Civil Foreman

Heights Recruitment; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle

Paid travel

Training & development through Connexi

Job summary

Heights Recruitment – Queenstown, South Island, seeks a hands-on Civil Foreman to lead day-to-day on-site operations, guiding the crew to deliver high-standard civil drainage projects. You will oversee pipeline installs, maintenance, and community-focused builds, while managing equipment and ensuring safety and quality.

This is a permanent full-time role with strong growth potential. You’ll join a growing team with supportive management, a practical crew culture, and ongoing opportunities for

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Foreman or leading hand ready to step up.
• Registered, Certifying or Water Reticulation qualification preferred but not essential.
• Strong ability to read and interpret plans, and work closely with engineers.
• Solid understanding operating heavy machines across civil & drainage projects.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of day-to-day operations on site, leading from the front.
• Ensure projects are delivered to a high standard.
• Operate and oversee heavy machinery within civil/drainage works.

Skills

Foreman leadership

Plan reading

On-site leadership

Hands-on with heavy machinery

Education

Water reticulation qualification

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Heights Recruitment – Queenstown, South Island

This reputable civil contractor has built a solid name for themselves across Central Otago and the wider Southern region. With continued demand across their 3-waters and construction contracts, they’re now entering an exciting growth phase and are looking to bring in the right leadership to help drive it forward.

What's in it for you?

• $40–$48 ph + OT after 40 hours + vehicle + Paid travel
• This is a full time permanent role with our client
• A strong mix of 3-waters maintenance, construction, landscaping and civil drainage projects
• Growing company with real opportunity to step up and shape a team
• Supportive management and a down-to-earth crew culture
• Ongoing training & development encouraged through Connexis

This reputable civil contractor has built a solid name for themselves across Central Otago and the wider Southern region. With continued demand across their 3-waters and construction contracts, they’re now entering an exciting growth phase and are looking to bring in the right leadership to help drive it forward.

What's in it for you?

• $40–$48 ph + OT after 40 hours + vehicle + Paid travel
• This is a full time permanent role with our client
• A strong mix of 3-waters maintenance, construction, landscaping and civil drainage projects
• Growing company with real opportunity to step up and shape a team
• Supportive management and a down-to-earth crew culture
• Ongoing training & development encouraged through Connexis

Role:

This is a key hire for the business as they look to build out a new crew within their construction & drainage division. You’ll be stepping into a hands on Civil Foreman position where you’ll take ownership of day to day operations on site, leading from the front and ensuring projects are delivered to a high standard.

The workload is varied, from pipeline installs and reactive maintenance through to broader civil construction and drainage projects. You’ll also get stuck into some interesting work across community-focused builds like pump tracks and playgrounds. You'll be hands‑on on the ground across heavy machinery and small equipment including 5T-14T excavators, compactors, loaders and more. Contributing at all angles to meet the project deadlines.

You’ll be the first person joining this new crew, giving you a great opportunity to put your own stamp on the team, help shape how things operate, and play a key role in the company’s continued growth. You’ll have plenty of room to make your mark, rather than simply being another number on the payroll.

The role could also suit an experienced operator with a strong track record across civil, drainage or construction, who is ready to step up, take on more responsibility and grow into a leadership position as the team develops.

What we are looking for:

• Proven experience as a Foreman or leading hand ready to step up
• Registered, Certifying or Water Reticulation qualification preferred but not essential
• Strong ability to read and interpret plans, and work closely with engineers
• Solid understanding operating heavy machines across civil & drainage projects.
• A hands‑on leader who takes pride in delivering quality outcomes.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa - sponsorships are not available for this role.

Applicants may be required to undertake pre-employment Alcohol and drug testing.