Engineering Trades Technician (Timaru)

Permanent, Part time (20 hours per week)

• Support the efficient and safe operation of technical resources
• Be part of transforming lives through education
• Supportive team and positive working environment

Mō Tēnei Tūranga Mahi – About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Technician to join our team on a part time, permanent basis. This is a varied and rewarding role supporting teaching and learning across our Engineering Trades section. You will work with learners of all ages and stages, from secondary school students exploring the trade, through to full time students, apprentices, and qualified tradespeople upskilling.

Based at our Timaru campus, you will be part of a collaborative team that takes pride in providing safe, well-equipped workshops that support great learning outcomes.

This is a part time role of 20 hours per week. We are flexible on how these hours are worked for the right candidate. We are happy to discuss options at interview.

What you will be doing:

• Preparing and maintaining engineering equipment and workshops for teaching, learning and project work
• Checking machinery daily, identifying issues early and prioritising repairs
• Carrying out scheduled maintenance on plant and equipment
• Ensuring workshops are stocked, organised and ready for use
• Supporting tutors by responding to maintenance and repair needs in a timely way
• Upholding health and safety standards at all times
• Working closely with colleagues to provide efficient and cost-effective technical support

Ngā Pūkenga Me Ngā Wheako – Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who brings solid trade experience and enjoys working as part of a collaborative team. Experience in an educational environment is not essential but would be an advantage. What matters most is your hands-on practical experience, strong organisational skills, and a sound understanding of health and safety in an operational setting.

• Relevant trade qualification in an Engineering Trade (preferred)
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of engineering machinery
• Confident using digital systems
• Familiarity with stock control and ordering
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work
• Sound understanding of health and safety
• Physically fit – due to regular lifting and handling of materials
• A collaborative, practical and solutions-focused approach
• Alignment with Ara values, mātāpono and kaupapa

Mō Mātou – About us

Ara Institute of Canterbury is the South Island's largest provider of tertiary vocational education, and our Timaru campus is pretty special.

Small class sizes, approachable tutors and a close-knit community make this a place where your work has an immediate impact. Modern facilities include a library and a training restaurant run by hospitality students, all within walking distance of the Timaru city centre and Caroline Bay. A free shuttle from Ashburton and Oamaru keeps the campus well connected across the region.

We offer tangible benefits: income protection for permanent kaimahi over 15 hours, fee discounts on Ara courses for staff, professional development leave and funding, generous leave provisions and an annual Christmas closedown to enjoy time with whanau and friends.

Guided by our values Hono \| Connect, Hihiri \| Inspire and Aroha \| Respect, we're committed to equity, inclusion and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you're looking for work that matters, Ara could be your next chapter.

Tono Ināianei - Apply now

We accept applications via our online application system. For any other queries, please email [email protected].

Rā Katinga - Applications close – 11:55pm, Wednesday 24 June 2026 (note, we may commence interviews before the closing date)

Job Details

Reference # 23172

Posted on 11 Jun 2026

Closes on 24 Jun 2026 23:55

Location(s) Timaru

Expertise Academic, Business Support / Administration, Facilities Management

Job level(s) Experienced

Work type(s) Permanent part-time