Performs routine tasks in manufacturing tyres and other rubber products.

• Adjusts steam and water valves to regulate heat of machine, depending on process to be carried out; inserts die or mould to machine or press where required; loads or feeds raw rubber or rubber compounds to machine, before or after starting machine; adjusts machine controls or processes where necessary to ensure correct thickness of product or speed of extrusion; removes finished product from machine by hand or with hand tools; washes crude rubber, applies chemicals where required and operates special types of machines or presses.

• Works indoors in factories.
• Work spaces will usually be adequately heated and ventilated to disperse heat and other by-products of rubber production processes.
• Work sites may be noisy.
• May use protective equipment including face masks, eye protection, safety footwear and gloves as appropriate for specific tasks.

• Medium physical demand level.
• Stands constantly on concrete floors while operating machinery and walks about work areas to move equipment, supplies and carry out various tasks.
• Sitting is not required.
• Stretches both up and across on a frequent basis.
• Squatting, crouching or kneeling movements may be required when inspecting machinery, raw goods and final products.
• Bending is occasionally required.
• Frequently handles cutting tools and operates specialised precision equipment that may cause damage to skin or hands.
• Frequently lifts and carries materials and finished products about the factory site.
• Repetitive tasks are frequent especially for some machine operations.
• Driving is not required.
• Uses a range of specialised hand, power and machine tools and equipment to join, seal and finish rubber products.
• Mental skills necessary include practical skills, key-boarding, machine operation, and mathematical skills.

An NZQF Level 2 or 3 qualification, or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).

For some occupations a short period of on-the-job training may be required in addition to or instead of the formal qualification.

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