Trades Assistant

Job Description

TRADES SERVICES | RATONGA MAHI-Ā-REHE
PROPERTY AND CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION | TAURIMA PAPA WHENUA

• Salary Overtime rates available 6.75% superannuation.
• Cell phone provided.
• On the job and in-house training opportunities.
• 5 weeks annual leave Long service leave Additional leave purchase option.

The role | Te mahi

As a Trades Assistant, you will provide a range of property maintenance and asset management related services to an assigned portfolio.

You will proactively partner to assist in the delivery of safe, sustainable, compliant, and future-focused solutions, minor works projects, asset management, inventory, storage, signage, plumbing, and maintenance.

Key tasks of this role include:

• Responding to and maintaining a maintenance schedule and programme for the care of the portfolio buildings and grounds.
• Identifying, recording, and reporting back to management on facilities/asset condition and improvement options.
• Delivery of building owner compliance related checks and record keeping for facilities related services.
• Delivering excellent, client-focused services that enhance customer experience.
• Assisting with on-site compliance, health and safety checks, sign-ins, and certificate licences.

You will have the opportunity to interact with people across campus and work on a variety of commercial and residential buildings.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

Trade experience is preferred. Ideally you will have previous experience in a trade related activity, such as construction, mechanical, plumbing, painting industry or similar.

Ideally, candidates will also:

• Be physically fit and able to complete manual work.
• Have knowledge of basic hand tool use.
• Be co-operative and have a positive attitude to work.
• Show demonstrated experience in health and safety best practice.
• Have a full Driver’s license - Class 1.
• Hold a current First Aide Certificate (training provided).

This position requires a person who can work under minimum supervision with good communication skills and a courteous nature, as much of the work involves dealing with a variety of people around the University.

About our team | Mō te tīma

The Division is responsible for buildings with a replacement cost of NZ$2.5 billion, and more than 22,000 hectares of land. With over 3,500 University Staff and 20,000 students, it is a bit like helping to run a small town.

We deploy, support and maintain a wide and exciting array of equipment and facilities including state-of-the-art research laboratories, large student accommodation facilities, and a variety of multi-use space from teaching facilities through to restaurant and café venues.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a permanent, full time (40 hours week) position based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The salary range for this role is $60,201 to $68,900.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information, or to discuss the role in confidence – please contact Joe Farrant via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application (including CV and cover letter) please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2600727 will close on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received, the University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time. #LI-DNI

Additional Information

Contact: Joe Farrant

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

Location: About Dunedin

Posted: 11/05/2026