Excavator Operator

Zinfra Group; Canberra; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Novated leasing

Electric vehicle subscription

Corporate discounts on vehicle buys

Modern trucks & EWPs

Generous leave entitlements

Job summary

Zinfra Group in Canberra is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support underground utility infrastructure across the ACT. This hands-on, field-based role involves excavating, trenching, backfilling and reinstatement works as part of a collaborative crew.

You'll work with pipelayers, read construction plans, and uphold safety standards. The role offers a mix of machine operation and teamwork with modern trucks and EWPs, plus a supportive culture and leave entitlements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating excavators in civil or utility environments.
• Experience with trenching, compaction, and backfilling.
• Current MR/HR licence (essential).
• White Card, Traffic Management, Asbestos Awareness as relevant tickets.
• Ability to work in a field-based team environment and independently when required.
• Strong safety focus and practical problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators for trenching, backfilling, and remediation works.
• Work alongside pipelayers to deliver underground mains and services.
• Read and interpret construction plans and drawings.
• Ensure all work meets safety standards and construction guidelines.
• Communicate with builders, plumbers, and property owners on site.

Skills

Excavator operation

Trenching

MR/HR licence

White Card

Job description

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our Canberra team, supporting the delivery of underground utility infrastructure across the ACT and surrounding areas.

In this hands‑on, field‑based role, you’ll work closely with pipelayers to excavate, trench, backfill, and reinstate works, helping expand critical utility networks. This role offers a good mix of machine operation and teamwork, working alongside other crews and contractors on site.

Key Responsibilities include

• Operate excavators for trenching, backfilling, and remediation works
• Work alongside pipelayers to deliver underground mains and services
• Read and interpret construction plans and drawings
• Ensure all work meets safety standards and construction guidelines
• Communicate with builders, plumbers, and property owners on site

Roster: Monday to Friday with ad-hoc weekend work as required.

Culture & Benefits

• Access to novated leasing, electric vehicle subscription options and corporate discounts on vehicle purchases
• Work with modern trucks and state‑of‑the‑art EWPs, tools, and equipment
• Supportive team environment with a strong depot and social culture
• 20 days annual leave plus 10+ days personal leave
• Help drive Australia’s net zero future by delivering critical infrastructure projects that shape the energy and utilities industry

About You

• Proven experience operating excavators in civil or utility environments
• Experience with trenching, compaction, and backfilling
• Current MR/HR licence (essential)
• Relevant tickets: White Card, Traffic Management, Asbestos Awareness
• Ability to work in a field‑based team environment and independently when required
• Strong safety focus and practical problem‑solving skills

Who We Are

Zinfra is a leading partner in the design, build, operation and maintenance of Australia’s energy and utilities infrastructure. Delivering over $1B portfolio annually, the work we do is essential to bringing energy to our communities safely and reliably, while powering the nation’s energy transition. With a diverse workforce of more than 2,300, we expertly deliver our services across Australia.

We know Zinfra is a great place to belong—but don’t just take our word for it; hear our team members share what working at Zinfra means to them.

We champion and value diversity in life and work experiences, as we know everyone benefits from broader diversity of thoughts in our problem solving, decision making and ability to innovate. We encourage applications from everyone, including First Nations people, veterans, people living with a disability and members of the LGBTIQA+ community. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.