Machine Operator

Southwood Export LtdOtherInvercargill, Southland2w ago
If you are practical and hardworking with a passion for working outside with machinery, this may be the opportunity you have been looking for!
Southwood Export Ltd is looking to appoint a permanent Machine Operator to work at their Woodchip Mill Site in Awarua (Invercargill) and Stockpiling operation at Southport, Bluff. Responsibilities include operating heavy mobile plant (bulldozers, grapple diggers, wheeled loaders, and forklifts), material handling conveyors, and carrying out some manual tasks.
Southwood Export Ltd (SWEL) is a vertically integrated wood chip manufacturing and export business which has been operating since 1981. SWEL manages 12,500 hectares of eucalyptus plantations in Southland and South Otago, owns and operates a Chip Mill facility and ship loading equipment at the port of Bluff. Currently harvesting around 350,000 tons of eucalyptus logs per year which are chipped and exported to paper mills in Japan.
Reporting to the Operations and Port Managers, the primary purpose of this role will be to:
• Operate the heavy machinery at the Chip Mill facility in Awarua including grapple diggers, wheeled loaders, bulldozers, forklifts, and material handling conveyors.
• Follow all Health and Safety, systems, and processes.
• Work in a team environment to deliver on the work outputs and complete manual tasks as directed. Task are carried out on a rotational basis.
• Provide support and work as part of the team at Southport during ship loading. Which takes place approximately every 6 weeks.
The role will be based at site in Awarua (Invercargill) and Bluff, with a wonderful lifestyle on your doorstep and offers competitive terms and conditions, Ideally, you will be someone who has:
• Experience of working with heavy machinery ideally in an industrial environment.
• Good physical fitness to be able undertake manual tasks.
• Willingness and the ability to work long hours at times to meet company requirements.
• The ability to work well as part of a team.
• An excellent work ethic and commitment to health and safety practices.
• Self-motivation and willingness to be flexible around working hours including night shift at times.
• High levels of energy, drive, and enthusiasm.
For further information please email: Paul McMaster, Operations Manager, Southwood Export Ltd at pmcmaster@southwood.co.nz
We would like to receive all applications by Monday 26 October 2026, we may shortlist and interview candidates who meet the criteria before this date. We look forward to receiving your application!

Related jobs

Shepherd

Te Uranga B2 Incorporation•Other•Ruapehu, Manawatu-Whanganui

Te Uranga B2 Incorporation operates a 1,153ha Sheep and Beef enterprise 10 minutes north east of Taumarunui carrying 12,000 stock units and is a past finalist in the Ahuwhenua Trophy Maori Farmer of the Year. With a mixed stocking policy including both sheep and beef with a…

16h ago

Process Operator - Cream Products

Tatua•Other•Matamata-Piako, Waikato

We are looking for a motivated and reliable Process Operator to join our Cream Products Plant in a permanent, full-time role. As a Process Operator, you'll play a key role in ensuring our production processes run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Working as part of a…

16h ago

Qualified Arborist | Whangārei

T8 Group Limited•Other•Whangarei, Northland

Join Northland's growing team at T8 Tree Services T8 Tree Services is looking for a qualified and motivated Arborist to join our Whangārei-based team. We work across Northland delivering high-quality tree maintenance, vegetation management, and arboricultural services for…

16h ago

Shepherd

Brancott•Other•Hastings, Hawke's Bay

Brancott is a 630ha (530ha eff) Sheep and Breeding farm Located in the Waiwhare District in Hawkes Bay. The block is mainly made up of rolling/medium hill country with scattered blocks of Kanuka throughout. The Stocking policy is made up of * 330 Angus cattle calved * 2000…

1d ago

Machine Operate/All Rounder

GT Harvesting Ltd•Other•Masterton, Wellington

GT Harvesting is a Mechanised Swing yarder crew with long term work based in the Wairarapa and we are seeking an all rounder or -Tether Mech Faller -Loader Operator -Processor Operator You will need to be trained to task, but training will be provide to the right applicant. A…

1d ago

Agricultural Machinery Operator

E D Swain Ltd•Other•Selwyn, Canterbury

Loader operator Immediate start E.D. Swain Ltd is an Agricultural Contracting & Transport operation located in Dunsandel, 30 minutes south of Christchurch. We are a family owned and operated business and strive on providing our clients with a high-quality service. We…

1d ago

Head Shepherd

Otara Station•Other•Gisborne, Gisborne

Our current Head Shepherd is stepping up to become our Stock Manager. We now have an opportunity for a Head Shepherd to join our team at Otara Station, located 30 minutes from Gisborne. You will report directly to the Stock Manager. Otara is 3650ha, running 23000 su. It is a…

1d ago

Manuwai Station - Stock Manager

Manuwai Station•Other•Nūhaka, Hawke's Bay

An opportunity has become available for the role of Stock Manager at Manuwai Station, located at Nuhaka, approximately halfway between Gisborne and Wairoa and within easy reach of Mahia. Manuwai is a 1,250 hectare sheep and beef property running approximately 12,500 stock…

2d ago

Alpaca Shearing Road Crew Lead-Hand

Shearing Alpacas NZ Wide•Other•Waimakariri, Canterbury

ALPACA SHEARING ROAD CREW LEAD HAND Immediate start — or, ideally, yesterday! We’re looking for a hardworking, switched-on assistant to join an alpaca shearing team travelling around New Zealand. See the best of the country, be part of a proper adventure, and work alongside…

3d ago

Experienced Shepherd

Bonavaree Farm•Other•Marlborough, Marlborough

Be part of a team that appreciates you as much as you appreciate being part of the team! Do you want to learn new skills and be part of this award-winning business setting new levels of excellence in all aspects of farming? Bonavaree Farm is looking for an Experienced…

3d ago