Sawmill Labourer

Tradestaff New Zealand; Rotorua; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradestaff New Zealand in Rotorua is seeking a reliable Sawmill Labourer to join a busy timber production operation. This hands-on role suits someone who can contribute to keeping a fast-moving sawmill running safely and efficiently.

You will handle timber, operate and assist with sawmill machinery, ensure quality, and help prepare products for storage. A MOJ check and pre-employment drug test are required, with availability for day or night shifts and your own transport.

Qualifications

• Previous sawmill, timber processing, or wood manufacturing experience.
• Physically fit and comfortable with repetitive, hands‑on work.
• Reliable with your own transport to get to and from shifts.
• Flexible and available to work either day or night shifts as required.
• Safety‑conscious and confident working around production machinery.
• Able to complete a clear Ministry of Justice (MOJ) check.
• Able to pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test.

Responsibilities

• Handle, sort, stack, and prepare timber throughout the production process
• Assist with sawmill machinery and timber-processing equipment
• Feed and remove timber from production lines safely and efficiently
• Check timber for quality, defects, and production requirements
• Bundle and prepare finished timber products for storage or dispatch
• Clear offcuts and maintain clean, organised production areas
• Work closely with the production crew to keep the mill running smoothly

Skills

Sawmill experience

Physically fit

Reliable transport

Shift flexibility

Safety-conscious

MOJ check

Drug test

Job description

Sawmill Labourer

Tradestaff is looking for a reliable Sawmill Labourer to join a busy timber production operation in Rotorua. We’re after someone who enjoys physical, hands-on work and can contribute to keeping a fast-moving sawmill running safely and efficiently.

Location: Central Rotorua, Rotorua
Start date: Immediate start
Pay rate: $25–$28 per hour + weekly pay

What You’ll Be Doing

• Handle, sort, stack, and prepare timber throughout the production process


• Assist with sawmill machinery and timber-processing equipment


• Feed and remove timber from production lines safely and efficiently


• Check timber for quality, defects, and production requirements


• Bundle and prepare finished timber products for storage or dispatch


• Clear offcuts and maintain clean, organised production areas


• Work closely with the production crew to keep the mill running smoothly

What We’re Looking For

• Previous sawmill, timber processing, or wood manufacturing experience


• Physically fit and comfortable with repetitive, hands‑on work


• Reliable with your own transport to get to and from shifts


• Flexible and available to work either day or night shifts as required


• Safety‑conscious and confident working around production machinery


• Able to complete a clear Ministry of Justice (MOJ) check


• Able to pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test

What’s in It for You?

• Potential for ongoing work with an established timber operation


• Be part of a welcoming and experienced production crew


• Gain further experience within New Zealand’s timber industry


• Hands‑on role in a fast‑paced production environment


• Opportunity to build practical sawmill and processing skills


• PPE provided where required


• Support from the Tradestaff team throughout your assignment

Why Tradestaff

We’re a trusted recruitment partner with over 3 decades of experience in matching skilled tradies with great opportunities. We’re also proud members of the Recruitment & Consulting Services Association (RCSA) of Australia and New Zealand, which means we’re committed to high standards and ethical practices.