Tug Engineer
With one of our long-standing Tug Engineers soon retiring, we now have a rare opportunity for a new team member to join our skilled and supportive Tug Engineering team.
The opportunity
We are looking for a skilled and reliable Marine Engineer to join our Tug Engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of our tug vessels. You will work on board during shipping movements as part of a small crew, alongside a Tug Master and Deck Crew member.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy an equal time roster (two weeks on / two weeks off) while still returning home each night — no extended periods at sea. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn additional income through marine services work. By bringing your Marine Engineers Class 1 ticket, you would be stepping into a professional, growth-focused operation where your expertise can make a real impact. You will join a tight-knit, supportive team that values safety, problem-solving solving and continual improvement.
If you value variety, teamwork, and the flexibility of a balanced roster, this role offers the chance to play an important part in our marine operations and contribute to our ongoing success.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out planned and reactive maintenance on company tugs, ensuring work is completed to a high standard and in line with manufacturer guidance and company procedures.
- Maintain accurate maintenance records and support effective inventory management using Maximo and other company systems.
- Monitor vessel condition and provide recommendations on major maintenance needs, improvements, and budget considerations.
- Operate company tugs as Engineer (Chief or Second as required) to support towage and coastal operations, including assisting with deck duties where appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with the engineering and tug crew to support safe operations, manage fatigue across varying shipping schedules, and assist with emergency response activities.
About you
You will have a Marine Engineering Certificate (Level 1 or Level 2 with ECE), proven marine engineering experience and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, adapting quickly to changing priorities. Ideally, you will also have:
- Advanced diagnostic and problem-solving skills, applying systematic techniques to resolve complex technical issues efficiently.
- Comprehensive knowledge of ship safety systems and their application to ensure safe operations.
- Flexible time management skills suited to on-call and shift operations, with proven experience in maintaining performance and safety standards through effective fatigue management.
- Strong ability to assess vessel condition and prioritise maintenance tasks.
- Confident computer user with sound documentation and record‐keeping skills.
- Good understanding of Health and Safety requirements.
- Excellent communication skills and high attention to detail.
While not essential, it would be great if you also had:
- Previous harbour tug operations experience.
- Solid understanding and knowledge of Azimuth Thruster and Voith Propeller Systems.
- Electrical and control systems maintenance and diagnostic skills.
- Seagoing experience beyond coastal limits.
- Relevant tertiary qualification, for example, a Diploma in Engineering or other.
Our values
At Port Taranaki our values guide us on how we act with one another and how we make decisions within our business. Demonstration of these values will be key to your success:
- Our people come first: we take care of each other and our communities.
- Integrity guides us: we trust each other and act with respect and honesty, even when it is challenging.
- We embrace the future: we strive for improvement through innovation and learning.
- We collaborate to succeed: we work as a team, helping each other succeed.
What we offer
Port Taranaki is an important economic and supply chain asset for Taranaki and beyond – connecting our key regional industries with the world. We are prepared for change and embracing new ways of working, ensuring we continue to deliver for our customers, and the region, in being the Pride of Taranaki.
We offer an environment where continuous learning and professional development is encouraged. We consider your wellbeing to be a priority, and we support you with great flexibility initiatives as well as having a respectful approach to diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace.
If this sounds like an opportunity you would enjoy, and you're motivated to contribute to the overall success of Port Taranaki Limited, please apply now with your CV and Cover Letter.
We will begin reviewing applications as they arrive - including conducting interviews. We will close this role when a successful candidate has been appointed.
All candidates must already hold the required residency status to work in New Zealand and be able to satisfy a Ministry of Justice Criminal background Check. Candidates must also hold a full NZ driver’s license.
