He aha te kai o te rangatira?
He Korero, he korero, he korero - What is the food of the leader?
It is knowledge.
It is communication.
Otago Corrections Facility is looking for an Asset Maintenance Instructor to join one of our busiest industries.
We are looking for a talented "people person" who can cope with change, is adaptable to dynamic work environments, has high moral standards and believes in the power of communication to make positive changes in a wide range of people's lives.
Our current team work closely with all areas of the business and a reputation for producing high quality work while delivering relevant, useful, recognised training.
For those prisoners who choose to pursue a career in painting, decorating and building post-release the training and practical experience they gain will help them to secure employment.
If you believe you have the skills, experience and unique qualities required to work in a prison environment and add to this successful programme we would like to hear from you.
Mo te tunga | About the role
Otago Corrections Facility's purpose is to provide the men in our care with quality trade-based training and to assist them to continue to develop a depth of skill and experience to gain employment post release.
At Otago Corrections Facility, you will be instrumental in providing prisoners with both an employment pathway in the painting and building industry and assisting them to develop the work habits, experience and skills sought after by industry employers.
The role will require you to train new workers and supervise asset maintenance work parties.
Theory training is completed in the workshop while practical training and the valuable work habits, skills development and experience are gained through asset maintenance of the site, as well as other departmental and community projects.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of the men in our care and to contribute to their future, the future of their whanau, and the communities in which each man will eventually call home.
In this role you will be instrumental in helping individuals to discover a new career path, talent, passion or, or simply build confidence in their ability to learn.
Instructors are expected to hold or, with the appropriate experience, be willing to gain unit standard 4098 in adult education.
If you want to learn more about being an Instructor click here to visit our role page.
This role will be 80 hours a fortnight, worked Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and experience
As an Instructor your role is multi-layered, you will have custodial responsibilities, industry-based responsibilities (including health and safety) and training responsibilities.
We are looking for an instructor who shows a passion for their trade every day and for passing on their skills and knowledge in a way that inspires the men in our care to confidently pursue a satisfying career in the painting and building industry.
Therefore, we are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria :
A full NZ Driver Licence and First Aid Certificate (before job commencement) is required.
A comprehensive introduction into Corrections and extensive initial training is provided for the successful applicant.
This will involve on-site and off-site training to focus on the custodial elements of the position.
As a Department we are looking for the following attributes :
Nga painga | The benefits
The starting salary for an Instructor is $72,514 with the opportunity to progress through levels to $90,322
Mo matou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities.
As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve.
We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono inaianei | Apply Now
To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link.
All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.
Applications close on : Sunday 5 October 2025
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact
Maintenance • Otago, New Zealand