Trainee Underground Mine Operator

OceanaGold Corporation; Waihi; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Residential role in Waihi

Company bonus scheme

7 on 7 off roster

Southern Cross Healthcare

Life Insurance

Free Gym Membership

BP Fuel card discount

Employee discounts

Long service recognition

EAP available

Job summary

OceanaGold Waihi is seeking Trainee Underground Mine Operators to join our team, with a 50/50 roster offering great work-life balance in Waihi. We focus on safety, teamwork and personal development, providing opportunities for career growth and a competitive benefits package.

The role requires a strong safety mindset, a must-have full NZ class 1 licence (manual), good fitness, and willingness to undergo medical and background checks. Training will start with an 8-week program across day shifts.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to the underground mining team so that budgeted development and production targets are achieved.
• 8-week training programme (all dayshifts) including underground induction and orientation, emergency procedures, nipper duties and SOPs, truck operating SOPs.
• Deliver personnel and equipment to job sites and return surplus supplies to stores.
• Offsides and assist Jumbo Operators to achieve targets.
• Assist with collection of production samples and with face setup.
• Underground housekeeping and mine pump maintenance/installation.
• Pre-start and shutdown checks on equipment; load and transport ore; maintain clean loading areas.

Skills

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Initiative

Tools

Driver license (Class 1)

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. A recent consent for the Waihi North Project, a new mine to be developed 6km north of the existing operation has provided a long-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 the long-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 mining industry.

If you're someone who thrives on teamwork and working safely, then we want to hear from you! Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity.

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 the collection of production samples.
• Assist with face set up.
• Underground housekeeping.
• Assist with mine pump maintenance and installation.
• Perform pre-start and shut down checks on all equipment to ensure units are kept clean and in a serviceable condition.
• Load and transport ore from chutes/loader to tipple.
• Hose down hang ups in chutes.
• Keep loading area clean and ensure spillage is cleaned up on tramming drive.
• 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.
• Good communication skills.
• 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 the year)
• Hours of work: 7:15am/pm to 7:15pm/am (12 hour shifts) - includes nightshift
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare
• Life Insurance
• Free Gym Membership
• BP Fuel card discount
• 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