but not compulsory)


• Background supporting mechanical, piping, or industrial construction projects (preferred but not compulsory)


• In-depth understanding of load charts, lifting limits, rigging practices, and site safety protocols


• Ability to read and execute lift plans and technical site procedures accurately


• High reliability, strong communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining zero-harm operations


• Physically fit and comfortable working standard long shifts in an industrial environment


• Relevant driver’s license and tickets along with reliable transportation preferred but not compulsory.


• Competitive hourly pay rate tailored to your experience and certification level($30/Hour-$38/Hour)


• Weekly pay


• Minimum of 30 hours guaranteed per week (permanent full-time), maximum of 60 hours per week


• Stable, ongoing work with a well-established mechanical engineering leader


• Great opportunity to work on complex mechanical and piping projects


• Professional, supportive, and safety-focused working environment