Deep Drainage Foreman / Digger Operator

Alignz Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Alignz Recruitment in Christchurch is seeking an experienced foreman to lead deep drainage projects across Canterbury. You will manage on-site crews, plan daily activities, and coordinate with operations to keep projects on programme. A strong background in drainage installation, trench shields, and safety is essential.

This hands-on leadership role offers long-term opportunities with an established Canterbury drainage company and a competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7+ years' experience in deep drainage.
• Proven leadership as foreman or crew leader.
• Strong understanding of drainage levels, grades and installation.
• Ability to organise, motivate and lead a crew.
• Commitment to site safety and decision-making on site.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators on deep drainage projects.
• Read and interpret drainage plans.
• Lead and coordinate site crews.
• Plan daily work and keep projects on programme.
• Manage plant, materials and resources on site.
• Identify and resolve issues on site.

Skills

Drainage expertise

Crew leadership

Site safety

Plan & organize

Independent decision-making

Deep drainage

Job description

Alignz Recruitment – Christchurch, South Island

Key responsibilities

• Operating excavators on deep drainage projects
• Working at depths of up to 5 metres
• Extensive dewatering and groundwater management
• Setting up and working with trench shields / trench boxes
• Understanding levels, grades and drainage installation
• Reading and interpreting drainage plans
• Leading and coordinating site crews
• Planning daily work and keeping jobs on programme
• Managing plant, materials and resources
• Identifying and resolving issues on site

About you

• 5–7+ years' experience in deep drainage
• Proven experience working at depths of up to 5 metres
• Proven experience working with trench shields / trench boxes
• A strong understanding of drainage levels, grades and installation
• Previous foreman or crew leadership experience
• The ability to organise, motivate and lead a crew
• A strong understanding of site safety
• The ability to work independently and make good decisions on site
• Competitive salary, based on experience
• Work ute
• Long-term opportunity with an established Christchurch drainage company
• Deep drainage projects across Canterbury
• A hands-on leadership role with genuine responsibility
• The opportunity to work on challenging drainage projects