Machine Operator - Central Highways

JobSpace; Otago; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

KiwiSaver employer contributions

Parental leave top-up

Training and development

Discounts

Job summary

Fulton Hogan is seeking a hands-on Machine Operator to join our Central Highways Team in Central Otago. You will operate a range of civil construction plant to support highway maintenance and construction across the region.

The role requires a Class 2, 4 or 5 driver licence, a strong commitment to health and safety, and a practical, team-oriented approach. Training and development are provided as part of a supportive employer.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to health and safety.
• Experience operating civil construction plant and equipment is advantageous.
• Must be capable of working in a team and following instructions.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a hands-on role.
• Valid driver licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, loaders, rollers, graders and other plant safely and efficiently.
• Carry out drainage, surfacing and pavement repairs and renewals, earthworks and general civil works.
• Complete daily plant inspections and basic maintenance.
• Support traffic management and emergency response activities.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Work with the wider team to deliver safe, productive outcomes.

Skills

Teamwork

Health and safety

Problem solving

Willingness to learn

Tools

Excavators

Loaders

Rollers

Graders

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.

Fulton Hogan holds the NZTA Integrated Delivery Contract (IDC) for Central Otago, delivering state highway maintenance services across the network. The contract, secured for a 10-year term, encompasses all aspects of network maintenance, including cyclic maintenance activities, vegetation management, incident response, winter maintenance services, minor capital works projects, and pavement, surfacing, and drainage repairs and renewals.

We''re looking for a Machine Operator to join our Central Highways Team. You'll operate and maintain civil construction plant and equipment to support highway maintenance and construction activities across the region, helping keep our roads safe and reliable.

About the role

This is a hands-on role working across state highway maintenance, drainage and pavement repairs and renewals, earthworks, and emergency response activities. You'll operate a range of machinery, work as part of a high-performing crew, and contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of works across the network.

Key responsibilities

• Operate excavators, loaders, rollers, graders, and other plant safely and efficiently.
• Carry out drainage, surfacing and pavement repairs and renewals, earthworks, and general civil works.
• Complete daily plant inspections and basic maintenance.
• Support traffic management and emergency response activities.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Work with the wider team to deliver safe, productive outcomes.

We''re looking for someone with

• Class 2, 4 or 5 Driver Licence.
• Experience operating civil construction plant and equipment and roading, maintenance, or civil construction experience is an advantage, but not a requirement.
• A strong commitment to health and safety.
• Good problem-solving skills and a practical approach.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• The ability to work well as part of a team.

At Fulton Hogan, we genuinely care about the wellbeing of our people and giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed and grow with us. You'll have access to:

• Medical insurance and Life insurance after the eligibility period.
• KiwiSaver employer contributions after service milestones, up to 7%.
• Parental leave top-up payment with additional return-to-work support.
• Ongoing training and development, with clear career growth and progression opportunities.
• Great discounts at a wide range of retailers.

About us

Fulton Hogan is an integrated infrastructure, construction and services business working across New Zealand and Australia. We partner with clients and communities to design, build, operate and maintain critical assets – from bitumen and quarries to roads, water and energy. Our people are united by a simple purpose: to create, connect and care for communities, while reducing environmental impact and supporting more sustainable futures.