Civil Excavator Operator - Queenstown

Downer; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Civil Excavator Operator to join our Queenstown-based team delivering essential water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects. This hands-on role requires operating excavators (1.5T–20T, typically 5–10T), supporting pipe installation and renewal tasks while maintaining safety around live services.

You will also assist on-ground crew when the machine isn’t needed, with a strong emphasis on team collaboration, fitness, and a proactive safety mindset.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating excavators within a civil construction environment.
• Previous experience working on water, wastewater, or stormwater projects.
• Strong understanding of trench safety and underground services.
• Experience working safely around live utilities and high-risk environments.
• A commitment to quality workmanship and safe work practices.
• WTR endorsements.
• A Class 1 licence as a minimum.

Responsibilities

• This role is hands-on and operates machinery to support safe and efficient excavation activities.
• Assist pipe installation, maintenance, repairs, and renewals across the network.
• Work alongside a civil crew and support ground tasks when machine is not needed.
• Prioritize safety and follow site procedures for working around live services.

Skills

Excavator operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Effective communication

Risk management

Fitness

Education

Class 1 licence

Class 4 licence

Job description

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Civil Excavator Operator to join our Queenstown-based team delivering essential water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects.
This is a hands-on role working alongside an experienced civil crew on a range of urban infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for safe and efficient excavation activities, supporting pipe installation, maintenance, repairs, and renewals across our network.
The successful applicant will be competent operating machinery ranging from 1.5T to 20T excavators, with most work typically undertaken in the 5-10T range. You will have experience working around live services, excavating safely with spotters, loading trucks, lifting and slinging loads, and operating confidently within confined urban environments.
While operating machinery will be a key part of your role, we are looking for someone who is willing to get involved wherever required. When the machine is not needed, you'll be expected to assist the crew on the ground, so a good level of fitness and a team-first attitude are essential.

• Proven experience operating excavators within a civil construction environment
• Previous experience working on water, wastewater, or stormwater projects
• Strong understanding of trench safety and underground services
• Experience working safely around live utilities and high-risk environments
• A commitment to quality workmanship and safe work practices
• WTR endorsements
• A Class 1 licence as a minimum

The following would be advantageous but are not essential:

• Class 4 licence
• Experience loading and unloading plant
• Rigging, lifting and slinging experience

Ko wai koe | About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a strong commitment to health and safety
• Takes pride in producing quality work
• Works well as part of a crew and supports those around them
• Communicates effectively and follows direction
• Understands the importance of protecting underground services and managing risk
• Enjoys variety and getting stuck in when required
• Wants to contribute to projects that make a positive difference in the community

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki konei | Why You Will Enjoy Working Here

• Stable, long-term work across essential infrastructure projects
• Competitive remuneration package
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Access to employee benefits and wellbeing programmes
• Supportive team culture focused on safety, quality and teamwork

If you're an experienced operator who enjoys variety, values teamwork, and takes pride in delivering high-quality 3 Waters infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.