Excavator Operator

Higgins; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Permanent role (40 hours per week)

KiwiSaver employer contribution 4%

Upskill and gain further licences

Retail discounts

Fuel discounts (pie and coffee)

Job summary

Higgins in Mount Maunganui is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our civil construction team. You will work on earthworks and infrastructure projects with skilled crews and well-maintained equipment on site.

You will read plans, perform GPS-guided final trim and ensure work aligns with project specifications, while maintaining high safety standards and collaborating with the broader team to deliver jobs on time and within scope.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating excavators in civil construction environments.
• Experience with final trim and GPS machine control is highly regarded.
• Able to read and interpret plans, models and site specifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators safely across civil construction projects.
• Complete GPS final trim work to specified levels and tolerances.
• Excavate, trim, backfill and prepare sites to project requirements.
• Read and interpret plans, models and machine control information.
• Carry out pre-start inspections and routine equipment checks.
• Collaborate with site teams to deliver work safely and efficiently.

Skills

Excavator operation

GPS machine control experience

Reading plans and specs

Safety-focused

Education

Class 1 licence with WTR endorsements

Class 2/4/5 licences advantageous

Tools

GPS machine control systems

Job description

Description

We're seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our civil construction team in Mount Maunganui. You'll play a key role on a range of earthworks and infrastructure projects, working with experienced crews and well-maintained equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate excavators safely across civil construction projects
• Complete GPS final trim work to specified levels and tolerances
• Excavate, trim, backfill and prepare sites to project requirements
• Read and interpret plans, models and machine control information
• Carry out pre-start inspections and routine equipment checks
• Collaborate with site teams to deliver work safely and efficiently

About You

• Proven experience operating excavators in civil construction environments
• Experience with final trim and GPS machine control highly regarded
• Able to work accurately from plans, designs and site specifications
• Current Class 1 licence and relevant Wheels, Tracks and Rollers (WTR) endorsements
• Class 2, 4 or 5 licences advantageous
• Good understanding of earthworks, underground services and site safety
• Reliable, safety-focused and committed to delivering quality work

Why Join Us

• Competitive hourly rate
• Permanent role with guaranteed 40 hours per week
• KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
• Opportunity to upskill and gain further licences
• Retail discounts for you and your family to enjoy
• Z fuel discounts including a monthly free pie and coffee

Higgins is a leading construction and infrastructure company, proudly building and maintaining roads, bridges, and civil projects that connect communities across New Zealand. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and sustainability, we deliver projects that make a real difference. At Higgins, you’ll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and career growth – because we believe our people are the foundation of our success.

Higgins is committed to a drug‑free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre‑employment drug and alcohol testing along with a health check – you’ll need to be fit for work!

We're with you on the road ahead - Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.