Production Operator – Tiwai

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU. NEW JOB.

Why join us?

• Build a new career – full training provided; machinery or forklift experience is a bonus.
• Work-life balance – our lifestyle-friendly roster gives you more time for the things that matter.
• Supportive teams – your safety, wellbeing, and growth come first.

About the role

New Zealand’s Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) at Tiwai is searching for motivated, hands-on people ready to take on a rewarding and active role as Production Operators.

This is a physically demanding role—ideal for people who enjoy hands-on work, being active all day, and operating machinery.

You’ll be part of one of our core operational areas: Reduction, Carbon Rodding, Carbon Green & Bake, or Casting & Logistics.

Safety is our number one priority. You’ll be well supported with training, quality equipment, and a strong team around you.

What you’ll do

As a Production Operator, you’ll work in a physical, fast-paced environment operating mobile and fixed plant equipment while completing essential manual tasks. This includes:

• Keeping safety front and centre
• Working as part of a strong team
• Operating machinery such as forklifts, cranes, sweepers and other equipment
• Manual physical tasks including:
  • Tapping metal
  • Cell dressing
  • Beam raising
  • Furnace preparation
  • Pit operations
  • Production inspections
  • Heavy lifting and active on-feet work throughout the shift

You will work a 12‑hour rotating roster (two days, two nights, four days off), giving you a great balance of work and personal time.

About you

We’re looking for people who are:

• Confident operating machinery or forklifts (preferred)
• Must have current drivers licence.
• Comfortable doing physical, heavy, hands-on work in a hot industrial environment
• Team-focused, reliable, and safety-conscious
• Motivated to learn and build a long-term career
• Experienced in shift work or physical labour (advantageous but not essential)

What we offer

As part of the Rio Tinto group, you’ll receive:

• Full on-the-job training
• A safety-first work culture
• Competitive salary + annual incentive program
• Medical insurance
• Share ownership plan
• Generous leave entitlements (annual, parental, sick, long service)
• Transport assistance between Invercargill and Tiwai
• Competitive superannuation
• Career development & education support