Trades Assistant | Burwood Hospital

• Christchurch – Burwood Hospital - Facilities & Engineering Department
• Permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week Monday to Friday

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders. 

About the Role

We are seeking a practical, reliable Trades Assistant to support the repair, maintenance, and smooth operation of buildings, plant, equipment, and building management systems across Burwood Hospital.

This is a hands-on role where your work directly supports a 24-hour healthcare environment. You will assist with maintaining essential building services such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water, steam, medical gases, and other reticulated systems that are critical to patient care and hospital operations.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Repairs

• Assist with maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical systems across hospital buildings and sites
• Support upkeep of HVAC, water, steam, condensate, compressed air, medical gas systems, and other piped services
• Carry out minor repairs to building structure, fabric, and finishes
• Conduct regular inspections of building systems and services
• Assist with upgrades and replacement of plant and building service systems
• Complete planned maintenance, condition, and defect work as directed
• Requisition parts and materials as required
• Follow Maintenance & Engineering Standards and Operational Procedures
• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow safe working practices at all times
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Respond to urgent work requests and carry a Health NZ mobile phone when required

Projects

• Assist with maintenance projects and repair work to agreed timelines
• Identify and recommend improvements to the Site Maintenance Manager
• Support project work to maintain required facility standards

About You

You are adaptable, observant, and comfortable working in a busy environment where your work has a direct impact on patient services. You understand the importance of safety, reliability, and teamwork in a healthcare setting.

You will bring:

• Experience working in building maintenance or a building services environment
• Understanding of statutory building requirements
• Strong communication and time management skills
• Ability to work alongside a wide range of health professionals and trades staff
• A dependable, professional approach
• Awareness of how building services impact patient care
• Ability to identify maintenance needs through observation
• Flexibility to change tasks quickly and adapt to varying needs
• Ability to follow administrative and safety procedures

Desirable:

• Experience working in a 24-hour operational environment
• Ability to respond to and resolve operational issues independently
• Welding experience

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online career’s portal.  If you have any questions about the role, please contact Kerri McCarthy at Kerri.McCarthy@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz

We will review applications as received and may proceed with the recruitment process, before the closing date of this advert.