Excavator Operator

Horizon Energy Group; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 43,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Wellbeing support

Birthday leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Horizon Energy Group – Gisborne, North Island is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support civil construction and earthworks across regional operations. You will operate excavators, read site plans, and work with ground staff to meet safety, quality, and schedule targets.

The role is full-time and based in multiple locations including Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, Waikato, and Wellington.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of heavy machinery experience in a civil construction setting or equivalent Excavator Operator certification.
• Valid Class 1 Driver Licence (higher classes advantageous) or international equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and earthmoving equipment for excavation, trenching, grading and site prep.
• Read site plans, levels, and construction drawings to support civil works.
• Work with ground crew, spotters and supervisors to maintain safety and timelines.
• Perform daily pre-start checks and basic maintenance; identify hazards and report faults.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and support general site duties as needed.

Skills

Heavy machinery operation

Civil construction experience

Safety awareness

Education

Excavator Operator certification

Valid Driver Licence (Class 1)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Horizon Energy Group – Gisborne, North Island

• Based in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū‑Whanganui, Taranaki, Waikato, and Wellington
• $ 31-34/h (depending on experience)

Horizon Services Limited is a nationally recognised electricity infrastructure services company. Our team of highly skilled designers, engineers, and field service technicians deliver innovative and reliable solutions. These include the design and maintenance of underground and overhead electricity infrastructure, streetlighting, capital works and maintenance, asset management, and future energy and sustainability solutions. Horizon Services is proud to be a member of the Horizon Energy Group of companies.

We are seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support civil construction and earthworks projects across our regional operations. This role is essential to delivering safe, efficient, and high‑quality excavation, trenching, grading, and site preparation work across our network.

About the Role:

While this is a full‑time, permanent role based in these locations: Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Manawatū‑Whanganui, Taranaki, Waikato, and Wellington.

You will operate excavators and earthmoving equipment to support civil construction and earthworks activities, including:

• Excavation, trenching, bulk earthworks, grading, and loading
• Reading and interpreting site plans, levels, and construction drawings
• Working closely with ground crew, spotters, and supervisors
• Conducting daily pre‑start checks, basic maintenance, and hazard identification
• Maintaining a clean, safe work environment
• Reporting faults, mechanical issues, and safety hazards
• Assisting with general site duties when required
• Ensuring all work meets project timelines, quality standards, and safety requirements

About You:

You will bring strong civil construction experience and proven capability operating excavators safely and efficiently.

You will also have:

• At least 2 years of relevant heavy machinery experience in a civil construction setting OR relevant Excavator Operator certification
• Valid Class 1 Driver Licence (higher classes advantageous) or international equivalent
• Experience in civil construction, earthworks, trenching, drainage, or similar industries
• Ability to operate machinery safely in confined or complex environments
• Strong awareness of site safety procedures and hazard identification
• Ability to work effectively with ground staff and supervisors
• Reliability, communication skills, and a strong safety mindset

Desirable (not essential):

• Site Safe, WTR, or equivalent civil construction tickets
• First Aid certification

What's in it for you?

At Horizon Energy Group, you'll enjoy:

• Career development: ongoing training, upskilling and pathways across the wider Group
• Wellbeing support: health checks, flu jabs, EAP, and life & critical illness insurance
• Extra leave: enjoy a paid day off on your birthday
• Perks & discounts: access to a wide range of corporate discounts
• Join a trusted NZ company with 70+ years of industry experience
• Supportive team culture: work with people who value safety, teamwork and doing the job right

Our SWITCH Values:

We're after someone who brings real energy to our SWITCH values:

• Sustainability – Making smart decisions for our future.
• Winning – Taking ownership and delivering results.
• Innovation – Finding better ways to get the job done.
• Trust – Building strong relationships through honesty and integrity.
• Customer Focus – Delivering exceptional service every day.
• Health & Safety – Putting safety first, always.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.

Our workplaces are drug and alcohol free - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre‑employment medical.