General Fitter/ Trades Assistant

General Fitter/ Trades Assistant – Dunedin

Are you a practical, hands-on person with mechanical skills and a strong interest in plant operations? We are looking for a General Fitter, or a capable Trades Assistant with strong mechanical aptitude, to join our team at the Dunedin Energy Centre.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys varied operational and maintenance work, takes pride in keeping plant running safely and reliably, and is keen to develop their skills in boiler operation. Training will be provided for the successful candidate to work towards becoming a Boiler Operator.

The Job

You will provide practical and technical support to help ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Dunedin Energy Centre. This role will involve supporting plant operations, preventative maintenance, fault finding, boiler survey work and other project work as required.

Your responsibilities include:

• Supporting the operation and maintenance of boilers and associated plant


• Assisting with preventative maintenance, fault finding and mechanical tasks


• Supporting boiler survey work, inspections, testing and project work


• Helping ensure plant is safely isolated during maintenance activities


• Keeping work areas clean, tidy, safe and secure


• Maintaining positive customer, contractor and team relationships


• Supporting health, safety, and compliance requirements

The site operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and this role works on a rostered shift basis.

About you
You are practical, reliable and safety-conscious, with a strong interest in mechanical work and plant operations. You enjoy hands-on tasks, problem solving, and working as part of a team. You bring a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a calm, professional approach to supporting safe and reliable site operations.

You will ideally have:

• A General Fitter qualification or relevant trade/mechanical background


• Trades Assistant experience, or strong practical mechanical experience


• An interest in training towards becoming a Boiler Operator


• Thermal energy, boiler house, steam plant or industrial plant experience


• Good problem-solving skills and a practical, solutions-focused approach


• A proactive approach to health, safety and hazard management


• The ability to follow procedures and work safely in an operational environment


• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with customers, contractors and colleagues


• Physical fitness and the ability to meet the demands of hands-on operational and maintenance work


• A great attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to contribute to the wider team

About us

Pioneer Energy operates and maintains a diverse portfolio of renewable and sustainable energy assets across Aotearoa New Zealand, including hydroelectric power schemes, wind farms, thermal energy schemes, and a wood fuel division. With people, plant, and assets from Auckland to Bluff, our head office is based in Alexandra, Central Otago.

Pioneer Energy is majority owned by Central Lakes Trust, which has distributed over $100 million in grants to community projects throughout the region, alongside a strategic equity partnership with Tōtara Energy LP, a New Zealand‑based investment partnership with a strong Māori investment base. Together, our shareholders share a commitment to long‑term, community‑focused and sustainable investment in New Zealand’s renewable energy future

Our values guide how we work and how we support our people:

• We care for each other – acting with compassion, respect, and commitment


• We embrace kaitiakitanga – protecting our people, communities, and environment


• We take ownership – being accountable and empowered to act


• We focus on what matters – delivering with purpose


• We are one team – working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes

Why Work for Us?

We offer benchmarked, competitive remuneration and opportunities for learning and development. Our employee benefits include flexible working options, health, life and trauma insurance, wellness initiatives, Employee Assistance Programmes, flu vaccinations, and volunteering opportunities.

How to Apply

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we would love to hear from you.

To be considered, you must:

• Be eligible to work in New Zealand


• Pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test
  
  

To view the full position description here.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be held throughout the advertising period. Applications close 10 July 2026.

If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected]

You can find out more about our company, people, and projects by visiting www.pioneerenergy.co.nz.