Assembly Operator
Who We Are
Integrity. Quality. Commitment and Innovation.
These are our values and not only what we stand by but what we stand for. We believe in empowering people. We create and deliver solutions. We give back to community. We think differently and we do it better. Our innovative spirit has driven us to continually evolve and deliver solutions to our dealers and our community and made us a business that our people are proud of and proud to work for.
Waratah NZ Limited (a John Deere Company) has proudly served the global forestry industry for more than 50+ years, pioneering mechanized harvesting with first-class products of distinct quality, durability, and reliability paired with unparalleled customer support.
With John Deere, we run so life can leap forward. This powerful purpose is our promise to humankind that we will dream, design, and deliver breakthrough products that sustain our world for generations to come. The world is counting on us to feed billions of people and build vital infrastructures in villages, towns and megacities. And we live up to the legacy our founder forged in a one-room blacksmith's shop nearly two centuries ago by creating a culture that brings out the best in all of us. A culture where great ideas thrive because every voice is heard.
Title: Assembly Operator
Primary Location: - Tokoroa
Job Grade: Wage
Hiring Manager: Shaun Strotten
The Opportunity
Assemble tree harvesting attachments by installing purchased and manufactured components into pre-assemblies or onto fabricated and cast structures, ensuring safe operations, high-quality builds, and consistent production flow in line with Waratah Factory standards.
What You Will Be Responsible For
Safety & Compliance
Perform all assembly activities in accordance with safety standards
Safely handle parts using lifting equipment and approved rigging methods
Report hazards, incidents and near misses
Maintain clean and compliant work areas (5S)
Follow PPE and safe work requirements
Assembly Execution
Following digital work instructions, assemble components in correct sequence and orientation, applying correct torque and fastening methods
Adjust and align components for correct fit and function
Maintain workflow aligned to takt time and production demands
Quality Assurance
Perform in-process checks for fit and alignment
Inspect assemblies for defects or missing parts, ensuring components meet quality standards
Escalate non-conforming product
Verify torque and functional requirements
Follow quality procedures and controls
Equipment & Tool Management
Conduct daily preventative maintenance checks
Perform routine tool checks
Perform basic troubleshooting
Report faulty equipment & maintain 5S clean workstation standards
Production Delivery
Meet daily production targets
Maintain assembly line flow
Escalate bottlenecks or shortages
Support changeovers and training
Team Collaboration
Engage with production, engineering and quality teams, with thorough communication
Provide feedback on improvements and utilize the CI process
What You Will Need To Be Successful In The Role
You thrive on teamwork and attention to detail while committed to safety and precision
You are a great communicator and take pride in building high quality equipment
You take ownership with a strong understanding of following process and quality control
Qualifications Required
Relevant & proven trade or mechanical experience
Applications for this position will close at COB 19th June 2026.
Note: Appropriate work authorisations are required in this country prior to application.
The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.
Waratah believes in the power of diversity in the workforce and we and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Waratah. Built to Produce. Built to Last. Built to Work.
