Drainlayer / Machine Operator

Downer; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

Discounted holiday homes

Insurance discounts

Gym memberships

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Drainlayer / Machine Operator to join our Construction team in Invercargill, Southland. You will work across civil projects performing drainage installation, earthworks, and controlled machine operation while helping deliver essential infrastructure across the region.

The role requires hands-on experience with excavators, adherence to safety practices, and the ability to read plans and levels.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators of various sizes on construction sites.
• Knowledge of trench safety and underground services.
• Class 2 licence or higher is advantageous.
• Ability to read plans and levels.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and carry out drainage installation.
• Perform earthworks and machine operations across civil projects.
• Assist with bridge abutments excavation and scour protection.
• Work safely within a planning and approvals framework.

Skills

Excavator operation

Drainage experience

WTR endorsements

Plan and level reading

Trench safety

Class 2 licence

Safety culture

Job description

Operate machinery and deliver essential drainage work on real infrastructure projects in Southland!

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

Te kōwhiringa | The Opportunity

Downer is seeking a Drainlayer / Machine Operator to join our Construction team in Invercargill. Working across civil and infrastructure projects, you'll be involved in drainage installation, earthworks, and machine operation while helping deliver essential projects across the region.

You'll also work closely with our Bridging team, undertaking excavation of bridge abutments, installation of scour protection, and construction of bridge approaches. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys varied work, being part of a hardworking crew, and operating in a safety-first environment.

Ngā pūkenga matua | Skills & Experience

• Confidence operating excavators of all sizes across a variety of construction activities
• Some experience with drainage works is advantageous
• WTR endorsements and machine operating experience
• Ability to work from plans and levels
• Knowledge of trench safety and underground services
• Class 2 licence or higher advantageous
• Strong understanding of safe work practices and commitment to a positive safety culture

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

At Downer, we value our people and support career growth and development.

• Stable, long-term work with one of New Zealand's largest infrastructure businesses
• Free access to Marram health care benefits and discounted holiday homes
• Competitive hourly rates aligned with your experience
• Opportunities for career progression and ongoing development
• Discounts on insurance, retail stores, gym memberships and more

Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.