Civil Machine Operator

Unison Contracting Services Limited; Twyford; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PPE provided

Clothing allowance

Life and income protection insurance

Wellbeing subsidies

Company iPhone

Job summary

Unison Contracting is seeking a Civil Machine Operator to join our Civils team in Hawke’s Bay. You’ll operate hydro excavation equipment on infrastructure projects, working with an experienced crew to protect underground utilities and deliver quality outcomes.

We value safety, teamwork and reliability. You’ll hold class 2 and level 1 traffic management licences, be fit for site work, and commit to our safety and wellbeing standards. 40-hour weeks with occasional shifts.

Qualifications

• Experience in hydro excavation.
• Experience in general civil construction.
• Experience operating excavators, heavy vehicles and civil plant.
• A full and clean driver’s licence.
• Current Class 2 licence.
• Level 1 Traffic Management licence, or willingness to obtain one.
• Reliable, physically fit and team-focused approach.
• Commitment to Safety and Wellbeing, Excellence, Customer Service, Integrity and Teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Operating hydro excavation trucks and associated equipment
• Safely exposing underground utilities and infrastructure using non-destructive excavation methods
• Driving vehicles and operating heavy machinery as required
• Supporting basic traffic management and maintaining traffic management plans
• Assisting with trenching and other civil construction activities
• Maintaining quality, housekeeping and safe-work standards
• Reporting hazards, incidents and public safety concerns promptly

Skills

Hydro excavation experience

Civil construction experience

Excavator operation

Heavy vehicle operation

Team player

Safety awareness

Education

Full & clean driver’s licence

Class 2 licence

Level 1 Traffic Management licence

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.

Unison Contracting is one of the largest electrical distribution contracting businesses in New Zealand, proudly New Zealand community-owned for 100 years.

We're about more than just keeping the lights on. We provide safety and supply services that cover all your electricity needs. Operating across Hawkes Bay, Rotorua, Taupo, Dunedin, and now Tauranga, we're committed to delivering positive outcomes for our communities and creating a sustainable energy future.

The Opportunity

Are you keen to build your civil construction career in a hands-on, hydro excavation role? Join our Civils team as a Civil Machine Operator and contribute to important infrastructure projects across Hawke’s Bay.

Working alongside an experienced team, you'll operate hydro excavation equipment, support civil construction activities, and help protect underground infrastructure while delivering high-quality outcomes for our customers.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Operating hydro excavation trucks and associated equipment
• Safely exposing underground utilities and infrastructure using non-destructive excavation methods
• Driving vehicles and operating heavy machinery as required
• Supporting basic traffic management and maintaining traffic management plans
• Assisting with trenching and other civil construction activities
• Maintaining quality, housekeeping and safe-work standards
• Reporting hazards, incidents and public safety concerns promptly

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in hydro excavation
• Experience in general civil construction
• Experience operating excavators, heavy vehicles and civil plant
• A full and clean driver’s licence
• Current Class 2 licence
• Level 1 Traffic Management licence, or willingness to obtain one
• A reliable, physically fit and team-focused approach
• A commitment to our values of Safety and Wellbeing, Excellence, Customer Service, Integrity and Teamwork

You’ll need to be available to work at least 40 hours per week, with occasional shifts, weekend work and standby or on-call duties as required.

In return for your hard work, we will provide:

• Industry best practices, modern tools, and equipment
• Health insurance for you, plus discounted rates for your family
• Life and income protection insurance
• All PPE provided
• Company iPhone, clothing allowance, corporate and wellbeing subsidies
• A team that values and supports your growth, both professionally and personally