Trades Assistant - Corrosion & Asset Integrity

Hutchison Ports Australia is seeking two Trade Assistants to join our Sydney Engineering team, supporting corrosion control, asset condition monitoring and quality assurance activities across terminal equipment and infrastructure.

This role is suited to someone practical, safety-focused and detail-oriented, with an interest or background in maintenance support, corrosion prevention, coatings, asset inspections, industrial environments or quality assurance.

Working as part of the Maintenance team, you will support tradespeople and supervisors by assisting with inspections, surface condition checks, documentation, equipment preparation, housekeeping and general maintenance support tasks. The role will have a strong focus on corrosion-related work, including identifying, recording and supporting the rectification of corrosion or coating defects across terminal assets.

This is a hands-on role in a safety-critical port environment, where quality, accuracy and safe work practices matter.

About The Role

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager – Sydney, the Trade Assistant – Corrosion Quality Assurance will support maintenance and asset integrity activities across Hutchison Ports Sydney.

The role will assist with corrosion inspections, quality checks, defect recording, maintenance preparation, documentation and general trade support duties. You will work under supervision and in accordance with Hutchison Ports policies, procedures and safety standards.

You will also support the wider Maintenance team with general labouring, equipment movement, housekeeping, preventative maintenance support and other maintenance-related activities as required.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Support corrosion inspection and quality assurance activities across terminal assets and infrastructure.
• Assist with identifying, recording and escalating corrosion, coating damage, surface defects or asset condition issues.
• Take photos, record findings and assist with maintaining accurate inspection and maintenance records.
• Hands on activities include but not limited to;
• Painting and coating application.
• Surface preparation (needle gunning, grinding, wire brushing, abrasive cleaning).
• Corrosion treatment and rectification.
• Assisting with steel repairs and asset preservation works.
• Working at heights or in elevated work platforms (if applicable).
• Use of hand and power tools for corrosion maintenance activities.
• Assist with cleaning, housekeeping and basic manual tasks associated with maintenance works.
• Support preventative maintenance inspections, data collection and basic condition checks.
• Assist with movement of tools, parts, materials and equipment as required.
• Support safe access and visitor escorting where required.
• Use PCs, tablets or maintenance systems to complete basic records and administrative tasks.
• Identify and report hazards, safety concerns or incidents promptly.
• Perform work safely and in accordance with Hutchison Ports policies, procedures and safety standards.
• Contribute to a team environment focused on safety, quality, efficiency and continuous improvement.

About You

You are reliable, hands-on and comfortable working in an operational maintenance environment. You take pride in doing work properly, following procedures and recording information accurately.

You do not need to be a qualified tradesperson, but you will need a strong safety mindset, attention to detail and the ability to support maintenance activities in a physically active role.

You may come from a background in maintenance support, corrosion control, industrial painting, coatings, asset inspection, quality assurance, construction, manufacturing, infrastructure, transport, logistics, mining or heavy industry.

Skills And Experience

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated commitment to working safely and following established procedures.
• Ability to perform manual handling and physically demanding tasks safely.
• Good attention to detail, particularly when identifying defects, recording information or supporting quality checks.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision.
• Basic computer or tablet skills to support records, reports and maintenance documentation.
• Current and valid motor vehicle driver’s licence.
• Forklift licence.
• Corrosion control, coatings, industrial painting or surface preparation.
• Quality assurance, inspection support or defect recording.
• Maintenance or terminal operations.
• Heavy industry, ports, infrastructure, mining, construction, manufacturing or logistics environments.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly across operational requirements, including weekends and public holidays where required.

Why Join Hutchison Ports Australia?

• Join one of Australia’s key port and supply chain operations.
• Work in a hands-on maintenance support role with a clear corrosion and asset quality focus.
• Be part of a safety-focused Engineering team.
• Gain exposure to large-scale terminal equipment and infrastructure.
• Contribute to asset reliability, safety and long-term equipment condition.

Applicants must already hold current Australian working rights and be able to work in Australia.

Hutchison Ports Australia is not offering visa sponsorship or international relocation support for this appointment.

Hutchison Ports Australia (HPA) is part of Hutchison Port Holdings, the world's leading port operator, with a global network of 48 ports across 25 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia.