Drainage Foreman

RobLawMax Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 37,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly rate up to $45 (NZD)

Company vehicle

Long-term flow of drainage and civil7

Supportive site culture

Leadership growth opportunities

Job summary

RobLawMax Recruitment in Christchurch is seeking a hands-on Drainage Foreman to lead crews on Canterbury civil infrastructure projects, with a deep drainage background spanning sewer, stormwater, and water mains.

On the ground, you’ll drive productivity, safety and quality, read plans, set levels, and coordinate with project managers and supervisors. A Full Class 1 licence is required; Class 2/WTR are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in deep drainage and civil pipework.
• Hands-on leadership style not just directing, but working alongside your team.
• Ability to read plans and work with levels.
• Certified or registered Drainlayer preferred, but not essential.
• Full Class 1 licence required (Class 2 and WTR an advantage).

Responsibilities

• Oversee and participate in deep drainage installations (sewer, stormwater, water mains).
• Manage and lead a small on-site team.
• Interpret plans, set out levels, and problem-solve on the go.
• Experience with water reticulation services (preferred).
• Confidently operate excavators in deep drainage and various machines.
• Uphold and enforce health and safety standards.
• Communicate clearly with supervisors and subcontractors.

Skills

Hands-on leadership

Plan reading

Team leadership

Safety compliance

Effective communication

Education

Full Class 1 licence

Tools

Excavators

Water reticulation

Job description

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RobLawMax Recruitment – Christchurch, South Island

We're looking for a hands-on Drainage Foreman with a deep drainage background to take charge of crews working on some of Canterburys most important civil infrastructure projects.

This is a boots-on-the-ground leadership role with a well-established civil contractor delivering 3-waters and underground infrastructure projects across Christchurch and surrounding areas.

Youll be stepping into a team that values doing things properly, safely, and efficiently.

Whats in it for you:

• Up to $45 per hour (negotiable based on experience)
• Company vehicle
• Long-term pipeline of deep drainage and civil work
• Supportive site culture with well-maintained gear and solid systems
• Opportunity to lead, grow and be recognised for your contribution

About the Role:

Youll be on the ground with your crew, actively involved in day-to-day drainage work while leading site operations. Youll take responsibility for productivity, safety, and quality, and will work closely with project managers and supervisors to keep things running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee and participate in deep drainage installations (sewer, stormwater, water mains)
• Manage and lead a small on-site team
• Interpret plans, set out levels, and problem-solve on the go
• Experience with water reticulation services (preferred)
• Confident in operating excavators in deep drainage and various machines
• Uphold and enforce health and safety standards
• Communicate clearly with supervisors and subcontractors

What Were Looking For:

• Proven experience in deep drainage and civil pipework
• Hands‑on leadership style not just directing, but working alongside your team
• Ability to read plans and work with levels
• Certified or registered Drainlayer preferred, but not essential
• Full Class 1 licence required (Class 2 and WTR an advantage)
• Commitment to quality work, safe practices, and team performance

RobLawMax specialises in recruitment across Construction, Infrastructure, Engineering, Manufacturing, Energy and Industrial sectors. As specialists, our consultants are equipped with industry-specific knowledge, extensive networks, and an empathy and understanding of the recruitment process within infrastructure construction. We are proud to announce that we have recently achieved ISO9001 accreditation for our Quality Management System (QMS), and ISO450001 accreditation for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management systems.