Cargo Handlers
Port Otago Group’s business comprises a regional container terminal, bulk port activities, cruise, and property investment and development. Based out of 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.
Our diverse portfolio means there is always something on the go and as a business we are collaborative, fast-paced and always open.
We are seeking motivated and capable people to permanently join our Cargo Handler team based in Port Chalmers. While the port industry has traditionally attracted men, times are changing. We strongly encourage women to apply and investigate this opportunity as we continue to strengthen and diversify our team.
About You:
At Port Otago, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We are especially interested in hearing from people who bring the following qualities:
- A strong commitment to health and safety for yourself and your team.
- A positive and collaborative attitude, you’ll be the kind of person who embraces challenges with confidence.
- Team-oriented, enjoys helping others and contributing to shared success.
- Dependable, resilient and easily adapts to change.
- Respectful and solutions focused approach to others.
Previous experience operating heavy machinery or working in labour-intensive roles is not essential, but you’ll need to be motivated to learn.
About the Role:
Our Cargo Handler role is varied; you will complete the following range of duties (plus others):
- Operating straddles and sideloaders, which requires good co-ordination and driving ability.
- Lashing/securing of containers to vessels, which needs a good level of fitness and strength.
- Assisting with mooring of ship berthing lines to secure/unsecure vessels from our terminal.
Our team work outside in all weather conditions and at heights. Full PPE is provided including work boots.
Work Allocation:
As part of our team, you will be provided with an indicative weekly roster each Friday which includes one guaranteed day off (GDO) to help support work/home balance. In addition to the GDO the indicative roster includes:
- Confirmed work allocation and/or days off for Sat/Sun/Mon
- Indicative work allocation and/or days off for Tues/Wed/Thu/Fri (with actual roster confirmed by 1500 the day prior).
- A guaranteed minimum of 40 hours of work each week (4 x 10-hour shifts or 5 x 8-hour shifts depending on your team rotation).
- Indicative notice if overtime shifts may be required (up to 50 hours) which are typically needed during our peak season.
Pay and Benefits:
You’ll receive just over $83k per annum for working a 40-hour working week plus superannuation health insurance and an availability allowance on top – at a total package value of $100k.
The small print…
- The availability allowance is $100 per week which you are paid to be available to be allocated for an additional shift each week.
- Health insurance is paid for you and your partner and dependent children (valued at $6,600 p.a.).
- Superannuation is matched up to 7% after 6 months service.
In addition to the total minimum package (outlined above), the following is up for grabs:
- Voluntary overtime over 50 hours is paid at double-time the hourly rate ($80 per hour).
- 5 weeks annual leave.
- Free parking and EV Chargers.
- Wellness Programme and initiatives such as Health Checks, Fruit Boxes and Free Period Products.
- $5k towards relocation to Dunedin.
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.
- Random drug and alcohol testing.
How do I apply?
Please apply online via our website to ensure our Port Otago Application Form is completed.
Ensure that you include a copy of your up-to-date CV.
We acknowledge that women are less likely to apply for a role if they feel they don’t tick all the boxes. If this role is of interest to you but you feel you don’t fit, we would still love to see an application from you.
Applications close Sunday 5 October 2025, at 5pm.
Don’t delay, make sure you apply as soon as a possible as we will be reviewing applications as they come in, and the close date may change.
