Depot Operator
Port Otago Group’s business comprises a regional container terminal, bulk port activities, cruise and property investment and development. 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.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a Depot Operator to join our team on a permanent full-time basis, based predominately at our site in South Dunedin.
If you’re an all-rounder who enjoys variety in your work week, this role offers a clear pathway to grow your skills and your pay. You’ll start on the wash pad and progress through container repairs, side loader operation and surveying, with training provided along the way. As you’re trained and signed off in each area, your pay rate increases to match, and you’ll keep that rate whatever task you’re assigned on the day.
Your skills and pay pathway:
· Wash pad: cleaning containers to MPI and customer standards and completing audit sheets as required
· Container repairs: carrying out repairs and upgrades to containers, including welding and fabrication
· Side loader operation: moving empty containers between road and rail transport and yard storage
· Surveying: surveying containers and identifying those needing repair
Hours of Work:
· 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with no shift work.
· Our team may start later or earlier from time to time to work in with daylight hours if needed
· You may occasionally need to work overtime to meet operational requirements.
About you
You're a reliable team player who enjoys practical work, takes pride in a job well done. You'll enjoy working in a physically active environment and be comfortable adapting to a variety of tasks throughout the week.
To be successful in this position you will also:
- Have a strong commitment to health and safety for self and others
- Have a strong work ethic, excellent attendance, and good time management skills
- Be an effective communicator who works well with a range of people
- Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving ability, while knowing when to seek support
- Be willing to learn new skills and complete all required training
- Be confident using computers and workplace systems
Experience with welding and/or operating heavy machinery, is preferred, but not essential – you just need to be willing to learn!
What’s in it for you?
In return, you'll have the opportunity to develop a wide range of operational skills while working within a supportive team environment.
We also offer comprehensive health insurance cover for you, your partner and dependent children (valued at $8,800 p.a.), a 7% employer superannuation contribution after 6 months’ service, free onsite parking, full uniform, and a range of wellbeing initiatives.
In addition, for our successful candidate, we will contribute up to $5,000 towards relocation costs to Dunedin.
Heads up:
- A full, clean, Class 1 NZ driver’s license is required
- You must be able to pass Ministry of Justice, ACC, a full medical and functional fitness test, and drug and alcohol testing requirements
- We complete random drug and alcohol testing
How do I apply?
If you have any questions about the role, please contact us at people@portotago.co.nz. Or if you’re ready to apply, applications need to be submitted online via our Port Otago Careers page.
Please ensure that you include a cover letter and a copy of your up-to-date CV along with your application. If you’re based outside of Dunedin, please tell us in your cover letter what’s drawing you to Ōtepoti Dunedin.
Applications close: Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 5pm.
Don’t delay applying as we will be shortlisting as applications come through.
