Civil Manchine Operator

323 Recruitment

Tauranga

On-site

NZD 41,328,000 - 55,104,000

Full time

14 days+
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Job summary

323 Recruitment is seeking a Civil Drainage Machine Operator in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. This hands-on role involves operating excavators from 4T to 20T to support drainage, stormwater and water infrastructure projects.

You will work closely with drainlayers, supervisors and ground crews, prioritising safety and accurate trenching. Requires proven excavator experience, NZ driver licence and Wheels, Tracks and Rollers endorsements. Permanent, full-time employment with a reputable civil contractor.

Qualifications

  • Extensive excavator operating experience within civil construction or drainage.
  • Experience operating machines ranging from approximately 4T to 20T.
  • Strong experience excavating around live or existing underground services.
  • Experience undertaking deep drainage excavations.
  • The ability to dig accurately to line, level and grade.
  • Experience with stormwater, wastewater or watermain projects.
  • A sound understanding of trench safety, shoring and safe excavation practices.
  • Current Wheels, Tracks and Rollers endorsements.
  • A full New Zealand driver licence.

Responsibilities

  • Operate excavators ranging from approximately 4T to 20T.
  • Complete drainage trenching and excavation works.
  • Excavate safely around existing underground services.
  • Carry out deep excavations using appropriate excavation and trench-safety procedures.
  • Dig accurately to line, level and grade for drainage installation.
  • Assist with the installation of stormwater, wastewater and water infrastructure.
  • Excavate for manholes, pipelines, service connections and drainage structures.
  • Complete trench backfilling, bedding preparation and site reinstatement.
  • Conduct daily machine inspections and basic maintenance.
  • Work alongside drainlayers and ground crews when required.
  • Follow site plans, service plans, permits and supervisor instructions.
  • Maintain high health, safety, quality and environmental standards.

Skills

Excavator operation
Site safety awareness
Teamwork
Communication on site

Tools

Wheels, Tracks and Rollers endorsements

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.

Location: Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Civil Drainage Machine Operator
About the Opportunity

We are recruiting an experienced Civil Drainage Machine Operator for a well-established civil contractor delivering drainage, three waters and wider civil infrastructure projects across the Bay of Plenty.

This is a hands-on operating role suited to someone who is confident working around live and existing services, undertaking deep excavations and completing accurate drainage trenching and excavation work.

You will operate a range of excavators from approximately 4-tonne through to 20-tonne, working closely with drainlayers, supervisors and ground crews to safely and efficiently deliver stormwater, wastewater and water infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operate excavators ranging from approximately 4T to 20T.
  • Complete drainage trenching and excavation works.
  • Excavate safely around existing underground services.
  • Carry out deep excavations using appropriate excavation and trench-safety procedures.
  • Dig accurately to line, level and grade for drainage installation.
  • Assist with the installation of stormwater, wastewater and water infrastructure.
  • Excavate for manholes, pipelines, service connections and drainage structures.
  • Complete trench backfilling, bedding preparation and site reinstatement.
  • Conduct daily machine inspections and basic maintenance.
  • Work alongside drainlayers and ground crews when required.
  • Follow site plans, service plans, permits and supervisor instructions.
  • Maintain high health, safety, quality and environmental standards.
About You

You will be a practical and experienced operator who understands that civil drainage work requires accuracy, patience and strong communication with the ground crew.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

  • Proven excavator operating experience within civil construction or drainage.
  • Experience operating machines ranging from approximately 4T to 20T.
  • Strong experience excavating around live or existing underground services.
  • Experience undertaking deep drainage excavations.
  • The ability to dig accurately to line, level and grade.
  • Experience with stormwater, wastewater or watermain projects.
  • A sound understanding of trench safety, shoring and safe excavation practices.
  • Current Wheels, Tracks and Rollers endorsements.
  • A full New Zealand driver licence.
  • Strong awareness of health and safety requirements.
  • A reliable, team-focused and hard-working attitude.
  • The willingness to leave the machine and assist the wider crew when required.

Experience installing large-diameter drainage pipelines, manholes, pump stations or complex three waters infrastructure would be advantageous.

What Is on Offer
  • Permanent, full-time employment.
  • Competitive hourly rate based on experience and capability.
  • Consistent civil and drainage project work.
  • Modern machinery and well-maintained equipment.
  • Exposure to technically challenging infrastructure projects.
  • A supportive and experienced project team.
  • Opportunities for ongoing development and career progression.
  • The chance to join a respected civil contractor with a strong forward workload.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand and relevant New Zealand civil construction or drainage experience.

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