Sets up, adjusts, repairs and troubleshoots machines which manufacture plastics products.

Sets up the die (mould for shaping the product) to produce a plastic product; prepares the line-changing equipment; changes the equipment in the machines so they produce different products; starts up and shuts down the machines; sets and records a machine’s conditions such as heat, pressure and vacuum levels; makes sure the product complies with the specifications; fixes process problems if products do not meet the required standard; conducts basic quality control tests; fabricates equipment; design equipments; fixes or organises the fixing of machines.

• Works indoors in offices, factories and workshops.
• Will usually work in clean, heated and ventilated spaces.

• The physical work demand is medium.
• Standing and walking is frequent when walking about factory or workshop areas.
• Stretching and/or twisting movements are likely to be required setting up machines.
• Lifting, pulling or carrying is frequent in the form of changing equipment or materials in machines to create new product, collecting raw materials or finished products.
• Repetitive hand and finger movements are frequently required when operating machines and computers for data entry.
• Driving is unlikely to be required.
• Hand tools are used frequently including tools for minor maintenance repairs.
• Bending, squatting or crouching movements may be required.
• Mental skills necessary include practical, mechanical and organisational skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.