Mechanical Technician / Fitter - Ecogas Ōtautahi

JobSpace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Health insurance

Life insurance

Trauma insurance

Wellness initiatives

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Ecogas Ōtautahi in Christchurch is building a brand-new organic waste-to-energy facility and seeks a Mechanical Technician to guide maintenance as the plant comes to life.

You will work with engineers and contractors during construction and commissioning, take ownership of day-to-day mechanical maintenance, plan activities, inspect equipment, and help establish safety and reliability standards for a site turning food waste into renewable gas.

Qualifications

• Recognised mechanical trade qualification, such as Mechanical Engineering, Fitting and Machining, Maintenance Engineering or equivalent
• Experience maintaining mechanical equipment in an industrial/operational environment
• Strong fault-finding and practical problem-solving skills
• Experience with preventative maintenance and plant reliability
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, manuals and technical information
• Experience with plant isolations, permits and risk assessments
• Ability to plan work, organise parts and maintain records
• Health and safety mindful, disciplined approach
• Physical capability to inspect plant and lift up to 20 kg

Responsibilities

• Supporting installation and commissioning of mechanical plant and equipment
• Owning preventative maintenance and mechanical reliability
• Inspecting plant for wear, damage or emerging issues
• Diagnosing faults and completing repairs to minimise downtime
• Maintaining pumps, gearboxes, conveyors, pipework, valves and processing machinery
• Planning maintenance work and coordinating parts, contractors and resources
• Completing isolations, permits and pre-work risk assessments
• Maintaining maintenance records and as-built documentation
• Supporting plant operations and assist with electrical or site work when appropriate
• Collaborating with contractors, suppliers and technical specialists
• Suggesting practical safety and maintenance improvements
• Participating in on-call roster once the plant is operational

Job description

Mechanical Technician / Fitter - Ecogas Ōtautahi

Mechanical Technician / Fitter – Ecogas Ōtautahi (Christchurch)

Help build it. Learn it. Keep it running.

Ecogas is building a brand-new organic waste-to-energy facility in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and we are looking for a Mechanical Technician to join the team as the plant comes to life.

This is a rare chance to get involved before the first full day of operation. You will work alongside the people constructing and commissioning the facility, learn the plant from the ground up, and help set the maintenance standards that will support it well into the future.

The Christchurch facility will turn food waste into renewable gas and fertiliser. It is a first for the city, backed by the experience and track record of Ecogas' established operation in Reporoa.

If you know your way around industrial plant, enjoy finding the real cause of a problem, and would rather improve equipment than keep patching the same fault, this is an opportunity worth a closer look.

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will be the site's mechanical specialist and a key member of the new Christchurch operations team.

During construction and commissioning, you will work alongside contractors, suppliers and the wider project team. You will become familiar with the plant before it enters full operation, support commissioning activities, and help establish practical maintenance plans, procedures and equipment records.

Once the facility is operational, you will take ownership of its day-to-day mechanical maintenance and reliability. That will include planned maintenance, inspections, fault-finding, breakdown response and improvement work across a varied processing plant.

This is a hands‑on role, but it is not only about turning spanners. You will plan work, coordinate contractors, order parts, maintain accurate records and look for ways to make equipment safer, more reliable and easier to maintain.

Your work will include:

• Supporting the installation and commissioning of mechanical plant and equipment
• Taking ownership of preventative maintenance and mechanical reliability
• Inspecting plant and identifying wear, damage or emerging equipment issues
• Diagnosing faults and completing repairs to minimise downtime
• Maintaining equipment such as pumps, gearboxes, conveyors, pipework, valves and processing machinery
• Planning maintenance work and coordinating parts, contractors and other resources
• Completing isolations, permits and pre‑work risk assessments
• Maintaining accurate maintenance records, equipment information and as‑built documentation
• Supporting plant operations and assisting with electrical or general site work where appropriate
• Working with contractors, suppliers and other technical specialists
• Bringing forward practical ideas to improve safety, plant performance and maintainability
• Participating in an on‑call roster once the plant is operational

Because this is a new facility, you will have a genuine opportunity to influence how maintenance is planned and how the team works. You will not be expected to have every answer on day one, but you will be expected to ask good questions, learn the plant and follow issues through.

About You

You are a qualified mechanical tradesperson who is comfortable working around industrial plant.

You understand that reliable equipment does not happen by chance. It comes from good inspections, sound preventative maintenance, accurate records and people who take the time to find the underlying cause of a fault.

You can work through a problem methodically, interpret drawings and manuals, and make practical decisions when equipment is not behaving as it should. You also know the difference between keeping a plant safely running and taking a shortcut that creates a bigger problem later.

You will be joining a new team, so how you work with others will matter. We are looking for someone who shares knowledge, communicates clearly and is prepared to pitch in outside a narrow job description when the site needs it.

You will bring:

• A recognised mechanical trade qualification, such as Mechanical Engineering, Fitting and Machining, Maintenance Engineering or an equivalent qualification
• Experience maintaining mechanical equipment in an industrial or operational environment
• Strong fault‑finding and practical problem‑solving skills
• Experience with preventative maintenance and plant reliability
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, manuals and technical information
• Experience working safely with plant isolations, permits and risk assessments
• The ability to plan work, organise parts and keep accurate maintenance records
• A practical and disciplined approach to health and safety
• The physical capability to inspect plant, work around industrial equipment and lift up to 20 kg unassisted

Experience in processing, manufacturing, food production, waste, utilities, agriculture or energy would be useful. Welding and fabrication skills, commissioning experience, and licences or training such as forklift, Wheels, Tracks and Rollers, confined spaces or working at height would also be an advantage.

Most importantly, you will take ownership of what is in front of you. You notice when something is not right, speak up early and do not walk away assuming someone else will sort it.

About Us

At Ecogas, we're committed to transforming waste into sustainable energy, leading the charge in New Zealand's renewable energy sector. We believe in creating a circular economy that benefits both the environment and our communities.

We're part of Pioneer Energy Group, which is majority owned by Central Lakes Trust and supported by a strategic equity partnership with Tōtara Energy LP. Together, our shareholders are committed to long‑term, community‑focused and sustainable investment in New Zealand's renewable energy future.

Our values guide how we work and how we support our people:

• We care for each other – acting with compassion, respect, and commitment
• We embrace kaitiakitanga – protecting our people, communities, and environment
• We take ownership – being accountable and empowered to act
• We focus on what matters – delivering with purpose
• We are one team – working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes

Why Work for Us?

We offer benchmarked, competitive remuneration and opportunities for learning and development. Our employee benefits include flexible working options, health, life and trauma insurance, wellness initiatives, Employee Assistance Programmes, flu vaccinations, and volunteering opportunities.