Plant Operator (Heavy Machinery Operator)

TN United Kingdom; Linton; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Plant Operator to operate heavy machinery for various construction tasks, both at home and overseas. Responsibilities include supporting military operations and completing projects in challenging conditions. Candidates must meet specific entry requirements, including age and medical fitness. Competitive salaries and career progression opportunities are available.

Benefits

Healthcare

Housing support

Travel opportunities

Insurance

Retirement planning

Qualifications

• At least 17 years old.
• Class 1 restricted driver’s license required.
• Medical fitness and color perception needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery for construction tasks.
• Support earthworks and troop movement activities.
• Conduct combat engineering training.

Skills

Heavy machinery operation

Teamwork

Medical fitness

Education

Minimum 3 years secondary education

Job description

Plant Operator (Heavy Machinery Operator), Linton

Client: New Zealand Defence Force

Location: Linton, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 21.05.2025

Expiry Date: 05.07.2025

Job Description:

As a Plant Operator, you will use heavy machinery to construct or cross obstacles and keep our troops and equipment moving. You will work in challenging conditions both at home and overseas, supporting earthworks, road construction, and troop movement activities for the NZ Army and other government agencies. Your responsibilities include operating various heavy construction vehicles such as bulldozers, cranes, military bridging systems, and combat tractors.

Job on base

In camp, you will operate vehicles like bulldozers, loaders, scrapers, excavators, graders, cranes, and rollers to complete construction tasks, including military base projects, track and road repairs, civil defence, firefighting, flood control, and more. You will also practice vehicle operation and conduct combat engineering training.

Job on deployment

During deployments, you may work individually or in teams on excavation, road repair, quarry work, and construction aid projects overseas. Past deployments include Bosnia, Timor Leste, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Solomon Islands. You will be involved in 'winning resources' activities to secure and recycle materials for military use.

Career progression and training

Progression includes becoming a qualified plant supervisor, managing tasks and sites, and developing leadership and project management skills. Initial military training lasts 16 weeks at Waiouru, covering organization, customs, drill, field skills, first aid, and physical fitness. The Basic Combat Engineer Course at Linton Military Camp introduces field engineering basics, including bridging, explosives, and obstacles. The Basic Plant Operators Course (14 weeks) covers operation and maintenance of heavy machinery, aligned with NZQA standards.

Qualifications and advancement

Opportunities for higher qualifications include the New Zealand Certificate of Quarry Shotfirer and Quarry Operations Manager, each requiring a 24-month commitment.

Salary and benefits

Starting salaries range from $50,597 during initial training to $64,177 at trade training, with potential earnings up to $129,061. Benefits include allowances, access to facilities, travel opportunities, healthcare, housing support, insurance, and retirement planning.

Entry requirements

• At least 17 years old
• Citizenship and security clearance
• Class 1 restricted driver’s license
• Minimum 3 years secondary education
• Medical fitness and color perception

Additional eligibility details and security requirements apply. Interested candidates should contact the provided number or facilitators for more info.