Process Autoclave and Floatation Operator

OceanaGold is hiring at its Macraes site in the Otago region for a Process Autoclave and Floatation Operator. OceanaGold is a global intermediate gold and copper producer with more than 35 years of exploration, development and operating experience. They operate four mines, Haile in the United States, Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand, and Didipio in the Philippines, and employ around 5,400 people worldwide. The company lives by values such as care, respect, integrity, performance and teamwork, and remains committed to safe, responsible mining that supports sustainable development in the regions it serves. This could be a strong entry point for someone starting a career in mine processing.

Based onsite at Macraes, this role centres on running and tuning the process plant’s Reagent Mixing and Services circuit in line with critical operating sheets, training materials and standard operating procedures. You’ll look for opportunities to improve the process and, once changes are approved, help implement them. You’ll work with other operators, gold room staff and plant personnel to minimise downtime and ensure clear, effective handovers between shifts.

There’s also scope to assist with mechanical, electrical, metallurgical and services tasks as needed to keep the Processing Plant operating at peak availability. The role supports ongoing professional development and continuous improvement activities, including stepping into plant areas as required to lend a hand and share your skills.

A hands-on start in Macraes' processing plant

Your day-to-day involves operating and optimising the reagent mixing and services circuit, following the plant’s critical operating sheets and training materials. You’ll keep accurate records, log sheets, logbooks and checklists, and flag any unrectified variances to the Shift Coordinator promptly. Collaboration is key as you coordinate with colleagues across operators, the gold room and other plant personnel to minimise downtime, and you’ll ensure a thorough handover to the next shift with all essential information passed along. Beyond routine duties, you’ll assist with various plant tasks such as screen changes, autoclave and floatation inspections, and service area checks, including pipeline work, to help maximise plant availability.

Must-have requirements

Here’s what you need to bring to apply.

• A full, current driver’s licence and the ability to drive a manual vehicle is preferred
• Current New Zealand work rights are required for this position

Nice-to-have extras

Extras that could help you stand out include these.

• An OSH approved forklift licence, or a similar certification, would be well regarded
• Experience with forklifts, trucks or skid steer loaders is an advantage
• Previous processing plant experience, or a similar environment, will be well regarded

Pay, benefits and practical details

This is a residential role in Otago with a 7 days on / 7 days off, 12-hour day/night shifts. The package includes a competitive salary plus potential quarterly bonuses, and various benefits such as discounts on retail and services, free Southern Cross Healthcare and life insurance, a monthly health and wellbeing allowance, and access to OceanaGold’s Employee Assistance Program. The site also provides an onsite physiotherapist and nurses, free transport to work, study assistance and recognition through the Living Our Values program, all within a supportive working environment where staff are valued and respected.

Other practical aspects include ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to work closely with a team focused on safe, efficient operations and continuous improvement. You’ll be based in a site that emphasises safety and responsible mining and where living in the Otago region is part of the offer.

Advice for applicants

Lead with the must-haves on your resume, your NZ work rights and a full, current driver’s licence, and mention any ability to drive a manual vehicle right up front. If you have a forklift licence or relevant certifications, call those out as well, but keep the core requirement clear: NZ work rights and a valid licence.

Back up the must-haves with tangible proof. Attach copies of your licence and any forklift or related certifications, and note your eligibility to work in NZ if it’s not obvious from your documents. If you’ve worked in a processing plant before, highlight how you contributed to uptime and safety in that environment.

Be ready to discuss how you’d approach the role’s day-to-day tasks. For example, talk about how you’d handle documentation like log sheets and checklists, how you’d manage handovers between shifts, and how you’d participate in continuous improvement and professional development while on the floor.

If you could ask one smart question, focus on the path for hands-on improvements. A good line is to inquire about how the Reagent Mixing and Services circuit has been evolved recently and what kind of changes the team is prioritising to further reduce downtime and optimise processing.

How to apply

Applications close 21 October 2026 and shortlisting will commence immediately after the cut-off. Applications from agencies will not be accepted. If you need assistance applying, you can reach the team at [email protected].