Excavator Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Wellbeing support

Birthday leave

Discounts

Industry experience

Supportive culture

Job summary

Horizon Energy Group in Napier, NZ is seeking an experienced Excavator Operator to support civil construction and earthworks across our regional operations. You will operate excavators and earthmoving equipment, read site plans, and work closely with ground crew, spotters and supervisors to deliver safe, efficient work.

You should have at least 2 years of heavy machinery experience or an Excavator Operator certification, with a valid Class 1 Driver Licence.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of heavy machinery experience in civil construction.
• Valid Class 1 Driver Licence (higher classes advantageous) or international equivalent.
• Experience reading site plans and construction drawings.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and earthmoving equipment to support civil construction and earthworks.
• Read site plans, levels, and construction drawings.
• Work with ground crew, spotters, and supervisors.
• Perform daily pre-start checks and basic maintenance.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Report faults, mechanical issues, and safety hazards.
• Assist with general site duties when required.
• Ensure work meets project timelines and safety requirements.

Skills

Heavy machinery experience

Safe operation

Communication skills

Safety mindset

Education

Excavator Operator certification

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 – Napier City, 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.