Civil Machine Operators

Unite Recruit; Linwood-Central-Heathcote Community; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Long-term project opportunities

Upskilling & training

PPE provided

Job summary

Unite Recruit is seeking a civil machinery operator for NZ projects. You will manage earthworks, trenching, roadworks, and bulk excavation while maintaining high safety and efficiency on site.

Role requires 2+ years of operator experience, NZ Class 1 licence, and WTR endorsements, with pre-employment drug testing. Weekly pay on long-term civil projects and ongoing upskilling opportunities available.

Qualifications

• Experience operating machinery in civil construction environments.
• Valid NZ Class 1 Driver Licence.
• WTR endorsements (Wheels, Tracks & Rollers) preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment drug/alcohol testing.
• Strong understanding of safe excavation practices and site safety.

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 as required.
• Maintain machinery and report faults promptly.
• Follow all site safety procedures and toolbox requirements.
• Work productively within project timelines.

Skills

2+ years experience civil machinery

NZ Class 1 Licence

WTR Endorsements

Drug and alcohol pre-employment test

Health & safety focus

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 promptly
• Follow 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 work
• Strong 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.

About Us
Unite Recruit specializes in meeting the staffing needs of companies in the civil, industrial, and commercial industries. Launch into your career with the support of Unite Recruit, as we have opportunities to up-skill you along the way.