Operators - Tiwai
Rio TintoJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Rio Tinto’s Operator role at NZAS in Tiwai Point offers training with no prior industry experience, a family friendly 12-hour schedule (2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off), and a safe inclusive team with opportunities. You operate mobile and fixed plant equipment, perform inspections and housekeeping, and support aluminium production in an industrial setting. The ideal candidate is physically fit, safety minded, holds an NZ driver’s licence, communicates well and works in a team; a forklift licence is advantageous. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plan, transport between Invercargill and Tiwai, and a welcoming culture. To apply, tailor your resume to show stamina, safety record, teamwork, and willingness to learn, highlighting alignment with Rio Tinto’s care, courage and curiosity.
Operator – Tiwai, NZAS - RIO TINTO
Full training provided – no industry experience required
Family-friendly 2 days, 2 nights, 4 days off roster
Join a safe, inclusive team with excellent career opportunities
We're Finding Better Ways™ to provide the materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for Operators to join New Zealand Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) at Tiwai Point.
Our lifestyle-friendly roster follows a 12-hour rotating shift pattern of 2 days, 2 nights and 4 days off, providing more time for the things that matter outside of work.
Reporting to Supervisors and working across our operational teams, you will be:
Operating mobile and fixed plant equipment
Completing inspections and housekeeping activities
Supporting aluminium production processes
Undertaking physical work in an industrial environment
About you
Physically fit and capable of undertaking a hands-on role in an industrial environment, including tasks that require strength, stamina and mobility.
A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
Current full New Zealand driver's licence (essential)
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Positive attitude and willingness to learn
Ability to work a 12-hour rotating shift roster
Forklift licence (F endorsement) is advantageous
What we offer
A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
Competitive base salary with annual bonus
Full training provided with no previous industry experience required
Southern Cross health insurance for you and your eligible family
Employer superannuation through the NZAS Retirement Scheme
Free transport between Invercargill and Tiwai
Annual shift allowance paid monthly (where applicable)
Additional pay when taking annual leave
Uniforms, PPE and laundry services provided
Access to wellbeing support, including on-demand healthcare
Rio Tinto employee share programme
Where you'll be working
NZAS is New Zealand's Aluminium Smelter, located at Tiwai Point near Invercargill.
We produce some of the world's purest aluminium and are proud of the role we play in supporting New Zealand manufacturing and exports.
At NZAS, we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and valued.
Whether you're looking for a career change, returning to the workforce, or taking the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.
#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 LGBTQIA+ 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.