Civil Machine Operators

Unite Recruit; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Long-term project opportunities

PPE provided

Progression opportunities

Job summary

Unite Recruit is recruiting for a Civil Construction Machine Operator role in Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ. You will operate earthmoving machinery, perform pre-start checks, and follow site plans while maintaining safety across projects.

Roles include earthworks, trenching, drainage, and road infrastructure tasks. NZ health and safety requirements apply; valid NZ work visa or residency is needed for ongoing work.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years’ experience operating machinery in civil construction
• Current NZ Class 1 Driver Licence and WTR endorsements
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
• Strong understanding of safe excavation practices

Responsibilities

• Operate civil machinery safely and efficiently
• Complete daily pre-start and equipment checks
• Read and follow site plans and instructions
• Work around underground services safely
• Assist ground crews where required
• Maintain machinery and report faults promptly
• Follow all site safety procedures and toolbox requirements
• Work productively within project timelines

Skills

Machinery operation

Health & safety awareness

Read site plans

Pre-start checks

Team collaboration

Education

NZ Driver Licence Class 1

WTR Endorsements (Wheels, Tracks & Rollers)

Site Safe Passport

Hazard awareness training

Tools

Excavators (GPS)

Rollers

Loaders

Dump Trucks

Graders

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

This role is suited to operators with proven experience in civil construction environments who can operate machinery safely, efficiently, and to a high standard while working within NZ health and safety requirements.

About the Role

You will be involved in a variety of civil works including:

• Earthworks and site preparation
• Trenching and drainage
• Roading and infrastructure projects
• Bulk excavation and backfilling
• Loading and material handling
• Final trim and detailed excavation work

This role is suited to operators with proven experience in civil construction environments who can operate machinery safely, efficiently, and to a high standard while working within NZ health and safety requirements.

About the Role

You will be involved in a variety of civil works including:

• Earthworks and site preparation
• Trenching and drainage
• Roading and infrastructure projects
• Bulk excavation and backfilling
• Loading and material handling
• Final trim and detailed excavation work

Machinery may include:

• Excavators (GPS & Non-GPS)
• Rollers
• Loaders
• Dump Trucks
• Graders

Key Responsibilities

• Operate civil machinery safely and efficiently
• Complete daily pre-start and equipment checks
• Read and follow site plans and instructions
• Work around underground services safely
• Assist ground crews where required
• Maintain machinery and report faults promptlyFollow all site safety procedures and toolbox requirements
• Work productively within project timelines

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 2+ years’ experience operating machinery in civil construction
• Current NZ Class 1 Driver Licence
• WTR Endorsements (Wheels, Tracks & Rollers)
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
• Strong understanding of safe excavation practices
• Reliable transport and strong work ethic
• Physically fit and capable of civil site workStrong commitment to health and safety

Highly Regarded The following licences, endorsements, and experience are advantageous:

• Class 2, 4 or 5 NZ Driver Licence
• Site Safe Passport
• Working Around Services / Confined Space
• Excavator GPS experience
• Civil drainage experience
• Truck driving experience
• Roller and compaction experience
• Working at Heights
• First Aid Certificate

NZ Health & Safety Requirements Successful applicants must demonstrate understanding of:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Excavation and trench safety requirements
• Hazard identification and reporting
• Underground utility awareness
• PPE compliance and site safety procedures
• Traffic management awareness around live sites

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly rates based on experience
• Weekly pay
• Long-term project opportunities
• Supportive and professional team environment
• Opportunities for progression and upskilling
• PPE provided where required

All applicants must hold a valid NZ work visa or an NZ resident.

Additional information

• Considering Labourers and Machine Operators
• $26.00 to $35.00 per hour + 8% holiday pay
• Ongoing work + Pays weekly