Asphalt Plant Operator at Downer Group

Downer Group; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Overtime penalties for night shifts

Full PPE and tools provided

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Downer Group in Dunedin, NZ, is seeking an Asphalt Plant Operator for a full-time, on-site role. You will run and monitor the asphalt plant, maintain quality, perform routine inspections, and support other sites across the South Island as needed.

The role includes night shifts, some weekend work, and travel to various plant locations. Strong safety practices, teamwork, and mechanical aptitude are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Full Class 1 and Class 2 Driver Licence is essential.
• Experience operating asphalt or manufacturing plant equipment.
• Willingness to travel and work away from home when required.
• Strong health, safety and environmental practices.
• Good communication and a team-first approach.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor the asphalt production plant to meet targets.
• Maintain asphalt quality and adjust processes to specs.
• Carry out routine inspections and minor maintenance to reduce downtime.
• Follow safe work practices and uphold high Health & Safety standards.
• Collaborate with crew, drivers and operations; travel to other sites as needed.

Skills

Driver Licence

Site/Plant experience

Mechanical aptitude

Teamwork

Health and safety focus

Tools

Forklift endorsement

Job description

Apply for Asphalt Plant Operator at Downer Group in Dunedin, S, NZ. This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

Pave the way to your future with Downer, where your skills help build and maintain the infrastructure our communities rely on every day.

We're looking for an Asphalt Plant Operator to join our team in Dunedin. This is a hands‑on role where you'll be responsible for producing high-quality asphalt, while also supporting asphalt operations across the wider South Island network when required. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Dunedin. The role will include night shift work, occasional weekend work, and travel to support other asphalt plants and projects across the South Island as required.

You will be :

• Operating and monitoring our asphalt production plant to achieve production targets
• Maintaining asphalt quality and making adjustments to meet specifications
• Carrying out routine inspections and minor maintenance to minimise downtime
• Following safe work practices and maintaining high health and safety standards
• Working closely with crew members, drivers, and operational teams to ensure smooth production and delivery
• Travelling to other asphalt plant locations when required to support production, cover staffing needs, training, or project requirements

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Full Class 1 and Class 2 Driver Licence (essential)
• Class 4/5, WTR and Forklift endorsements (advantageous)
• Experience operating civil, quarry, asphalt or manufacturing plant equipment
• Willingness and flexibility to travel and work away from home when required
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a proactive approach to maintenance
• Good computer skills and the ability to learn operational systems
• Excellent communication skills and a team-first attitude
• A strong commitment to Health, Safety and Environmental standards

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why Join Downer?

At Downer, we invest in our people and provide opportunities to build a long-term career. You'll enjoy:

• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Competitive pay plus penal rates for overtime and night shifts
• Full PPE, uniforms, technology, and tools provided
• Discounts on retail, travel, healthcare, and lifestyle services
• Access to employee benefits, wellbeing initiatives, and career progression opportunities
• A free pie and hot drink at Z every month!

Downer is committed to providing a safe workplace for everyone. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a pre‑employment drug test, medical, and Ministry of Justice check.

Downer is proudly committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.