Occupational Hygiene Technician

About OceanaGold

OceanaGold is an expanding mid-tier producer of gold and copper, focused on operating safely and responsibly while generating strong free cash flow and returns for shareholders. The company operates four mines: Haile Gold Mine in the United States, Didipio Mine in the Philippines, and the Macraes and Waihi operations in New Zealand. Its global workforce brings deep experience across exploration, development, and mining operations.

The organisation’s purpose is to mine gold for a better future. The gold, copper, and silver it produces support renewable energy, transport, medical technology, and community connectivity. The business also contributes to local economic development and better health and education outcomes in the regions where it operates, with more than 3,700 direct employees and many additional indirect jobs.

Its vision is to be a trusted company that people want to work for, partner with, supply, and invest in, creating value for all stakeholders. That vision is guided by the values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork, with people, host communities, the environment, and stakeholders placed at the centre of decision-making.

Role Overview

The Macraes Health & Safety team is looking for an Occupational Hygiene Technician to support the site. This opportunity suits someone with experience in occupational hygiene, OHS, nursing, or a related field who wants to contribute to New Zealand’s largest gold mine.

The position exists to deliver health and safety support to the Macraes operation and help ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and OceanaGold’s Health, Safety and Environment Performance Standards Manual.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out occupational hygiene monitoring by collecting samples, preparing results, and accurately recording air monitoring, noise dosimetry, ambient noise, and respirator/hearing protector fit-testing data.
• Keep the health and hygiene database, Cority, updated and maintained.
• Help coordinate pre-employment, periodic, and exit health assessments for the Macraes site.
• Maintain the chemical inventory system, ChemAlert, from a health and safety standpoint.
• Take part in health exposure investigations and provide guidance where needed.
• Support the creation and rollout of targeted programmes that raise awareness and reduce exposure risks such as dust, noise, heat, and vibration.
• Organise quarterly Health and Hygiene Committee meetings and deliver education and presentations to the workforce on hygiene-related hazards.
• Perform fitness-for-work testing, including drug and alcohol checks and hydration testing.
• Help identify and apply health promotion initiatives that improve workforce wellbeing.
• Plan, organise, and escalate health and safety services, programmes, testing, and results as required.

Requirements

• A current driver licence.
• Formal training or qualifications in occupational hygiene, OHS, engineering, or a relevant science discipline.
• Prior experience in occupational hygiene, environmental work, OHS, nursing, or field sampling.
• Knowledge of health and safety management systems.
• Working understanding of New Zealand health and safety legislation, codes of practice, and the Privacy Act.
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• The ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Very good time management and organisational ability.

Additional Information

• This role offers the chance to work at New Zealand’s largest gold mining operation.
• It includes a 9-day fortnight, providing a long weekend every second week.
• Based in the Otago region, the role offers the opportunity to live and work in a scenic part of New Zealand.
• OceanaGold is committed to equal employment opportunities.
• Applications close on 30 January 2025, and shortlisting begins immediately.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.
• Applications from employment agencies will not be accepted.
• The company’s values are Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork.