Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator – Civil Construction

Join Our Growing Civil Construction Team

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Excavator Operator to join our civil construction team. This role offers the opportunity to work on a variety of civil infrastructure projects, including earthworks, drainage, roading, subdivisions, utilities, and site development across New Zealand. The first project is in Waiwera.
The successful applicant will be confident operating a wide range of excavators, from 1.7-tonne mini excavators through to 35+ tonne machines, and will have a strong commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and productivity.

About the Role:
As an Excavator Operator, you will play a key role in delivering civil construction projects safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. You will be responsible for operating various excavators and associated attachments while working closely with site supervisors, foremen, and ground crews.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate excavators ranging from mini excavators (1.7T–5T) through to large civil machines (20T–35T+).
• Carry out bulk earthworks, trenching, drainage, site cuts, slip repairs, foundations, and final trim work.
• Excavate around underground services safely and accurately.
• Perform GPS machine control and laser-guided excavation where applicable.
• Operate various attachments including:
  • Hydraulic hammers
  • Augers
  • Compaction wheels
  • Tilting buckets
  • Grab attachments
  • Rock breakers
• Complete daily pre-start inspections and machine maintenance checks.
• Identify and report faults, defects, and maintenance requirements.
• Follow project plans, specifications, and site instructions.
• Assist with general civil construction duties when required.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and environmental compliance.
• Work in accordance with company Health & Safety policies and New Zealand legislation.

Skills and Experience RequiredEssential

• Minimum 3 years' experience operating excavators in civil construction environments.
• Proven experience operating multiple machine sizes.
• Strong understanding of excavation safety and ground conditions.
• Experience with:
  • Slip Repairs
  • Trenching
  • Earthworks
  • Site preparation
  • Final trim work
• Ability to read plans and work to levels.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and safety-focused attitude.

Preferred

• Class 2, 4, or 5 New Zealand Driver License.
• Wheels, Tracks and Rollers (WTR) endorsement (essential)
• ConstructSafe certification.
• Site Safe Passport.
• Experience using GPS machine control systems (Trimble, Topcon, Leica).
• Experience operating other civil plant and machinery.

Health & SafetyThe successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to health and safety and be willing to:

• Participate in toolbox meetings and site safety briefings.
• Follow all Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requirements.
• Complete risk assessments and hazard identification processes.
• Work safely around live services, public areas, and other contractors.
• Pass pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
• Able to pass Criminal record check.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate based on experience.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Modern fleet of well-maintained machinery.
• Ongoing work
• Supportive team environment.
• Opportunities for advancement into leading hand or supervisory roles.
• PPE and required safety equipment provided.

Applicants Must

• Have the legal right to work in New Zealand.
• Hold a current driver's license.
• Be physically fit and capable of working in outdoor environments.
• Provide relevant work references.

Apply NowIf you are an experienced Excavator Operator looking for your next opportunity with a respected civil construction company, we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV with your application

For more information, call us on 0508 404040, option 1,1,3