Drainage Lead Hand: Lead Crews, Safe & Upskill

Higgins; Whanganui; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver employer contribution 4%

40 hours per week

Upskill and licences

Job summary

Higgins is seeking a Leading Hand - Drainage in Palmerston North to support the Foreperson in day-to-day drainage activities. The role is hands-on and requires leading a small crew to deliver safe, high‑quality work across projects.

You’ll bring proven drainage experience, crew leadership skills, and the ability to read plans and work with various tools and equipment. Higgins offers a permanent, full-time role with 40 hours per week, KiwiSaver matching, and opportunities to upskill.

Qualifications

• Proven drainage experience and hands-on site knowledge.
• Experience leading small crews on drainage projects.
• Understanding of drainage construction methods and materials.
• Experience with rotating and pipe lasers.
• Willingness to support other civil tasks as required.
• Able to read plans, understand levels, and follow site instructions.
• Full NZ Class 1 license; Class 2/WTR endorsements are an advantage.
• Physically fit, reliable and safety‑minded.
• Positive attitude with flexibility to work varied hours.

Responsibilities

• Assist Foreperson in planning and supervising daily drainage activities.
• Lead and support operators, labourers, subcontractors and labour hire staff.
• Ensure drainage works are delivered safely and to specification.
• Coordinate plant, materials and resources to keep work flowing.
• Maintain communication with team, clients and site stakeholders.
• Ensure work meets Higgins' safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Support training and mentoring of less experienced crew members.

Skills

Drainage experience

Crew leadership

Drainage methods

Pipe lasers

Drainage quals

Read plans

Class 1 licence

Safety focus

Flexible hours

Tools

Drainage tools

Job description

Higgins is seeking a Leading Hand - Drainage in Palmerston North to support the Foreperson in day-to-day drainage activities. The role is hands-on and requires leading a small crew to deliver safe, high‑quality work across projects.

You’ll bring proven drainage experience, crew leadership skills, and the ability to read plans and work with various tools and equipment. Higgins offers a permanent, full-time role with 40 hours per week, KiwiSaver matching, and opportunities to upskill.