Drainage Crew Workers

Franklin Smith Group; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Franklin Smith Group in Christchurch, Canterbury, is seeking reliable drainage crew members at all levels for long-term civil projects in New Zealand. Roles range from general labourers to certified drainlayers and site leaders, with hourly pay between $28 and $42 depending on role and experience.

If you have drainage or civil labouring experience, a Class 1 licence if possible, and a strong work ethic, join a supportive team with clear growth paths and ongoing, long-term work on major site

Qualifications

• Proven drainage or civil labouring experience (minimum 12 months)
• Class 1 licence (Class 2 or WTR is a bonus)
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Drainage certification required for top-tier roles
• Ability to work as part of a reliable crew

Responsibilities

• Assisting or leading trenching and pipe laying
• Working with excavators and spotting for machines
• Reading and working from drainage plans
• Installing stormwater, sewer, and water mains
• Supporting foremen or taking charge of daily operations (depending on role)

Skills

Drainage experience

Class 1 licence

Teamwork

Strong work ethic

Drainage certification

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.

DRAINAGE CREW WANTED - ALL LEVELS

$28-$42/hr depending on experience and role | Full-time | Long-term projects

We're building reliable drainage crews across key civil sites and looking for strong candidates at every level - from labourers through to certified drainlayers and site leaders. If you've got experience in civil drainage or want to grow within a solid team, we want to hear from you.

We're Hiring For:

• General Labourers (minimum 6-12 months civil experience)
• Drainlayer Assistants (minimum 12 months drainage experience)
• Experienced Drainlayers
• 2IC / Leading Hands
• Certified/Licensed Drainlayers
• Foremen with strong site management skills

What You'll Be Doing:

• Assisting or leading trenching and pipe laying
• Working with excavators and spotting for machines
• Reading and working from drainage plans
• Installing stormwater, sewer, and water mains
• Supporting foremen or taking charge of daily operations (depending on role)

What You'll Need:

• Proven drainage or civil labouring experience (minimum 12 months)
• Class 1 licence (Class 2 or WTR is a bonus)
• Strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Drainage certification required for top-tier roles
• Ability to work as part of a reliable crew

Why Join:

• Ongoing, long-term work across strong projects
• Clear pathway to grow from labourer to leader
• Great team culture and support on site
• Work with reputable contractors in the civil space

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Successful candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment medical, drug, and alcohol test.