Machine Operator

JobSpace; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Downer Group's Southland Water unit in Invercargill is seeking a Machine Operator to join the Water Projects crew on a full-time basis. You will work as part of a team operating excavators, trucks and loaders, and support civil works across 3-waters projects.

The role involves pipelaying, trench compaction, formwork and concrete pours, with opportunities across rural and urban sites. Ideal candidates have 3 Waters experience, a Class 2 licence with endorsements, and a strong commitment to safety.

Qualifications

• Experience in the 3 Waters industry including pipeline trenching.
• Hold Class 2 licence with W, T, R endorsements.
• Proficiently operate excavators, loaders and tip trucks.
• Mechanical mindset and ability to maintain and safely operate machinery.
• Physically fit for manual labouring tasks.
• Strong communication and time management; able to problem solve under pressure.
• Commitment to zero harm.
• Team player who will contribute to project success.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, loaders and tip trucks as part of the Water Projects crew.
• Perform pipelaying, trench compaction and formwork tasks.
• Assist with concrete pours and other labouring duties.
• Collaborate with the team across rural to urban sites.
• Support project delivery for local councils, government agencies and private industry.

Skills

3 Waters experience

Class 2 licence + endorsements

Excavators & loaders operation

Mechanical aptitude

Manual labour

Communication & time management

Zero-harm mindset

Team player

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.

The opportunity: Our Southland Water business is seeking a Machine Operator to join our Water Projects crew in a full-time position based out of our depot in Invercargill. As a successful applicant, you will be involved in delivering a variety of civil projects, primarily in the 3-waters sector. The role is working as part of a team operating various items of machinery such as excavators, trucks, loaders etc as well as labouring tasks such as pipelaying, trench compaction, building formwork, concrete pours etc. Our projects span from rural areas to urban or industrial sites for various clients including local councils, government agencies, private industry and land developers.

About You

• Construction experience within the 3 Waters Industry including pipeline trenching.
• Class 2 Drivers Licence or above with W, T, R endorsements.
• Competent operating various sized excavators, loaders and tip trucks.
• Mechanically minded and knowledge to ensure machinery is maintained and safe to operate.
• Physically fit to undertake manual labouring tasks.
• Excellent communication and time management skills, ability to problem solve and work under pressure.
• A strong commitment to zero harm.
• A results driven team player ready to pitch in to help ensure our projects and team succeed for our clients.

Advantageous but not essential:

• Drivers License Class 4, 5.
• Drainlayer and Level 3 (or higher) Water Retic qualifications.
• Experience with polyethylene, concrete, and PVC pipeline construction.

About Energy & Utilities Downer's Energy & Utilities business unit is an integrated trans-Tasman team, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential networks and infrastructure. We design, build, operate and maintain today's critical assets and networks, delivering complete services across the water, electricity, tele-communications, industrial and power generation sectors. Our expertise spans in-house technical smarts, specialist engineering, integrated OEM partners, and dedicated crews of qualified tradespeople. Downer Group is an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

Job Info

• Job Identification 728267
• Job Category Frontline Trades and Labour
• Posting Date 01/06/2026, 12:21 AM
• Locations Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand