Contract Excavator Operator

Heights Recruitment; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Job summary

Heights Recruitment – Queenstown, South Island, is seeking skilled contract operators with strong experience across Bulk Earthworks, 3-waters, Construction, Roading and civil works. You will operate excavators 6T–20T, read plans, and support a motivated crew on varied local projects.

The role offers solid hours and potential full-time opportunities. You’ll join a tight-knit team that values workmanship and safety, with a work focus on residential, commercial and public infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience operating excavators across residential, commercial earthworks and site works.
• Confident reading plans and setting out.
• Full NZ residency or valid NZ work visa.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators ranging from 6T through 20T on civil works projects.
• Read and interpret plans and support crew on site.
• Work with crew independently or as part of a tight team to deliver projects.

Skills

Excavator operation

Reading plans

Team collaboration

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.

Heights Recruitment – Queenstown, South Island

Our client has a solid pipeline of commercial, land development, residential and public infrastructure projects kicking off, we're on the lookout for skilled contract operators with strong experience across Bulk Earthworks, 3-waters, Construction, Roading, public services and general civil works.

You’ll be joining motivated, and tight-knit crews that loves getting stuck into a solid day’s work. If you're confident on the levers, can read plans, take pride in your workmanship, and bring a good attitude to site, we want to hear from you. The role has plenty of hours, and a team that backs each other.

What's in it for you?

• $43-$48 ph + GST (if registered) contract - paid on time, every week
• 3-6 month or ongoing contracts available
• Modern, well-maintained fleet with low hours
• Contribute to key local private and public infrastructure
• We handle the admin - invoicing, timesheets, chasing money and insurances
• Potential full time opportunities.

Our client has a solid pipeline of commercial, land development, residential and public infrastructure projects kicking off, we're on the lookout for skilled contract operators with strong experience across Bulk Earthworks, 3-waters, Construction, Roading, public services and general civil works.

You’ll be joining motivated, and tight-knit crews that loves getting stuck into a solid day’s work. If you're confident on the levers, can read plans, take pride in your workmanship, and bring a good attitude to site, we want to hear from you. The role has plenty of hours, and a team that backs each other.

What's in it for you?

• $43-$48 ph + GST (if registered) contract - paid on time, every week
• 3-6 month or ongoing contracts available
• Modern, well-maintained fleet with low hours
• Contribute to key local private and public infrastructure
• We handle the admin - invoicing, timesheets, chasing money and insurances
• Potential full time opportunities.

Role: Is for a contract operator with experience across various civil & earthworks projects. You will be confident reading plans, setting out, and operating alongside your crew. Experience operating plant is a must - you'll be happy jumping on excavators ranging from 6T through to 20T and not afraid to jump on the ground with the crew to help deliver projects. You will be capable working with a crew, as well as independently, depending on the size of the project.

This company tackle everything from civil earthworks, site works, drainage, subdivisions, trucking, and more, so the team is varied and you will have plenty of opportunity to diverse your skillset down the track. These guys work hard, and enjoy the fruits of their labour. You'll be recognised as part of the team & the right operator will have the option to go full time.

If you're on a holiday working visa with machine operating experience, we also want to hear from you!

What we are looking for:

• 3+ years experience operating excavators across residential, commercial earthworks and site works.
• Confidence on a range of plant is advantageous
• Solid know-how with cut & fills, slab preps, and civil operations
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a tight crew
• Full driver’s license, WTR, and Class 2+ a bonus.

Applicants may be required to undertake pre-employment Alcohol and drug testing.

Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa