Excavator Operator

Tradestaff New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided where required

Support from Tradestaff team

Potential long‑term work

Job summary

Tradestaff New Zealand is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join a busy civil crew in North West Auckland. Immediate start with an hourly pay rate of NZD 33–38 plus weekly pay.

You will operate excavators on civil sites, perform trenching and earthworks, load trucks, and ensure safety around underground services. Requirements include proven excavator experience in civil work, NZ Class 2/4 licences, WTR endorsements, and the ability to work as part of a crew with strong safety focus.

Qualifications

• Proven excavator operating experience within civil construction or earthworks.
• Current NZ Class 2 and Class 4 driver licences.
• Current WTR endorsements.
• Strong machine control and confidence on busy worksites.
• Good understanding of civil site safety and underground services.
• Reliable, safety‑focused and team‑oriented.
• Able to pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators across civil construction and earthworks sites.
• Carry out trenching, backfilling, bulk excavation and site preparation.
• Load trucks and move materials efficiently around site.
• Work safely around underground services and existing infrastructure.
• Follow site plans, levels and set‑out requirements.
• Complete daily machine inspections and basic maintenance.
• Assist the ground crew with general site tasks as required.

Skills

Excavator operation

Civil construction experience

Safety awareness

Crew collaboration

Drug test clearance

Job description

Excavator Operator

Tradestaff is looking for an experienced Excavator Operator to join a busy civil crew in North West Auckland. This is a hands‑on opportunity for a capable operator who knows how to keep earthworks moving safely, accurately, and efficiently.

Location: North West Auckland, Auckland

Start date: Immediate start

Pay rate: $33–$38 per hour + weekly pay

What You'll Be Doing

• Operate excavators across civil construction and earthworks sites
• Carry out trenching, backfilling, bulk excavation, and site preparation
• Load trucks and shift materials efficiently around site
• Work accurately around underground services and existing infrastructure
• Follow site plans, levels, and set‑out requirements
• Complete daily machine inspections and basic operator maintenance
• Assist the ground crew with general site tasks when required

What We're Looking For

• Proven excavator operating experience within civil construction or earthworks
• Current Class 2 and Class 4 NZ driver licences
• Current WTR endorsements
• Strong machine control and confidence operating on busy worksites
• Good understanding of civil site safety and underground service awareness
• Reliable, safety‑focused, and comfortable working as part of a crew
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test

What's in It for You?

• Opportunity to work across a range of civil and earthworks projects
• Potential for long‑term work
• Variety across different sites and operating environments
• PPE provided where required
• Work alongside experienced civil crews
• Build further experience across different excavation activities
• Support from the Tradestaff team throughout your assignment

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.