Excavator Operator

Pemberton Civil; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pemberton Group is seeking a skilled Excavator Operator for civil construction and earthworks in New Zealand. You will operate excavators across diverse sites, support daily operations, and maintain safety and productivity on site.

Ideal candidates have proven excavator experience in civil works, and can work independently or as part of a team while following site plans and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating excavators in civil construction or earthworks.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently operate excavators across civil construction and earthworks sites.
• Carry out bulk earthworks, trenching, drainage, service installation and general excavation tasks.
• Load trucks and move, level and place material accurately.
• Carry out detailed excavation and trimming work when required.
• Work around underground services and other site hazards safely and responsibly.
• Perform daily machine inspections and report issues.
• Work from site plans and levels to achieve finished results.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, spotters and ground crew.
• Maintain a clean, safe and compliant work environment and follow safety requirements.

Skills

Excavator Operation

Site Safety

Communication

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.

We are looking for a skilled and reliable Excavator Operator who takes pride in their work and knows how to operate a machine efficiently and accurately. You will be primarily responsible for operating excavators across a variety of civil construction and earthworks projects. The role will involve supporting daily site operations and completing work to a high standard, while maintaining a strong focus on safety and productivity. This is a hands‑on role suited to an operator who is confident working independently but is also happy to be a part of a team.

Key responsibilities

Safely and efficiently operate excavators across a range of civil construction and earthworks sites.

Carry out bulk earthworks, trenching, drainage, service installation and general excavation tasks.

Load trucks and move, level and place material accurately.

Carry out detailed excavation and trimming work where required.

Work around underground services and other site hazards safely and responsibly.

Perform daily machine inspections to ensure the machine is in good working condition and report any maintenance or mechanical issues.

Work from site plans, instructions and levels to achieve the required finished results.

Communicate effectively with supervisors, spotters and ground crew.

Maintain a clean, safe and compliant work environment at all times.

Follow all company and site health and safety requirements.

About you

Proven experience operating excavators in civil construction or earthworks.

Experience operating excavators confidently and accurately in a range of site conditions.

Good understanding of bulk earthworks, trenching, drainage, service installation and general excavation tasks.

A strong understanding of machine safety and daily pre‑start checks.

Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team.

A strong focus on safety and adherence to health and safety protocols.

Reliable, punctual, and able to work flexible hours when required.

About us

Pemberton Group is a leading civil construction company delivering quality infrastructure and earthworks projects across New Zealand. We take pride in doing things properly with a strong focus on safety, quality workmanship, reliability and getting the job done right.

Competitive remuneration package reflecting your skills and experience.

A positive and supportive work environment.

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Work with a company that values safety, quality, and employee well‑being.

Be part of a team that works on exciting and varied civil construction projects.