Excavator Operator

Higgins; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver employer matching (up to 4%)

40 hours/week guaranteed

Upskill and licencing opportunities

Retail discounts

Fuel discounts

Job summary

Higgins in Mount Maunganui is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join our civil construction team on earthworks and infrastructure projects. You’ll work with our crews and well-maintained equipment to deliver quality results.

Key duties include operating excavators safely, performing GPS final trim to plan specifications, and assisting with site preparation and inspections. A Class 1 licence with WTR endorsements is required, with additional licences advantageous.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating excavators on civil construction sites.
• Experience with final trim and GPS machine control is highly regarded.
• Ability to work accurately from plans and site specifications.
• Current Class 1 licence with WTR endorsements.
• Class 2, 4 or 5 licences are advantageous.
• Good understanding of earthworks and site safety.

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 final trim

Plan interpretation

WTR endorsements

Licence Class 1

Class 2/4/5 licences

Job 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 licenses
• 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

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. 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.