Machine Operator

Personnel Placements; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Personnel Placements is seeking a reliable Machine Operator for a small, friendly production team manufacturing recycled plastic products. You will operate extrusion machinery, palletise and pack goods, and assist with loading, unloading and wash plant tasks during a 6am–6pm day shift with overtime as needed.

Ideal candidates have extrusion or manufacturing experience and a current OSH forklift certificate.

Qualifications

• Forklift certificate – essential.
• Experience in extrusion/manufacturing or machine operations preferred.
• Reliable, punctual and safety-focused.
• Able to work in a small team and handle physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate extrusion machinery on the production line.
• Palletise, pack and strap finished product.
• Load and unload trucks and move palletised stock.
• Assist with palletiser and wash plant operations.
• Keep the work area clean, safe and tidy and follow SOPs.
• Support safe and efficient production through good housekeeping.

Skills

Forklift certification

Reliability

Punctuality

Safety-conscious

Tools

Extrusion machinery

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Machine Operator

Ready for a hands-on role where no two days are quite the same?

We’re looking for a reliable and motivated Machine Operator to join a small, friendly team manufacturing innovative recycled plastic products.

Working 6am–6pm on day shift, with overtime as required, you’ll be hands‑on across the production process. This role would suit someone with extrusion or manufacturing experience, but most importantly, we’re looking for someone who is reliable, works well in a small team and takes pride in doing a good job.

What you’ll be doing:

• Operating extrusion machinery
• Palletising, packing and strapping finished product
• Loading and unloading trucks
• Moving palletised stock around the site
• Assisting with palletiser and wash plant operations
• Keeping the work area clean, safe and tidy
• Following safe operating procedures and maintaining a high standard of housekeeping

What we’re looking for:

• Previous extrusion, manufacturing or machine operating experience is preferred
• Current OSH forklift certificate – essential
• F endorsement preferred
• Reliable, punctual and safety-focused
• Comfortable working as part of a small team
• Practical, hands‑on attitude
• Good attention to detail and a willingness to get stuck in

If you’re dependable, hands‑on and looking for a stable role with a great small team, we’d like to hear from you –

Important Information

Applicants must:

• Have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa – This is a permanent role so not suitable for WHV holders.
• Be drug‑free and willing to undergo a pre‑employment drug test
• Consent to Ministry of Justice and ACC checks as well as reference checks

Applications from candidates without the legal right to work in New Zealand will not be considered.