Timber/Wood Machinist – Skilled Trade

Position: Timber/Wood Machinist

Location: Otorohanga, Waikato

Company: OTC Timber Co Ltd

Employment type: Full-time, Permanent

Pay range: $30 – $36 per hour (negotiable based on experience)

Number of Positions: 5

Minimum Hours of Work Per Week: 30

Regular Hours of Work Per Week: 45

Maximum Hours of Work Per Week: 50

About Us

OTC Timber Co Ltd has been manufacturing and remanufacturing timber products in Otorohanga since 1932. We’re a locally owned company employing around 130 staff, known for our safety standards, workmanship, and family-based team culture. We specialise in high-grade wood products for domestic and export markets. We operate a modern machining facility and are seeking a qualified or experienced Timber Machinist to join our team.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties will be but not limited to:

•        Set up and operate timber machining equipment

•        Ensure dimensional accuracy and surface finish standards are met

•        Routine maintenance and blade changes as required

•        Adhere to safety and quality procedures

•        Assist with training junior operators

·        Organising the team to run the machines, making sure the right feedstock is available, the right packaging is available and the correct packet builds are programmed into the stacker.

·        Set machine in a safe and accurate manner.

·        Coordinating and ensuring that the team follows quality control procedures and safety requirements.

·        Operate infeed machinery efficiently and ensure the outfeed operate to reflect the correct grade, length volume and quality specification, and destination labelling is attached.

·        Maintaining production records and reports of the shift.

·        Checking the grinding room and planer work are of a sufficient standard.

·        Check timber is manufactured to correct size and specified quality.

·        Clean and maintain all machine and machine parts regularly.

·        Completing work order output documentation.

·        Compiling orders according to work order instructions.

·        Reporting any incidents and hazards to the Health and Safety representative and Manager.

·        Ensure the accuracy of the set up against production templates or drawings.

·        Monitor KPI's and analyse collected data to improve machine efficiency.

·        Use database to identify and rectify issue.

·        Whilst running the machines, ensuring they are sharpened as appropriate to make the runs efficient as practical. E.g., Joint knives, adjust heads and pressure plates to maintain finish and shape the end of product and ensure a smooth run.

·        Work with full safety and gear when required and abide by the New Zealand health and safety rules and regulations.

Skills & Experience Required

•        Relevant qualification or New Zealand Certificate solid wood manufacturing timber machining (Level 3 Minimum)

OR

•        Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Timber/Wood Machinist or in a manufacturing industry

AND

•        You must Pass a Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Test

•        Strong mechanical aptitude and attention to detail

•        Team-focused

•        Reliable

•        Physically fit

•        The ability to stand for extended periods.

•        The ability to work in a fast-paced environment

•        Safety-focused

•        Detail Oriented

Hours & Conditions

Two-shift operation:
  • Morning shift: 5:00 am – 2:30 pm
  • Night shift: 2:30 pm – 12:00 am

Minimum Hours of Work Per Week: 30

Regular Hours of Work Per Week: 45

Maximum Hours of Work Per Week: 50
PPE and ongoing training provided.

Why Join Us

·        Secure, long-term employment with a respected New Zealand timber manufacturer.

·        Modern equipment, safe facilities, and supportive team culture.

·        Opportunities to progress within our operation.