Excavator Operator

Tradestaff; Waikato; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Weekly pay

Job summary

Tradestaff is seeking an Experienced Digger Operator to support civil construction and drainage projects across the Waikato region. The ideal candidate will operate excavators of various sizes, handle trenching and earthworks, and ensure safe work practices around underground services.

Applicants should have a Full Class 2 licence, current WTR endorsements, and drainage/trench shield experience. This role offers ongoing work with competitive hourly pay based on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating excavators of various sizes.
• Full Class 2 driver's licence – essential.
• Current WTR endorsements – essential.
• Previous drainage and trench shield experience – essential.
• Strong understanding of excavation safety and working around underground services.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and a strong commitment to health and safety.
• Reliable, hardworking and able to operate in challenging conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators of various sizes across civil construction and drainage projects.
• Carry out trenching, excavation, backfilling and general earthworks.
• Work on drainage installations and underground services.
• Work safely with trench shields and trench support systems.
• Read and follow site plans, levels and instructions.
• Operate machinery safely around existing underground services.
• Assist with site preparation and general civil construction duties.
• Complete daily machinery checks and basic maintenance.
• Work alongside drainage crews, supervisors and other operators.

Skills

Excavator operation

Trench safety

Reading site plans

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

Experienced Digger Operator – Civil & Drainage

Location: Waikato Region

Pay Rate: Competitive Hourly Wage – Based on Experience

Industry: Civil Construction / Drainage / Earthworks

Experienced Digger Operator Wanted! Tradestaff is looking for an experienced Digger Operator with a strong background in civil construction and drainage to join a busy team working on projects throughout the Waikato region. We're looking for a skilled operator who is confident operating excavators of various sizes, has hands-on drainage experience, and understands how to work safely and efficiently around trenches and underground services. If you're an experienced operator who takes pride in precision, safety and getting the job done right, we want to hear from you!

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating excavators of various sizes across civil construction and drainage projects.
• Carrying out trenching, excavation, backfilling and general earthworks.
• Working on drainage installations and underground services.
• Working safely with trench shields and trench support systems.
• Reading and following site plans, levels and instructions.
• Operating machinery safely around existing underground services.
• Assisting with site preparation and general civil construction duties.
• Completing daily machinery checks and basic maintenance.
• Working alongside drainage crews, supervisors and other operators.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience operating excavators of various sizes
• Full Class 2 driver's licence – essential.
• Current WTR endorsements – essential.
• Previous drainage and trench shield experience – essential.
• Strong understanding of excavation safety and working around underground services.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication skills and a strong commitment to health and safety.
• Reliable, hardworking and confident operating machinery in challenging conditions.

Bonus Skills – Highly Regarded

• Experience with sheet piling operations.
• Previous roading and civil infrastructure experience.
• Final trim experience and the ability to work accurately to levels and specifications.

What's on Offer

• Competitive hourly wage based on experience.
• Weekly pay.
• Waikato-based projects.
• PPE provided.
• Opportunities for ongoing work.
• Variety of civil construction and drainage projects.