Hydro-Ex Driver / Operator

InterGroup; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

InterGroup is seeking a Hydro-Ex Driver Operator for Christchurch to operate hydro excavation trucks and equipment across Canterbury sites. You will use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to expose underground services and support civil and utility projects, with training provided if you lack prior hydro excavation experience.

The role is hands-on and outdoors, requiring a reliable attitude, good stamina, and a strong commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• A full Class 2 driver's licence minimum.
• Class 4 licence advantageous.
• Good physical fitness and willingness to undertake hands-on work.
• A strong work ethic and reliable attitude.
• A practical, can-do approach.
• Good communication skills.
• A strong commitment to health and safety.
• Ability to work outdoors in a range of conditions.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate hydro excavation trucks.
• Operate high-pressure water and vacuum excavation equipment.
• Safely expose underground services and other assets.
• Assist with excavation, potholing, trenching, and utility work.
• Set up and pack down equipment and work sites.
• Carry out manual work alongside the crew.
• Complete daily vehicle and equipment checks.
• Follow site safety requirements and work procedures.
• Work closely with clients, site crews, and other contractors.

Skills

Full Class 2 license

Class 4 licence advantageous

Physical fitness

Hands-on work

Health and safety

Communication skills

Reliability

Outdoor work

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.

Hydro-Ex Driver Operator – Christchurch

Get Behind the Wheel. Get Stuck Into the Work.

Vac-U-Digga is New Zealand's leading hydro excavation specialist. Hydro is what we do — and after 18 years in civil construction and 10 years of specialist research and development, we've built a reputation for doing the job properly, safely, and efficiently.

We're looking for a reliable and motivated Hydro-Ex Driver Operator to join our Christchurch team.

This is a hands-on role where you'll drive and operate specialist hydro excavation equipment, working alongside the crew to safely expose underground services and complete a range of civil and utility projects.

About the Role

As a Hydro-Ex Driver Operator, you'll operate our hydro excavation trucks and specialist equipment across a variety of sites throughout Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.

You'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to excavate around underground services, foundations, pipelines, and other assets. The role involves plenty of time operating equipment, as well as physical, hands-on work on site.

No previous hydro excavation experience is required. If you have the right attitude, a good work ethic, and the relevant driver's licence, we'll provide the training you need to become a skilled Hydro-Ex Operator.

What You'll Be Doing

• Drive and operate hydro excavation trucks
• Operate high-pressure water and vacuum excavation equipment
• Safely expose underground services and other assets
• Assist with excavation, potholing, trenching, and utility work
• Set up and pack down equipment and work sites
• Carry out manual work alongside the crew
• Complete daily vehicle and equipment checks
• Follow site safety requirements and work procedures
• Work closely with clients, site crews, and other contractors
• Maintain equipment and report any issues

What We're Looking For

You'll have:

• A full Class 2 driver's licence minimum
• Class 4 licence advantageous
• Good physical fitness and willingness to undertake hands-on work
• A strong work ethic and reliable attitude
• A practical, can-do approach
• Good communication skills
• A strong commitment to health and safety
• Ability to work outdoors in a range of conditions

Previous experience in hydro excavation, civil construction, drainage, utilities, vacuum loading, or operating specialist equipment is advantageous but not essential.

Why Join Vac-U-Digga?

Learn a Specialist Trade

Get full training in hydro excavation and develop skills that are highly valued across the civil and utilities industries.

Operate Specialist Equipment

Spend your day operating high-pressure water and vacuum systems rather than simply driving from site to site.

Varied Work

Work across a range of civil, utility, and commercial projects throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.

Great Team Environment

Join an experienced crew that works hard, looks out for each other, and takes pride in doing the job properly.

• Learn a Specialist Trade
• Operate Specialist Equipment
• Varied Work
• Great Team Environment

Since its inception over 40 years ago, InterGroup have become one of the leading infrastructure and industrial services specialists in New Zealand. We are nationwide, predominantly undertaking work for local government, central government agencies and industry. This includes a solid portfolio of projects comprising an enviable record of successfully working in close collaboration with our clients and supply chain.

We are manaaki tangata, we will care for the people.Safety is paramount in all of our operations, combined with a real focus to meet customers and community needs. It is our intention that our people go home safely every day, and our aim is a zero TRIFR. We continue to invest in the futures of our staff, their skills, safety and well-being; and that all customers are safe around any works we undertake on the network. We are kaitiaki, wehave a guardian and stewardship role for natural resources. Our responsibility is to manaaki (care for) these resources in an environmentally sustainable way.