Electrician

About the Role

At Silver Fern Farms' Pareora site in Timaru, the second largest facility in its network with over 700 employees during peak seasons, we are looking for a skilled and proactive Maintenance Electrician to join our dynamic Engineering team. This hands-on position involves electrical maintenance, repairs, and technical support throughout the processing plant. Key equipment includes PLCs, variable speed drives, instrumentation, and control systems, all central to maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.

As part of a collaborative team, you will actively engage in problem-solving, performance optimization, and supporting uninterrupted production. The role requires working 45 hours per week plus overtime on a rotating roster covering both day and night shifts, with flexibility for seasonal workload fluctuations.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute scheduled electrical maintenance to ensure equipment meets performance standards
• Identify and troubleshoot electrical faults and breakdowns, restoring safe and efficient production
• Maintain and support PLCs, drives, instrumentation, and control systems
• Assist with installation and commissioning of new machinery and plant equipment
• Contribute to fostering a strong health and safety culture
• Adhere to food safety, MPI regulations, and hygiene standards on-site
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and support continuous improvement initiatives

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a qualified electrician with experience thriving in fast-paced production environments and a focus on root cause problem solving. You should possess strong analytical skills, a proactive approach, and be capable of clearly communicating technical concepts to diverse audiences. Ownership, resilience under pressure, and positive teamwork contributions are essential. The role provides variety, including responding to breakdowns, project tasks, and new equipment setups.

You should bring:

• Current New Zealand Electrical Registration and practicing license
• Relevant electrical trade qualifications and substantial industrial hands-on experience
• In-depth knowledge of PLCs, SCADA systems, variable speed drives, and control technologies
• Excellent fault-finding and diagnostic capabilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to clearly explain technical matters
• Committed to health and safety and safe working practices
• High attention to detail with good organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a close-knit team

Why Work Here?

Silver Fern Farms is motivated by a purpose of creating goodness rooted in people, community, animal welfare, and environmental respect. Our employees are central to this mission.

We offer:

• Discounted meat purchases through our onsite Butcher’s Block
• Paid sick leave starting from day one of employment
• Access to the BOOST employee retail discount program
• Subsidised health insurance plans
• Confidential support services covering career, financial, and wellbeing areas
• Complimentary onsite parking and a full company uniform provided

Additional Information

This role operates on rotating shifts covering production hours, including nights and weekends, with a 45-hour week plus potential overtime, requiring flexibility especially during peak seasons to meet operational demands.

Silver Fern Farms values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds and committing to equal opportunity employment.