Kirsten Chamberlain

Facilities Manager

How long have you been at Port Otago?
I started work at Port Otago in November 2018, as a part-time Cruise Security Assistant, before being offered a full-time, seasonal position as Cruise Coordinator until the end of the 2019 season. I then moved into an admin role in the Marine Department, covering a staff member on project leave. In late 2019, I accepted a permanent role as Facilities Manager and everything just fell into place.

What does your role involve?
I look after all the properties that relate to Port Otago and Chalmers Properties, which includes sheds, offices and purpose-built investment properties in Auckland, Hamilton and Dunedin. My role is similar to a property manager, making sure preventive and reactive maintenance is carried out, along with cleaning and inspections. I ensure compliance, including warrant of fitness requirements and regulations. It’s a hands-on job and I'm out and about visiting sites, meeting with contractors, tenants and Port Otago staff.

Best part of your job?
The variety. Port Otago is very busy so there's always something happening. I have a great team and Port Otago is a great place to work - a very supportive environment.

Worst part of your job?
Maybe it will be a call in the middle of the night to say a roof's blown off or something? Nothing so far, but I've just started. Maybe ask me again in 12 months time!

What did you do before you came to Port Otago?
I helped my husband in his Moeraki fishing charter business, organising everything, taking all the bookings and also helping on deck