Process Controller

Process Controller – Reduction. Permanent, Full Time

• Technically challenging role with genuine learning and development opportunities
• Attractive remuneration, benefits and generous shift allowance
• Pioneers in producing low carbon, high purity aluminium using renewable hydroelectricity

About the role

All progress begins with pioneers. At Rio Tinto, it begins with you.

We are looking for a Process Controller to monitor and maintain the key process control parameters within our Reduction plant and process at the Tiwai Plant in Invercargill, New Zealand. This is a semi -autonomous role where there is a high level of computer-based control systems.

This role is a great opportunity for a passionate and capable individual who has previous exposure to processing activities (ideally 1 to 2 years processing experience) and a desire to progress their career in process control. Working a continuous, rotating roster of 12-hour shifts on a 2 Day, 2 Night, 4 Off shift cycle (total guaranteed hours of work per shift cycle of 48 hours) and reporting to the Crew Leader, you will be:

• Responsible for monitoring the reduction process and checking for impurities in the chemical process used to create aluminium
• Maintaining the stability, performance and monitoring of Reduction line cells.
• Using plant knowledge and troubleshooting tools to prioritise the tasks in the troubleshooting plan. 
• Identifying improvements in procedures and initiate the approval process for changing procedures where improvements are identified.
• Focusing on process safety and complying to all relevant HSEQ requirements.

What you’ll bring

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated a high level of knowledge of the Reduction Process and Operations.
• An inquisitive nature with the ability to analyse data to identify changes in the process including trends.
• Good mechanical aptitude, able to work effectively autonomously within a team and provide mentoring and coaching to the team.
• A strong commitment to process safety.
• Relevant NZQF Level 7 or higher qualification

What we offer

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program. Estimated annual earnings (inclusive of shift allowance) would be $86,000-$105,000.
• Comprehensive medical assistance scheme
• Attractive share ownership plan
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave) including long service leave
• Access to transport assistance between Invercargill and Tiwai
• Competitive superannuation programme
• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions

Where you will be working

New Zealand’s Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) is New Zealand’s only aluminium smelter. The smelter is on Tiwai Peninsula, across the harbour from the port of Bluff and 26km from Invercargill, the gateway to the magnificent scenery of Southland and Fiordland and within a two hour drive of some of the world’s most beautiful ski fields. The team at Tiwai Point are continuously striving to improve cost competitiveness while ensuring they keep each other safe. Finally, with a strong focus on teamwork – the smelter’s leadership team acknowledge people are the most important input at NZAS. 

About Rio Tinto

Every idea, every innovation, every little thing the world calls ‘progress’ begins with
a first step, and someone willing to take it: explorers, inventors, entrepreneurs. Pioneers. 

For nearly 150 years, Rio Tinto has been a company of pioneers – generations of people spanning the globe, all with the grit and vision to produce materials essential to human progress. 

Our iron ore has shaped skylines from Shanghai to Sydney. Our aluminium – the world’s first to be certified “responsible” – helps planes fly and makes cars lighter. Our copper helps wind turbines power cities and our boron helps feed the world, and explore the universe.

Rio Tinto Aluminium – Pacific Operations

Rio Tinto is a global leader in aluminium, one of the world’s most widely used metals.

Active in the sector for more than 110 years, today we operate large-scale, high-quality bauxite mines and alumina refineries, and have the world’s most modern and competitive aluminium smelter portfolio.

Our Pacific Operations sites are located along the east coast of Australia, at the tip of the Northern Territory and in New Zealand’s south. With more than 6,000 employees, we operate a full value chain approach—mining, refining and smelting. Our portfolio includes four bauxite mines, two refineries, four smelters and one power station, and is supported by technical experts located in our Brisbane hub, including a fully operational Operations Centre for our bauxite mines.

Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city is the commercial hub of Southland. The city is famous for its’ easy access to outdoor adventure—fly fishing, snow sports, rugged terrain, waterfalls and wildlife—with a balance of all the modern facilities you would expect from a thriving city’s restaurants, creative and cultural experiences, shopping and sporting opportunities.

As a passionate equal opportunity employer, NZAS continues to increase our focus on gender diversity – therefore we strongly encourage females to apply, as well as applications from people of all backgrounds.

Every Voice Matters

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.