Multi-Skilled Operator – Excavator & Class 5

Higgins; Waikato; On-site; NZD 34,440 - 48,216; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Permanent role with guaranteed 40 h/wk

KiwiSaver employer contributions up to

Upskill and gain further licenses

Great benefits for you and your family

Job summary

Higgins Waikato invites applications for a Specialist Operator based at our Kopu Depot to deliver road maintenance and infrastructure works across the network.

This hands-on role focuses on operating excavators and other plant safely, supporting crew tasks, and performing basic site maintenance and pre-start inspections.

You will have a current Class 5 licence with WTR endorsements, a proven track record in civil construction or road works, and a team-focused, independent work ethic.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators in civil construction or road maintenance.
• Current Class 5 licence.
• WTR endorsements.
• Strong commitment to site safety and environmental requirements.
• Experience with roading, drainage, or infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and other plant safely and efficiently across maintenance and construction activities
• Drive Class 5 vehicles as required to support project delivery
• Carry out hands-on maintenance work alongside the crew
• Prepare work areas, materials and equipment for daily activities
• Complete pre-start inspections and basic plant maintenance checks
• Follow site safety, quality and environmental requirements
• Support traffic management and site operations as required
• Respond to incidents and after-hours callouts when rostered

Skills

Excavator operation

Plant operation

Safety awareness

Civil construction experience

Team collaboration

Education

Class 5 licence

Job description

Description Higgins Waikato has secured a new long-term Integrated Delivery Contract with NZTA for the region, and we are looking for an experienced Specialist Operator to join the team based from our Kopu Depot.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys operating excavators but is equally happy getting stuck in with the crew when required. You'll play a key part in delivering road maintenance and infrastructure works across the network, operating a range of plant while supporting day-to-day site activities.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Operate excavators and other plant safely and efficiently across maintenance and construction activities
• Drive Class 5 vehicles as required to support project delivery
• Carry out hands-on maintenance work alongside the crew
• Prepare work areas, materials and equipment for daily activities
• Complete pre-start inspections and basic plant maintenance checks
• Follow site safety, quality and environmental requirements
• Support traffic management and site operations as required
• Respond to incidents and after-hours callouts when rostered

What You\'ll Bring To The Role

• Proven experience operating excavators in a civil construction or road maintenance environment
• A current Class 5 licence
• WTR endorsements
• Strong understanding of safe operating practices and site safety requirements
• Experience working on roading, drainage, maintenance or infrastructure projects
• A positive, team-focused attitude and willingness to assist with a variety of site tasks
• The ability to work independently and take ownership of your work

Why Join Us

• Competitive hourly rate
• Permanent role with guaranteed 40 hours per week
• KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
• Opportunity to upskill and gain further licenses
• Great benefits for you and your family to enjoy

Higgins is a leading construction and infrastructure company, proudly building and maintaining roads, bridges, and civil projects that connect communities across New Zealand. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and sustainability, we deliver projects that make a real difference. At Higgins, you’ll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and career growth – because we believe our people are the foundation of our success.

Higgins is committed to a drug-free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing along with a health check – you’ll need to be fit for work!

We\'re with you on the road ahead - Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

We are actively looking to fill this role and encourage your early application. Applications are reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to remove the advertisement before the advertised closing date.

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.