Class 4 Hydro Operator

Tradestaff; Waikato; On-site; NZD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Weekly pay

Civil construction opportunities

Job summary

Tradestaff Hamilton is seeking experienced Class 4 Hydrovac Operators to join busy civil projects across Hamilton and the wider Waikato region. You’ll operate Class 4 hydro excavation and vacuum trucks, safely exposing underground services and supporting drainage and earthworks teams.

The role involves 40–65 hours per week, with day and night shifts. A current NZ Class 4 licence, hydro excavation or vacuum truck experience, and a strong safety mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• NZ Class 4 driver license required.
• Hydro excavation or vacuum truck operating experience essential.
• Good understanding of civil construction and safety around live services.
• Physically fit and willing to assist with civil labouring duties.

Responsibilities

• Operate Class 4 hydro excavation and vacuum trucks on civil construction sites.
• Carry out hydro excavation and potholing to expose underground services.
• Operate high-pressure water systems, vacuum pumps, and hoses to move materials.
• Assist with drainage, trenching, earthworks, and utility installations.
• Complete daily vehicle inspections and basic equipment maintenance.
• Work with excavator operators and crews following safety procedures.
• Assist with general civil construction and labouring duties as required.

Skills

Class 4 driver licence

Hydro excavation experience

Civil construction knowledge

Health and safety awareness

Reliable transport & work ethic

Education

NZ driving licence (Class 4) not specified?

Tools

Hydro excavation equipment

Vacuum trucks

Job description

Class 4 Hydrovac Operator

Tradestaff Hamilton is looking for experienced Class 4 Hydrovac Operators to join busy civil construction projects across Hamilton and the wider Waikato region. If you're confident operating hydro excavation and vacuum trucks, enjoy working in a hands-on environment and aren't afraid to get stuck into general civil construction work, we want to hear from you!

Location:

Hamilton Central, Hamilton

Start date:

ASAP

Pay rate:

$32–$38 per hour, depending on experience, with weekly pay

About the Role

You’ll be operating a class 4Hydrovac trucks across a variety of civil construction and infrastructure projects. This role involves safely excavating around underground services, supporting drainage and earthworks operations, and assisting civil crews with general site activities.

Working hours will vary between approximately 40–65 hours per week

Depending on project requirements and available work. Flexibility to work both day and night shifts is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate Class 4 hydro excavation and vacuum trucks across civil construction sites.
• Carry out hydro excavation and potholing to safely expose underground services, including water, gas, electrical and telecommunications.
• Operate high-pressure water systems, vacuum pumps and hoses to remove soil, mud, slurry and debris.
• Assist with drainage, trenching, earthworks, underground utility installations and clearing stormwater systems.
• Complete daily vehicle inspections, basic equipment maintenance and safe disposal of excavated materials.
• Work alongside excavator operators, drainlayers and civil crews while following traffic management and site safety procedures.
• Assist with general civil construction and labouring duties as required.

What We're Looking For

• Full, current NZ Class 4 driver's licence.
• Previous hydro excavation or vacuum truck operating experience is essential.
• Good understanding of civil construction, underground services and safe machinery operation around live services.
• Physically fit and willing to assist with general civil labouring duties.
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety procedures.
• Reliable transport, a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.
• Flexibility to work both day and night shifts as required.

What's in It for You?

• Competitive hourly pay of $32–$38, depending on experience.
• Weekly pay.
• Ongoing civil construction work opportunities.
• PPE provided.
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced civil construction crews.
• Variety of civil construction and infrastructure projects across the Waikato region.

Why Tradestaff

We’re a trusted recruitment partner with over 3 decades of experience in matching skilled tradies with great opportunities. We’re also proud members of the Recruitment & Consulting Services Association (RCSA) of Australia and New Zealand, which means we’re committed to high standards and ethical practices.