Mill Operator

JobSpace; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts

Wellbeing support

Employee benefits

Job summary

Downer is seeking an experienced Mill Operator in Christchurch to join our paving and surfacing team. You will operate and maintain milling machinery across Canterbury projects, delivering quality and productivity.

This hands-on role requires pre-start checks, routine servicing, hazard management, and support for on-site crews. Flexibility for night work and travel is essential, with a safety-focused mindset and pride in workmanship.

Qualifications

• Experience operating milling equipment and performing routine maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety and hazard management on construction sites.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a crew.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain milling machinery safely and efficiently.
• Perform pre-start checks and routine servicing.
• Manage hazards and support on-site crews.
• Travel and night shifts may be required.
• Collaborate with paving and surfacing teams.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Plant maintenance

Civil construction experience

On-site decision making

Travel flexibility

Tools

Milling machines

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're looking for an experienced Mill Operator with proven experience operating Wirtgen asphalt profiling mills to join our Christchurch-based team. If you're safety-focused, mechanically minded, and take pride in delivering quality results, we'd love to hear from you.

Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here

At Downer, we're committed to delivering excellence by giving our people the tools, support and environment they need to succeed. When you join us, you're joining a team that looks after its own.

• Full-time, permanent role with consistent hours
• Opportunity to work on key infrastructure projects across Canterbury and beyond
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Supportive team environment with strong leadership
• Employee benefits including discounts and wellbeing support

As a Mill Operator, you'll play a key role in delivering road maintenance and rehabilitation projects across Canterbury and the wider South Island.

Working within an experienced paving and surfacing team, you'll be responsible for operating and maintaining milling machinery safely and efficiently while achieving high standards of quality and productivity.

This is a hands-on role where you'll be involved in all aspects of the operation, including pre-start checks, routine servicing, hazard management, and supporting crews on-site. Flexibility to travel and work night shifts when required is essential.

We're looking for a reliable and safety-focused operator who takes pride in their equipment and workmanship.

Ideally, you'll have:

• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of plant maintenance
• Experience within civil construction, roading, surfacing, or infrastructure projects
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions on-site
• Flexibility to travel and work outside normal hours, including night works when required
• A positive attitude and willingness to support the wider team

If you're an experienced Milling Machine Operator looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.

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.