Wood Machinist

Wood Machinist, Ruakáká
About the company
Our client is a Northland timber manufacturer specialising in milling, drying, grading, machining, preservation and engineered wood products. This is a confidential listing managed by NMSRecruitR.
The opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Wood Machinist to set up and operate woodworking machinery to produce timber components and moldings to drawings and specifications while meeting throughput, quality and safety standards.

Key responsibilities
• Read drawings, cutting lists and specifications to confirm dimensions, tolerances, materials, tooling profiles and finishing requirements.
• Select and set out timber, identify defects and grain direction, check moisture content and markup for machining to optimise yield.
• Set up and operate planners and molders, spindle molders, thicknesses, band saws, rip saws, crosscut saws, resaws and related plant.
• Fit and adjust cutterheads, profiled knives and inserts, then set fences, guides, pressures and chip breakers to achieve required profiles and finish.
• Calculate and adjust feeds, speeds, depth of cut and knife projection to meet quality and productivity targets.
• Program and operate CNC routers where used, verify first off against drawings and sign off.
• Carry out in process quality checks for dimension, surface finish and profile accuracy, record results and segregate non-conforming product for rework.
• Complete batch and production records including work orders, tallies, downtime codes and quality control logs to support traceability and audit.
• Follow standard and safe work procedures including isolation and lockout tagout during jams, tool changes, maintenance and cleaning.
• Maintain housekeeping to 5S standards, keep work areas clear of offcuts, dust and hazards, and operate dust extraction safely.
• Perform basic autonomous maintenance such as cleaning, lubrication and alignment checks, and support maintenance during planned shutdowns.
• Mentor apprentices or trainees in correct setup and safe operation when requested.

Skills and experience
• NZQA Level 4 Timber Machining qualification or equivalent, or at least three years of recent timber machining experience.
• Proven ability to set up tooling accurately, read drawings and achieve consistent finish and tolerances.
• Sound measurement, problem solving and communication skills. CNC experience is an advantage.
Qualifications and licenses
• Current right to work in New Zealand or eligibility to obtain a work visa.

Hours and location
• Permanent full time with a guaranteed minimum of 30 hours each week. Usual range is 40 to 50 hours by agreement with applicant
• Rostered shifts may include day or night on a set roster within legal limits.
• Place of work: Ruakáká

Pay

• Base pay between $30.00 and $35.00 per hour depending on skills and experience, reviewed at competency milestones and during annual reviews.
• Employer provides required tools and personal protective equipment and does not charge recruitment or accreditation costs.

Physical requirements and work conditions
• Regular standing, reaching and manual handling of timber products up using correct techniques and aids.
• Ability to work rostered shifts including days, evenings, nights and weekends within legal limits.
Overtime may be offered by agreement.
• Visual acuity sufficient for safe machine operation and quality checks, and ability to use hearing  protection in high noise areas.

How to apply
Please apply with your CV and a short note about your machining experience and availability.