Cargo Handler
Port Otago Group’s business comprises a regional container terminal, bulk port activities, cruise, and property investment and development. Based at Port Chalmers (Dunedin), we service South Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, working with customers to streamline their supply chains. Our culture is hands-on; safety focused and encourages continuous improvement.
We’re looking for motivated people to join our Cargo Handler team at Port Chalmers on a permanent basis. You don’t need experience operating heavy machinery or working in a physical role. If you’re keen to learn, we’ll provide full training and support you as you build the skills for the role. We’re proud of the mix of people on our team and welcome applications from women as we’re working hard to improve our gender balance.
Meet Danielle:
Danielle joined us as a Cargo Handler with no port experience, after working as a 2IC at a supermarket and running a crane at a steel yard. She’s now signed off to do lashing, drive straddles, and work together with a team with mooring of ship berthing lines. “I’m a people person, so I really enjoy the team atmosphere.” She even reckons the late shift is manageable. Read Danielle’s story: portotago.co.nz/people-and-careers/our-people/danielle-hansen
About the Role:
Our Cargo Handler role is varied; you will complete the following range of duties (plus others):
· Operating straddles and sideloader’s, which requires good co-ordination and driving ability.
· Lashing and securing containers to vessels. It’s physical work and you’ll be on your feet, but good technique matters more than size, and we’ll train you in it.
· Assisting with mooring of ship berthing lines to secure and release vessel at our terminal.
Our team works outside in all weathers and sometimes at heights, always with the right safety gear and training.
About you:
· A strong commitment to health and safety for yourself and your team.
· A positive, collaborative attitude and the confidence to take on new challenges.
· A team-first approach. You enjoy helping others and contributing to shared success.
· Reliability and flexibility when plans change.
· A respectful, solutions-focused approach with others.
Shifts and roster:
This is shift work, including days, late nights (up to 2am) and weekends. Our three teams rotate through a roster cycle, so you’ll always know which pattern is coming up:
- 2 weeks on vessel day shift: 6am–4pm, at least 4 x 10-hour shifts on any day, as ships call
- 2 weeks on vessel late shift: 4pm–2am, at least 4 x 10-hour shifts on any day, as ships call
- 2 weeks in the yard: Monday to Friday, 5 x 8-hour shifts (you’ll work either 7am–3pm or 3pm–11pm each time you rotate into the yard), with Saturday overtime as required
You’ll get an indicative roster each Friday, with one guaranteed day off and one or two rostered days off that may change with shipping. Saturday to Monday shifts are confirmed on Friday, and Tuesday to Friday shifts by 3pm the day before. You’re guaranteed at least 40 hours a week, plus availability for one additional shift (covered by your allowance). Weeks of up to 50 hours may be needed, mainly in peak season which is November to July each year.
Why us?
You’ll receive just over $90k per annum for working a guaranteed 40-hour week, with a total package value of over $110k per annum, including:
· Availability allowance: $108 a week for being available to work one additional shift (and an overtime payment for that shift when you work it).
· Health insurance: covers you, your partner and dependent children ($8,800 p.a.).
· Superannuation: matched up to 7% after 6 months’ service.
Plus:
· Time and a half ($65/hr) for all hours worked between 50 and 60 and Double time ($87/hr) for voluntary overtime over 50 hours
· 5 weeks annual leave
· Free parking and EV chargers
· On-site kitchen, showers, changing rooms, hairdryers and free period products
· Wellness Programme, including health checks and fruit boxes
· $5k towards relocation to Dunedin if you currently live out of town
Heads up:
· A full clean NZ Drivers licence is required.
· You must be eligible to work in New Zealand.
· You must be able to pass Criminal Conviction Screening, ACC checks and a full medical which includes a drug and alcohol test and functional movement testing (a practical check that you can safely do the role’s movements).
· We complete regular random drug and alcohol testing.
How do I apply?
Apply online at www.portotago.co.nz/careers and include your up-to-date CV.
Our process includes a phone chat, then an on-site session with a computer-based coordination assessment, a practical terminal assessment (including climbing up into a straddle!) and an interview.
Don’t tick every box? We know women are less likely to apply unless they do, and we’d still love to hear from you.
Applications close 5pm, Sunday 8 November 2026. We’re reviewing applications as they come in and the close date may change, so don’t delay.
