Marine Carpenter / Shipwright

About the role

Babcock is hiring a Marine Carpenter / Shipwright for its Devonport, Auckland shipyard team. This is a practical, hands-on trade position focused on maintaining and repairing marine vessels in a demanding and highly safety-conscious environment. The work involves structural construction, repair activities, and fitting installations that help keep vessels mission-ready.

The role suits experienced tradespeople who value high-quality workmanship, work well with others, and enjoy solving problems in a fast-moving setting where tasks can change from day to day. Experience from shipwright, boatbuilding, or carpentry backgrounds is welcome, especially for candidates looking to apply their trade skills in specialised marine work.

Compensation and conditions

• Pay is set at $38 per hour, with a Level 4 Trade Certificate required.
• Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate after 40 hours.
• Overtime is paid at double time after 43 hours.
• Additional benefits are included.

What you will be doing

You will contribute to marine maintenance and repair work across complex vessels, using trade skills to deliver structural builds, repairs, and installations. The position calls for practical craftsmanship, good judgement, and the ability to perform in an environment where priorities can shift quickly. Strong teamwork, clear communication, and a focus on safety are essential.

About you

You should be a capable tradesperson with a background in carpentry or boatbuilding and a strong interest in marine environments. The role calls for someone who can take responsibility for their work, adapt to changing demands, read plans accurately, and stay effective under pressure. A proactive attitude and willingness to contribute positively to team outcomes are important.

Skills and experience required

• Practical experience in marine or structural carpentry
• Ability to understand and work from technical drawings and plans
• Hands-on fabrication and installation of marine structures and fittings
• Repair and upkeep of timber and composite components
• Strong problem-solving ability in time-sensitive operational settings
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to organise and prioritise work independently
• Comfort working in varied marine and industrial environments

Qualifications required

• Trade Certificate at Level 4 in Boatbuilding, Carpentry, or a similar field
• At least 5 years of relevant trade experience
• Full New Zealand Driver Licence, minimum Class 1
• Level 5 Advanced Trade Certificate or equivalent is preferred

Benefits and workplace support

• A work-life integration policy that includes annual leave, wellbeing leave, paid parental leave, defence reservist leave, and more
• A supportive environment with growth opportunities through a capability framework, self-paced learning, LinkedIn Learning access, and study leave
• Access to discounts across retail, health, entertainment, travel, and more through the reward program, plus novated leasing and a corporate share plan
• Wellbeing support through an online wellbeing program, an employee assistance program, and two personal leave days each year for wellbeing
• Recognition through a company program that celebrates contributions aligned to its core principles

About the employer

Babcock Australasia brings together local expertise with the global heritage of Babcock International Group, a long-established FTSE 100 defence company. The organisation supports critical services and assets across maritime sustainment, secure communications, helicopter missions, and fleet management.

In New Zealand, the team is growing to support defence and commercial projects. More than 120 tradespeople work at Devonport Naval Base alongside the Royal New Zealand Navy, delivering maintenance, repair, overhaul, conversions, life extensions, retrofits, and major repairs in drydock and afloat.

Eligibility and hiring requirements

Applications are open to people from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, provided they are legally allowed to work in New Zealand and can obtain a New Zealand Defence Force security clearance. If the application progresses, pre-employment checks may be required, including reference checks, Ministry of Justice checks, security screening, qualification verification, and right-to-work checks.

Additional information

Babcock states that it responds to every applicant. Job reference number: 74237.