Heavy Automotive Diesel Mechanic
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Be part of a safety-focused team that values inclusion and looks after one another
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Enjoy a family-friendly roster offering a great balance between work, family, and lifestyle
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Attractive remuneration package, shift allowance, annual incentive program and relocation assistance considered for suitable candidates
We're Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values of care, courage and curiosity guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Heavy Automotive Diesel Mechanic to join our Mobile Equipment Workshop at NZAS Tiwai. This role is responsible for maintaining, servicing, repairing and diagnosing a diverse fleet of heavy industrial vehicles and equipment that support a world-class aluminium operation.
This is a great opportunity for a skilled and motivated trade professional to join a collaborative team working a roster of 8 days on & 6 days off, over a two-week cycle, with hours of 7:00am to 5:00pm.
Located in Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city, you'll enjoy easy access to world-renowned outdoor adventures, stunning scenery and an exceptional work-life balance.
Reporting to the Supervisor and working within the Mobile Equipment Workshop, you will:
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Conduct planned and unplanned maintenance on heavy industrial mobile equipment
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Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
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Perform fault finding and troubleshooting on a variety of vehicles, loaders and forklifts
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Complete breakdown repairs safely and efficiently to minimise operational disruption
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Ensure equipment reliability through preventative maintenance activities
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Contribute to a strong safety culture and continuous improvement initiatives
About you
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A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
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Relevant mechanical trade qualification, preferably Heavy Automotive Diesel Mechanic or equivalent
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Proven experience maintaining and repairing heavy automotive equipment, loaders and forklifts
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Experience diagnosing and repairing hydraulic systems
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Current New Zealand Class 1 Driver Licence (Class 2 advantageous)
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Strong problem-solving skills, flexibility and the ability to work effectively within production time constraints
What We Offer
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Competitive remuneration package with annual salary reviews
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Annual incentive programme and employee share scheme
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10% employer contribution to your retirement fund
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Southern Cross health insurance for you and your immediate family
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Family-friendly roster supporting work-life balance
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Free bus transport from Invercargill to Tiwai
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Generous leave entitlements, including paid parental leave
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Ongoing training, development and education assistance
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Career progression opportunities within a global organisation
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Supportive team culture focused on safety, wellbeing and inclusion
Where you'll be working
Rio Tinto Aluminium – New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS)
Located at Tiwai Point near Invercargill, NZAS produces some of the world's highest-quality aluminium using renewable hydroelectric power. As part of Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations, NZAS plays an important role in supplying responsibly produced aluminium to global markets.
Invercargill offers an enviable lifestyle with affordable living, excellent schools and easy access to some of New Zealand's most spectacular outdoor destinations, including Fiordland, Stewart Island, Queenstown, world-class fishing, skiing, hiking and wildlife experiences.
As a passionate equal opportunity employer, we strongly encourage applications from women and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
#gts
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQ+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
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.
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Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs—striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win and meet opportunities.
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQ+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities, and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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 who we are.
Start your application
Take your leadership career to the next level.
Where can Rio Tinto take you?
You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.
Take a look at Katie’s career journey
Take a look at Katie’s career journey


- 2022 - PresentManager Projects - Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler - 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2022 – PresentManager Projects – Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler – 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
Working at Rio Tinto
Help us deliver the materials that make human progress possible.
The plane you’re flying in just landed. You fire up your phone and get your laptop out of the overhead bin. Immediately, you’re in work mode – thousands of miles from your office. Do you ever stop to think about all the materials that make life in the 21st century possible? At Rio Tinto, we discover, develop and deliver the materials that drive human progress. When you work with us, you’ll experience advantages you won’t find anywhere else.
Our application process
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Apply
The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.
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Undergo assessments
Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.
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Interview(s)
Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.
04
Offers and checks
At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.
05
Join the Rio Tinto team
Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.



















