Excavator Operator

Stellar Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Weekly pay

Temp to permanent

Team environment

Major projects across Canterbury

Job summary

Stellar Recruitment is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join a busy civil construction team delivering major projects across Christchurch. You will operate a range of heavy machinery with a focus on accuracy, safety and efficiency.

We value experience in construction, WTR endorsements, a Class 1 licence, and a proactive team player mindset. Temporary to permanent opportunities and a supportive workplace are on offer.

Qualifications

• Proven excavator operation experience on civil works sites.
• Ability to operate multiple heavy machines safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrated commitment to health and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators (1.7t to 20t) for precision work.
• Carry out cut and fill, final trim, compaction, and grade work.
• Safely operate rollers and dump trucks as required.
• Lead and support a small team when required.
• Ensure work is completed efficiently and to a high standard.
• Follow and promote health & safety practices on site.

Skills

Excavator operation

Heavy machinery operation

Team leadership

Safety awareness

Tools

Excavators

Rollers

Dump trucks

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to join a busy and growing civil construction team delivering major projects across Christchurch. This is an excellent opportunity to work with a company that has a strong forward workload and a reputation for delivering high-quality results on large-scale developments.

About The Role

In this role, you will operate a variety of heavy machinery, including excavators, to complete precise and efficient work across civil construction projects. You'll be trusted to work both independently and as part of a team while maintaining high safety and performance standards.

What's on Offer

• Competitive pay: $33 - $38 per hour (depending on experience)
• Weekly pay + 30 hours guaranteed
• Opportunity to transition from temporary to permanent
• Supportive, team-focused environment with strong company values
• Work on major developments across Canterbury

Key Responsibilities

• Operate excavators (1.7t to 20t) for precision work
• Carry out cut and fill, final trim, compaction, and grade work
• Safely operate additional machinery such as rollers and dump trucks
• Lead and support a small team when required
• Ensure all work is completed efficiently and to a high standard
• Follow and promote strong Health & Safety practices on site

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience in construction or civil works
• Strong skills in final trim, compaction, grading, cut and fill
• WTR (Wheels, Tracks, Rollers) endorsements required
• Experience operating a range of heavy machinery
• Full clean Class 1 licence (Class 2 preferred)
• Strong work ethic and clear communication skills
• Solid understanding of Health & Safety procedures

About You

• Willing to get on the tools and work alongside the team when needed
• Take pride in equipment care and preventative maintenance
• Positive attitude with a team-first mindset
• High standards in workmanship and presentation
• Committed to a drug-free workplace (pre-employment, random, and post-incident testing applies)
• Motivated to grow within the civil construction industry

Culture

You’ll join a hardworking, down-to-earth team that takes pride in delivering quality civil earthworks across Canterbury. Safety, teamwork, and getting the job done right are at the heart of everything they do. They value operators who take ownership of their work, look after their gear, and contribute positively to site culture. In return, you’ll be supported by experienced leaders, have access to modern equipment, and enjoy a workplace where good performance is recognised and rewarded.

About The Company

Our client is a well-established Canterbury civil construction contractor delivering a wide range of earthworks, subdivision, roading, drainage, and infrastructure projects. With a strong reputation for quality workmanship and reliability, they continue to grow through long-term client relationships and a commitment to investing in both its people and equipment. This is an opportunity to join a respected local business with a consistent pipeline of work and a focus on developing skilled operators.

Temporary work

Temporary work can suit those who want the flexibility of choosing when and where to work. Or while waiting for that perfect permanent role you could enjoy the flexibility of temping, experiencing a variety of different industries and workplace environments.

Assignments can vary in length from ad hoc requests, short or long term, full time or part-time - depending on the requirements of the Client. At times there can be the opportunity for a Temporary role to successfully become a Permanent offer.