Heavy Diesel Mechanic – Tākaka, Golden Bay

An experienced Heavy Diesel Mechanic is required for a full-time position based in Tākaka, Golden Bay.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled mechanic who enjoys working on a diverse range of heavy equipment rather than being limited to one type of vehicle or machinery.

The role involves servicing, diagnosing, repairing and maintaining heavy trucks, trailers and earthmoving equipment within a well-established transport and contracting operation.

Tākaka is a small rural town in Golden Bay at the top of New Zealand's South Island. Applicants should carefully consider the location before applying. This position is particularly suited to someone who is genuinely comfortable living and working in a rural community and who enjoys the lifestyle that comes with living outside a major city.

Key Responsibilities

• Service, maintain and repair heavy diesel trucks and associated equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic faults.
• Carry out scheduled and preventative maintenance.
• Repair and overhaul diesel engines, transmissions and drivetrains.
• Diagnose and repair braking and suspension systems.
• Undertake repairs and maintenance on heavy trailers.
• Service and repair earthmoving and civil construction machinery.
• Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems and components.
• Complete major and minor mechanical repairs and rebuilds.
• Carry out inspections and identify developing mechanical issues.
• Attend breakdowns and undertake field repairs where required.
• Use diagnostic equipment, technical manuals and schematics to identify faults.
• Test vehicles and machinery following repairs.
• Maintain accurate service and maintenance records.
• Ensure repairs are completed safely, efficiently and to a high standard.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe workshop environment.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 3 years of proven and verifiable Heavy Diesel Mechanic experience.
• Relevant Heavy Diesel, Heavy Vehicle, Diesel Fitting or Mechanical Engineering trade qualification is strongly preferred.
• Strong experience servicing and repairing heavy trucks.
• Good knowledge of diesel engines, transmissions and drivetrains.
• Experience diagnosing mechanical faults.
• Good understanding of heavy vehicle braking and suspension systems.
• Experience with hydraulic systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals and schematics.
• Ability to undertake servicing, repairs and component replacement independently.
• Physically fit and capable of undertaking practical mechanical work.
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Good work ethic and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Current driver's licence or ability to meet the applicable New Zealand licensing requirements.

Preferred Experience

Experience in any of the following areas will be highly regarded:

• Heavy road transport vehicles.
• Truck and trailer combinations.
• Heavy vehicle trailers.
• Earthmoving machinery.
• Excavators.
• Loaders.
• Rollers.
• Dump trucks or dumpers.
• Civil construction equipment.
• Hydraulic diagnostics and repairs.
• Pneumatic systems.
• Heavy vehicle electrical diagnostics.
• Engine and transmission rebuilds.
• Welding and fabrication.
• Field servicing and breakdown repairs.

The employer operates across transport and civil contracting, including a diverse truck fleet and equipment such as excavators, loaders, rollers and dumpers.

Rural Location Requirement

This position is based in Tākaka in the Golden Bay region.

Applicants must be genuinely comfortable relocating to and living in a small rural New Zealand community.

The position may be particularly attractive to someone who enjoys:

• Rural and small-town living.
• Outdoor recreation and the natural environment.
• Living away from large metropolitan areas.
• Becoming part of a smaller local community.
• A quieter lifestyle while developing a long-term career in New Zealand.

Applicants relocating from overseas should research Tākaka and Golden Bay carefully and be confident that a rural New Zealand lifestyle is suitable for them before applying.

Work Experience Evidence

Applicants must be able to provide verifiable evidence of their relevant Heavy Diesel Mechanic experience.

Evidence may include:

• Trade qualifications or certificates.
• Employment reference or experience letters.
• Certificates of employment.
• Employment contracts.
• Payslips or payroll records.
• Tax or social security records where available.
• Manufacturer or technical training certificates.
• Other reliable documentation confirming employment, duties and length of experience.

Employment evidence should clearly demonstrate relevant heavy diesel servicing, diagnostic and repair responsibilities.

Applicants unable to provide sufficient evidence of their claimed experience may not be considered.

Immigration Requirements

Applicants requiring visa support must:

• Meet the applicable Immigration New Zealand requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
• Meet any applicable Immigration New Zealand English language requirements.
• Meet Immigration New Zealand health requirements, including medical examinations where required.
• Meet Immigration New Zealand character requirements, including police certificates where required.
• Provide satisfactory evidence supporting their qualifications, employment history, skills and experience.
• Be able to obtain the appropriate New Zealand work visa before commencing employment.

What's on Offer

• Full-time, permanent employment in Tākaka, Golden Bay.
• Minimum 30 hours per week.
• Competitive remuneration based on skills and experience.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Work on a diverse range of heavy trucks, trailers and earthmoving machinery.
• Well-equipped workshop environment.
• Stable, long-term employment.
• Opportunity to live and work in the Golden Bay region.
• Opportunity for suitably qualified and experienced overseas Heavy Diesel Mechanics to be considered.

Experienced Heavy Diesel Mechanics with strong truck repair and maintenance skills who are genuinely interested in relocating to a rural New Zealand community are encouraged to apply.