Cargo Handler roles
As a Port Otago Cargo Handler, you are employed directly by the company, which means you have access to the full range of employee benefits (see below). This is an important distinction, as not all New Zealand ports offer direct employment for cargo handler roles.
Our Cargo Handlers’ total package is worth $110,500 per annum. You receive $90,500 per annum for working a guaranteed 40-hour working week, plus superannuation, health insurance and an availability allowance on top.
About the Cargo Handler role
The role is varied. You'll complete the following duties, alonside others:
- Operating straddles and sideloader’s, which requires good co-ordination and driving ability. Previous experience with this type of equipment is preferred.
- Lashing/securing of containers to vessels, which needs a good level of fitness and strength.
- Assisting with mooring of ship berthing lines to secure/unsecure vessels from our terminal.
Cargo Handler kaimahi profiles
About you
Our ideal candidate will have either/both of the following:
- Experience operating straddle carriers, sideloaders, or similar heavy port equipment in a commercial cargo or container terminal environment, or
- Someone who helps us achieve our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
What matters just as much to us are the following qualities:
- Be someone who has a strong commitment to health and safety.
- Have a positive and collaborative attitude. You’ll be the kind of person who embraces challenges with confidence.
- Be team-oriented. Someone who enjoys helping others and contributing to shared success.
- Be dependable, resilient and easily adapt to change.
- Be respectful and solutions focused.
How the roster works
Every Friday, you’ll receive your indicative roster for the week ahead. This includes a guaranteed day off built into the roster to support work/home balance. The roster includes:
- Confirmed work allocation and/or days off for Sat/Sun/Mon.
- Indicative work allocation and/or days off for Tues/Wed/Thu/Fri (with actual roster confirmed by 1500 the day prior).
- A guaranteed minimum of 40 hours of work each week (4 x 10-hour shifts or 5 x 8-hour shifts depending on your team rotation).
- Indicative notice if overtime shifts may be required (up to 50 hours) which are typically needed during our peak season.
Living in Dunedin
Many locals have chosen to live in Dunedin (population 133,000) because it’s a great place to raise children, buy an affordable house and enjoy access to the great outdoors.
The best of New Zealand is on Dunedin’s doorstep. Fabulous surfing beaches run the length of the region’s coast, while it’s only a couple of hours’ drive inland to enjoy spectacular mountains and lakes. If you enjoy space, adventure or quality family time, Dunedin is a super spot to live, work and play in.
- In the most recent biennial Quality of Life Survey (led by Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin City Councils), 83% of Dunedinites rated their overall quality of life positively, citing health and wellbeing, lifestyle and financial wellbeing as the top three drivers.
- Dunedin’s median house sale price is $625,000 (Nov 2025, REINZ), with a wide range of suburbs, house types and easy work commutes to choose from.
- Otago’s schooling options – primary and secondary – are particularly good, especially for the relatively small size of the city. A full list of schools is available on the Governments “Education Counts” website.