Media Release

Solid Energy begins recruitment drive for Mataura Briquette Plant

16 February 2012

Solid Energy is seeking the first workers for its domestic-scale Mataura Briquette Plant, starting this weekend.

Solid Energy General Manager Lignite Conversion, Greg Visser, says Solid Energy is delivering on a promise that any new jobs at the briquette plant would be offered locally first. The company has already recruited the plant manager and an administrator from the local area.

Advertisements for six new jobs at the briquette plant will appear this weekend in local newspapers. The company is looking for two loader drivers, two operators, and two panelmen. If commissioning of the plant goes to plan, another operator and two more panelmen would be recruited in mid-2012, Mr Visser says.

"In preparation for the start of briquette plant operations around mid-year, we are recruiting a team of operators that will report to Briquette Plant Manager Neil Hall. They will operate, control and maintain the plant. Ideally, these skilled workers will live locally. We aim to train each worker to be able to perform any one of the three roles - making them interchangeable to cover leave or illness," Mr Visser says.

Preferred candidates also need to show their willingness and ability to meet and maintain Solid Energy's health and safety practices, so successful candidates would have to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment, including a drug and alcohol test. For all the relevant position descriptions and to apply, visit www.solidenergyjobs.co.nz.