Civil & Piling Operator

Smith Crane & Construction; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Smith Crane & Construction is seeking an experienced Civil & Piling Operator to join our Christchurch team. You will operate piling rigs, excavators, cranes, and other heavy civil plant across infrastructure and foundation projects.

You will read plans, perform routine plant checks, and collaborate with supervisors to deliver safe, high-quality results on sites throughout the South Island. Valid NZ licenses and site safety credentials are required; prior piling experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Experience operating piling rigs, excavators, cranes, or similar heavy civil plant.
• Civil construction experience is essential; piling experience advantageous but not essential.
• Trainee applicants with relevant civil experience and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
• Class 2 or Class 4 New Zealand Driver Licence (WTR endorsement preferred).
• Knowledge of foundation, piling, or ground engineering techniques is desirable.
• Ability to read construction drawings and site plans.
• Strong work ethic with excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions.
• Site Safe Passport (or willingness to obtain one).
• US 23637 or willingness to obtain

Responsibilities

• Carry out civil construction and piling work on a range of infrastructure and foundation projects.
• Operate piling rigs, excavators, cranes, and other civil construction machinery where qualified.
• Assist with bridge construction, retaining structures, foundations, and ground improvement works.
• Read and work from plans and site instructions.
• Carry out routine plant checks and basic maintenance.
• Work collaboratively with supervisors and crew members to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.
• Maintain a strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental practices.

Skills

Civil construction experience

Piling experience

Reading construction drawings

NZ Driver Licence Class 2/4

Teamwork and communication

Tools

Piling rigs

Excavators

Cranes

Job description

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Smith Crane & Construction – Christchurch, South Island

We're looking for an experienced Civil & Piling Operator to join our team. Whether you're an experienced piling operator, civil construction worker, or have hands-on experience operating heavy civil machinery, we'd love to hear from you.

This is a varied, hands-on role working across civil infrastructure and foundation projects. You'll be part of a skilled team delivering quality work safely and efficiently on a range of exciting projects throughout the South Island.

About Us:

Smith Crane and Construction is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, offering exceptional service across crane hire, civil construction (including marine civil and pre-cast manufacturing), transportation, and wind energy installation and maintenance. We pride ourselves on our strong team culture, commitment to safety, and continuing our family tradition of excellent customer focus and job execution.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Carry out civil construction and piling work on a range of infrastructure and foundation projects.

Operate piling rigs, excavators, cranes, and other civil construction machinery where qualified.

Assist with bridge construction, retaining structures, foundations, and ground improvement works.

Read and work from plans and site instructions.

Carry out routine plant checks and basic maintenance.

Work collaboratively with supervisors and crew members to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

Maintain a strong commitment to health, safety, and environmental practices.

What We’re Looking For:

Experience operating piling rigs, excavators, cranes, or similar heavy civil plant.

Civil construction experience is essential; piling experience is advantageous but not essential.

Trainee applicants with relevant civil experience and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Class 2 or Class 4 New Zealand Driver Licence (WTR endorsement preferred).

Knowledge of foundation, piling, or ground engineering techniques is desirable.

Ability to read construction drawings and site plans.

Strong work ethic with excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions.

Site Safe Passport (or willingness to obtain one).

US 23637 or willingness to obtain

Able to work 11 days on 3 days off roster

Travel for out of town work

What We Offer:

Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting.

Overtime rates

Please note, successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a pre-employment medical and police vetting.