Digger Operator

Tradestaff; Waikato; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Tradestaff is seeking experienced Machine Operators for a major construction project near Taupō. You will operate diggers and heavy machinery to support earthworks and site preparation, with WTR endorsements and a NZ/Australian licence.

Applicants must reside in Taupō and be available for an immediate start. The role offers a competitive hourly rate, weekly pay, and ongoing project work through to May with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating diggers, excavators and heavy machinery.
• Current WTR endorsements.
• Full NZ driver’s licence or Australian.”
• Experience with earthworks, trenching and site preparation.
• Must currently reside in Taupō.

Responsibilities

• Operate diggers and other heavy machinery safely and efficiently.
• Carry out earthworks, trenching and excavation activities.
• Assist with site preparation and groundworks.
• Perform daily machinery checks and report any faults.
• Follow site health and safety procedures.
• Work alongside the wider construction team to keep the project progressing.

Skills

Digger/Excavator operation

Heavy machinery operation

Site safety compliance

Earthworks experience

Job description

Machine Operators - Civil Construction Experience Preferred

Tradestaff is looking for experienced Machine Operators to join a major construction project near Taupō.

If you're a skilled digger operator with WTR endorsements who enjoys working on large-scale construction projects, this is a great opportunity to get involved in an exciting development.

Applicants must currently reside in Taupō.

Location: East / Southeast Taupō

Start date: Immediate

Pay rate: $35.60 per hour, paid weekly

About the Role:

You’ll be operating diggers, and other heavy machinery on a major construction project, supporting earthworks and general site preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate diggers and other heavy machinery safely and efficiently.
• Carry out earthworks, trenching and excavation activities.
• Assist with site preparation and groundworks.
• Perform daily machinery checks and report any faults.
• Follow site health and safety procedures.
• Work alongside the wider construction team to keep the project progressing.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience operating diggers, excavators and heavy machinery.
• Current WTR endorsements.
• Full NZ driver's licence or Australian.
• Experience with earthworks, trenching and site preparation.
• Strong commitment to workplace health and safety.
• Reliable, hardworking and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Must currently reside in Taupō.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive hourly rate of $35.60.
• Additional project completion bonus available, subject to eligibility criteria.
• Ongoing project work, currently expected through to May, with potential for extension.
• Opportunity to work on a major construction development.
• Weekly pay and support from the Tradestaff team.

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.