Mobile Crane Operator

Smith Crane & Construction; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime rates

Invercargill location

Minimum 40 hours per week

Supportive team

Career growth opportunities

NZ construction industry leader

Job summary

Smith Crane & Construction is seeking an experienced Mobile Crane Operator to join our Invercargill team. You will operate modern cranes across diverse projects, following lift plans and safety standards while working with riggers and site supervisors.

Based in Invercargill, you should have at least 2 years of crane operation experience, a NZ Certificate in Crane Operation (desirable), and a valid NZ driver license. We offer overtime, a minimum 40-hour week, and a supportive team culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' crane operation experience in construction/infrastructure.
• Based in Invercargill.
• NZ Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 3 or 4) is desirable.
• Unit Standards in crane operation or NZQA equiv. is preferred.
• Full NZ Driver's License with appropriate endorsements (Class 2 or 4) or Australian license with transfer ability.

Responsibilities

• Operate mobile cranes in accordance with lift plans and site requirements.
• Assist with crane mobilisation, setup and demobilisation.
• Inspect and maintain lifting equipment; report defects promptly.
• Communicate clearly with team members during lifting operations.
• Perform routine crane maintenance and safety checks.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and health & safety regulations.
• Represent Smith Crane & Construction professionally at all times.

Skills

Crane operation

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Decision making

Education

NZ Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 3/4)

Unit Standards in crane operation (US 3795/3789) or NZQA equivalency

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.

Smith Crane & Construction – Invercargill, South Island

Big Projects. Local Lifestyle. National Support.

Smith Crane & Construction is looking for an experienced Mobile Crane Operator to join our Invercargill team.

This is your opportunity to build a rewarding career with one of New Zealand's leading crane and construction businesses while enjoying everything Southland has to offer. Backed by over 30 years of industry experience, we're trusted by clients across New Zealand to deliver safe, reliable lifting solutions on projects both large and small.

You'll work closely with riggers, site supervisors and project teams across a diverse range of commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects, operating modern equipment while maintaining the highest safety standards.

If you're looking for stable work, overtime opportunities, and a supportive team culture, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us:

Smith Crane and Construction is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, offering exceptional service across crane hire, civil construction (including marine civil and pre-cast manufacturing), transportation, and wind energy installation and maintenance. We pride ourselves on our strong team culture, commitment to safety, and continuing our family tradition of excellent customer focus and job execution.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Operate mobile cranes in accordance with lift plans and site requirements
• Assist with crane mobilisation, setup and demobilisation
• Inspect and maintain lifting equipment; report defects promptly
• Communicate clearly with team members during lifting operations
• Perform routine crane maintenance and safety checks
• Ensure compliance with company policies and health & safety regulations
• Represent Smith Crane & Construction professionally at all times

What We're Looking For:

• Minimum 2 years' crane operation experience in construction/infrastructure
• Based in Invercargill
• New Zealand Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 3 or 4) - desirable
• Unit Standards in crane operation (e.g., US 3795, 3789,) or equivalent Australian qualifications (with NZQA equivalency)
• Full NZ Driver's License with appropriate endorsements (Class 2 or 4, WTR) or valid Australian heavy vehicle license (with ability to transfer)
• Strong understanding of safe lifting practices and NZ health & safety regulations
• Ability to pass a drug & alcohol test and pre-employment medical
• Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills
• Physically fit and able to work in varied environment

What We Offer:

• Overtime rates
• Invercargill location
• Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week
• Join a supportive, down-to-earth team
• Opportunity to grow your career and industry knowledge
• Join an industry leader in NZ Construction projects

Please note, successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a pre-employment medical and police vetting.

You must also have the right to legally live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.

Applications will be assessed as they are received.