Apprentice Diesel Mechanic, New Zealand
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Tradestaff Global

Workshop Manager / Heavy Diesel Mechanic – PNG

  • Posted 1w ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Job Description

Tradestaff Global is recruiting an experienced WORKSHOP MANAGER / HEAVY DIESEL MECHANIC for a permanent role with an established engineering business in Papua New Guinea.


This is a hands-on leadership position. You’ll manage the day-to-day running of a busy mechanical and engineering workshop while continuing to work alongside the team on the tools.


If you’re a qualified Heavy Diesel Mechanic who has moved into supervision or leadership but still enjoys the practical side of the trade, this could be a great next step.


THE ROLE:


You’ll lead a varied workshop operation supporting a broad mix of mechanical repair and engineering work.


Your responsibilities will include:


  • Allocating jobs, scheduling work and coordinating labour.
  • Working alongside the team on mechanical repairs and maintenance.
  • Diagnosing and repairing vehicles, machinery and mechanical equipment.
  • Hydraulic repairs, including hydraulic cylinder work.
  • Mechanical and auto electrical fault finding.
  • Coordinating preventative maintenance and addressing recurring equipment issues.
  • Assisting with quoting, job planning, materials purchasing and project coordination.
  • Monitoring job progress, labour requirements, deadlines and quality.
  • Providing technical advice on more complex work.
  • Communicating with customers regarding repairs, technical requirements and job progress.
  • Supporting and developing apprentices and less-experienced staff.
  • Maintaining strong health and safety standards across the workshop.


You’ll need the technical credibility to work alongside experienced tradespeople, together with the organisation and people skills to keep the workshop running effectively.


LIVING & WORKING IN PNG:


This is a permanent position based in Papua New Guinea, offering the opportunity to take your Heavy Diesel and workshop leadership experience overseas.


Private, fully furnished and non-shared accommodation is provided.


You’ll be living and working in PNG as part of the operation, so we’re looking for someone who is adaptable, practical and genuinely interested in an international role.


WORKING HOURS:


  • The normal working week is approximately 51 hours, Monday to Saturday, with Sunday off.
  • Night work and overtime are generally only required in exceptional circumstances. There is also an infrequent on-call component for emergencies.


WHAT YOU’LL NEED:


  • A recognised Heavy Diesel Mechanic qualification.
  • Strong hands-on Heavy Diesel mechanical experience.
  • Experience repairing and maintaining vehicles, machinery and mechanical equipment.
  • Good hydraulic repair experience, with hydraulic cylinder experience advantageous.
  • Auto electrical knowledge and practical fault-finding ability.
  • Previous workshop supervisory, leadership or management experience.
  • Strong diagnostic and practical problem-solving skills.
  • The ability to organise workloads, labour and competing priorities.
  • Project management or job coordination experience.
  • Confidence communicating with workshop staff, management and customers.
  • Experience assisting with quoting, materials and workshop job planning.
  • Basic computer literacy.
  • A strong commitment to health and safety.
  • The ability to coach and develop less-experienced tradespeople.
  • The ability to pass the required pre-employment medical and police checks.
  • The ability to complete the required PNG work visa process.


Ultimately, we’re looking for a Heavy Diesel Mechanic who can manage a workshop - someone who understands the work, can support the team and knows how to keep jobs moving.


WHAT’S ON OFFER:


  • Permanent employment based in Papua New Guinea.
  • Private, fully furnished accommodation.
  • PNG work visa support.
  • Tools provided.
  • Access to a vehicle on rest days.
  • A varied mechanical and engineering workshop environment.
  • The opportunity to lead and develop a workshop team.
  • Valuable international management and technical experience.


WHAT NOW?


APPLY ONLINE with an up-to-date CV that clearly outlines:


  • Your Heavy Diesel Mechanic qualification.
  • Your Heavy Diesel mechanical experience, vehicles, machinery and equipment you’ve worked on.
  • Your hydraulic repair experience.
  • Your auto electrical and fault-finding experience.
  • Your workshop supervisory, leadership or management experience.


We can only accept online applications. You’ll receive an automatic acknowledgement once your application has been submitted successfully.


If your initial application is successful, Tradestaff Global will contact you with further information about the position, living and working in PNG, and the interview process.

Desired Hard Skills

  • Active Learning
  • Computer Literacy
  • Management
  • Supervisory

Desired Soft Skills

  • Coordination
  • Communication

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Apprentice Diesel Mechanic Jobs

Apprentice diesel mechanic jobs in New Zealand open the door to a hands-on trade that keeps the country’s transport and construction industries moving. From workshops to ports and forestry sites, opportunities span across major employers maintaining fleets of trucks, loaders, buses, and heavy machinery. Apprentices typically work alongside experienced mechanics and technicians, learning the ropes in diagnostics, maintenance, and engine repair as they build toward full qualification.

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