Trainee Underground Mine Operator

OceanaGold Corporation; Masterton District; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Residential role in Waihi

Competitive hourly rate

Company bonus scheme

Free Southern Cross Healthcare

Life Insurance

Free Gym Membership

Employee discounts

EAP access

Job summary

OceanaGold Waihi is seeking Trainee Underground Mine Operators to join our team, supporting a 50/50 roster and a strong safety culture. The role offers residential opportunities in Waihi, with competitive hourly rates, career growth, and comprehensive benefits.

Responsibilities include assisting with development targets, training during the 8-week programme, and on-site tasks such as transporting personnel and equipment, aiding jumbo operators, and maintaining underground housekeeping.

Qualifications

• 18+ years of age.
• Full class 1 Driver License (manual transmission required).
• Good level of fitness.
• First Aid Certificate (preferred).
• Ability to pass pre-employment background checks including medical and fitness assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to the underground mining team to meet budgeted development and production targets.
• 8 week training programme with emphasis on safety and SOPs.
• Deliver personnel and equipment to job sites and return surplus supplies to stores.
• Support with face setup and continuous underground housekeeping.

Skills

Fitness

Manual driving

First Aid

Safety mindset

Reliability

Job description

OceanaGold is a global intermediate gold and copper producer with more than 35 years of exploration, development and operating experience.We have four operating mines – Haile in the USA, Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand, and Didipio in the Philippines and a global workforce of ~ 5 , 400 employees and contractors.

Our people, assets, and strategy are core to our success. Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, supply and invest in, to create value.We are committed to safe and responsible mining that generates strong returns and contributes to sustainable development in the regions where we operate. OceanaGold is listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (TSX: OGC; NYSE:OGC).

Our Waihi Operation in the North Island of New Zealand is an underground gold mine.Arecent consent for the Waihi North Project, a new mine to be developed 6 km north of the existing operation has provided along-term extension of mine life providing our 400 + staff and contractors, and the people of Waihi, an assurance that we plan to be here for thelong-term.

Job Description

Looking for an exciting opportunity to kick-start your career in the Mining Industry? Look no further than OceanaGold Waihi! We are currently seeking Trainee Underground Mine Operators to join our team, who share our commitment to achieving an injury-free work environment and have a high regard for personal safety and the safety of their colleagues.

At OceanaGold Waihi, we run a 50 / 50 roster, which means you’ll have a great work-life balance and the chance to live in a fantastic location. Plus, with exciting and challenging opportunities for career growth, competitive salaries, and fantastic benefits, OceanaGold Waihi is the perfect place to start your career in the miningindustry.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity and take the first step towards a rewarding career at OceanaGoldWaihi.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

Provide assistance to the underground mining team so that budgeted development and production targets are achieved.

Operational:

8 week training programme (all dayshifts) consisting of:

• Underground Induction and orientation.
• Emergency procedures.
• Nipper duties and relevant SOP’s.
• Truck operating SOP’s and practical skills.

Role may include, but not limited to the following tasks:

• Deliver personnel and equipment to job sites and returns surplus supplies to stores.
• Offsides and assists Jumbo Operators to achieve targets.
• Assist with face setup.
• Underground housekeeping.
• Perform pre-start and shut down checks on all equipment to ensure units are kept clean and in a serviceable condition.
• Operate equipment by day and night.
• Understand underground mine layout and ground conditions.

Other:

• Assist with the training and development of other mine operators by providing on-the-job information, mentoring and guidance to ensure they are operating safely.
• Carry out all other duties that may reasonably be required.

Qualifications

The successful candidate(s) will require the following:

• 18 + years of age.
• Full class 1 Driver License (ability to drive manual vehicles is essential).
• A good level of fitness.
• First Aid Certificate (preferred).
• Ability to pass all pre-employment background checks including a medical and functional fitness assessment as well as drug and alcohol testing.

Experience

• Previous experience operating equipment in mining environment is an advantage but not essential.
• Reliable and committed to working rostered shifts and maintaining a strong work ethic.
• High commitment to safety.
• Knowledge of equipment operation.
• Mechanical aptitude.
• Initiative—ability to work with minimal supervision.

Additional Information

As part of our commitment to supporting local communities, applications from local residents are encouraged. All candidates will be assessed on their skills, qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.

WHAT’S ON OFFER:

• Residential role—live and work in Waihi, the gateway to the stunning Coromandel region
• Competitive hourly rate & company bonus scheme
• 7 on 7 off, even time lifestyle roster (work only half year)
• Hours of work: 7 : 15 am/pm to 7 : 15 pm/am (12 hour shifts)—includes night shift
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare
• Life Insurance
• Free Gym Membership
• Discounts on retail and services
• Long service recognition
• Living Our Values recognition program
• Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected
  

YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success.Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at [e-mail]

Applications close 23 October 2026 . Shortlisting will commence immediately. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED