Operator

Higgins; Wellington; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver match 4%

Fuel discounts

Monthly pie and coffee

Ongoing training

40 hours guaranteed

Job summary

Higgins is seeking an experienced Operator to join our civil infrastructure team in Wellington. This hands-on role blends plant operation with earthworks across projects, delivering quality outcomes while supporting a positive, safe work environment.

You will hold a Full Class 2 licence with WTR endorsements (Class 4 is advantageous) and have proven experience with excavators. Higgins offers a guaranteed 40-hour week, ongoing training, licence upgrade opportunities, and KiwiSaver contributions.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators and civil construction plant.
• Full Class 2 licence with WTR endorsements.
• Experience in civil construction, roading and earthworks.
• Commitment to health and safety.
• Willingness to perform labouring duties when required.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and civil construction plant.
• Assist with earthworks, roading, drainage, and related tasks.
• Load, unload and move materials around site.
• Carry out excavations, trenching, backfilling and reinstatement.
• Read plans and site instructions.
• Perform pre-start checks and maintain equipment.
• Work with Forepersons and Project Teams for efficient delivery.
• Follow health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Assist with traffic management and site establishment.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and safe environment.

Skills

Excavator operation

Civil construction

Health and safety

Teamwork

Outdoor work

Manual labour

Class 2 licence with WTR

Class 4 licence advantageous

Education

Full Class 2 Licence with WTR endorsements

Job description

Description

Higgins Wairarapa is looking for an experienced and motivated Operator to join our growing team. With a strong pipeline of work across the Wairarapa region, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-performing team delivering a variety of civil infrastructure projects.

This is a hands-on role that combines plant operation with general civil construction activities. You'll work across a range of projects, supporting crews to safely deliver quality outcomes while contributing to a positive team environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating excavators and other civil construction plant and equipment
• Assisting with earthworks, roading, drainage, and general civil construction activities
• Loading, unloading, and moving materials around site
• Carrying out excavations, trenching, backfilling, and reinstatement works
• Reading and working from plans and site instructions
• Conducting pre-start checks and maintaining plant and equipment to a high standard
• Working closely with Forepersons and Project Teams to ensure efficient project delivery
• Following all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements
• Assisting with traffic management and site establishment activities when required
• Contributing to a positive team culture and safe working environment

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience operating excavators and civil construction plant
• Full Class 2 Licence and WTR endorsements
• Experience working within civil construction, roading, earthworks, or infrastructure environments
• Strong commitment to health and safety
• Good communication skills and a team-focused attitude
• Reliable, hardworking, and willing to assist with labouring duties when required
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Physical fitness and the ability to undertake manual work
• Class 4 Licence is advantageous
• Experience in 3-waters drainage excavation and installation works is advantageous but not essential

Why Join the Green Team?

• Competitive hourly rate
• Permanent role with guaranteed 40 hours per week
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Opportunity to gain additional licences and qualifications
• Supportive team culture where everyone looks out for each other
• KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
• Z fuel discounts, including a monthly free pie and coffee
• Great benefits for you and your whānau

About Higgins

Higgins is a leading roading and civil infrastructure business, delivering projects that connect communities across New Zealand. We have a strong focus on safety, quality, sustainability, and developing our people.At Higgins, you'll join a supportive team that values collaboration, innovation, and career growth. We are committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive and build rewarding long-term careers.

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

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups don't always apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're interested in this role but don't tick every box, we'd still love to hear from you. We are proud of our diverse workforce and believe our differences make us stronger together.