Operator

Higgins; Wellington; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Permanent role with guaranteed 40hours

Ongoing training and development

Opportunity to gain licences

Supportive team culture

KiwiSaver 4% match

Fuel discounts with perks

Great benefits for your whānau

Job summary

Higgins is seeking an experienced Operator to join our Maintenance Team across the Wairarapa road network. This hands-on role combines plant operation with road maintenance and civil construction activities, contributing to safe, high-quality works.

You will operate excavators and plant, assist with drainage and pavement repairs, and support routine maintenance and emergency responses. A strong safety culture and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators and civil construction plant.
• Class 2 licence with WTR endorsements; Class 5 licence preferred.
• Experience in road maintenance or civil construction.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather.
• Strong commitment to health and safety.
• Good communication and a team-focused attitude.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and other plant for road maintenance.
• Transport plant and load materials.
• Carry out pavement and drainage repairs and minor works.
• Assist with routine maintenance and emergency response across the network.
• Complete earthworks, excavations, trenching, and reinstatement.
• Read and follow work instructions, site plans and maintenance schedules.
• Support temporary traffic management when required.
• Work with Supervisors to deliver efficient and safe work.

Skills

Excavator operation

Civil plant

Class 2 licence

WTR endorsements

Class 5 licence

Road maintenance

Outdoor work

Health & safety

Team player

Job description

Description

Higgins Wairarapa is looking for an experienced and motivated Operator to join our Maintenance Team. Working across the Wairarapa road network, you'll play a key role in maintaining and improving local roads and infrastructure that keep our communities connected and moving safely.

This is a hands‑on role combining plant operation with a variety of road maintenance and civil construction activities. You'll work as part of a supportive team delivering high‑quality maintenance works while contributing to a strong safety culture.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating excavators, and other plant and equipment for road maintenance activities


• Driving trucks and transporting plant


• Carrying out pavement stabilisation repairs, drainage maintenance, culvert repairs, shoulder repairs, pothole repairs, and minor pavement works


• Assisting with routine road maintenance and emergency response works across the network


• Completing excavations, trenching, reinstatement, and earthworks associated with maintenance activities


• Loading, unloading, and transporting materials and equipment to site


• Undertaking pre‑start inspections and ensuring plant is maintained to a high standard


• Reading and following work instructions, site plans, and maintenance schedules


• Working closely with Supervisors and Maintenance Crews to deliver work efficiently and safely


• Assisting with temporary traffic management and site establishment when required


• Following all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements


• Contributing to a positive team culture and supporting other crew members where needed

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience operating excavators and civil construction plant


• Full Class 2 Licence and WTR endorsements


• Full Class 5 licence would be preferred


• Experience in road maintenance, civil construction, roading, or infrastructure environments


• Understanding of drainage, pavement, and general maintenance activities


• 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


• Flexibility to participate in after‑hours callouts or emergency response work when required

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

Higgins is a leading New Zealand roading and infrastructure company, proudly building, maintaining, and managing transport networks that connect communities across the country. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to providing a safe, rewarding environment where you can grow your career.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups don't always apply for roles unless they meet every requirement. If you're interested in this opportunity but don't tick every box, we still encourage you to apply. We value diversity and believe our differences make us stronger together.