Plant Operator

Rob Law Max Recruitment; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 47,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Rob Law Max Recruitment is partnering with a Canterbury-based electrical infrastructure company to recruit a Machine Operator for the Christchurch team. You will work as part of a collaborative crew delivering installation, repair and maintenance of underground, overhead and street lighting infrastructure.

This hands-on role covers civil and utility activities within Canterbury with occasional travel. The position requires rostered standby and after-hours fault response, and a strong commitment

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years experience around underground utilities.
• Solid excavator experience with trenching and cable laying.
• Ability to read and interpret service utility plans.
• Current Class 2 driving licence with WTR endorsements.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators 1.3–5 tonne for underground utilities tasks.
• Trenching, backfilling, cable laying and pole erection.
• Support network maintenance and fault response.
• Read utility plans and manage on-site hazards.

Skills

Excavator operation

Trenching

Cable laying

Reading service plans

Safety awareness

Class 2 licence

WTR endorsements

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Machine Operator - Field Team

We have partnered with a is a multi-disciplined electrical design, construction and maintenance business delivering essential electrical infrastructure across Aotearoa New Zealand. With depots throughout the country, including Christchurch, their purpose is to deliver energy solutions for our communities. With over 400 staff in the Christchurch depot they focus on innovation, sustainability and delivering the infrastructure needed for a cleaner and brighter energy future.

About the role

Were looking for an experienced Machine Operator to our clients Christchurch team. You'll work as part of a collaborative team delivering the installation, repair and maintenance of underground, overhead and street lighting infrastructure. This is a hands-on role involving a range of civil and utility activities.

The role is based in Canterbury, with occasional travel outside the region. Regular rostered standby and after-hours fault response may also be required.

Role responsibilities

• - Operating excavators ranging from 1.3 5 tonne (underground utilities (power, water, sewer, stormwater)
• - Trenching and backfilling.
• - Cable laying and pole erection.
• - Surface remediation and general labouring.
• - Supporting network maintenance and fault response.
• - Reading and interpreting utility service plans
• - Identifying and managing worksite hazards.
• - Completing job and project documentation.
• - Experience driving class 2 tip trucks
• - Working to technical specifications, safety requirements and regulatory standards.

What youll bring

• - Solid excavator experience
• - Relevant industry experience across trenching, plant operation and cable laying.
• - Minimum of 2+ years experience working around underground utilities
• - Experience in the utilities, civil construction or electrical infrastructure industry.
• - Able to read and interpret service utility plans
• - Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and safe working practices.
• - Current Class 2 driver licence (class 4 bonus)
• - WTR Endorsements
• - A strong commitment to safety, quality and teamwork.

What is on offer

• - Hourly rate $34 - $37 per hour depending on level of experience
• - T1.5 after 8 hours and weekends, T2 for after-hours fault work, plus 24/7 fault roster opportunities
• - Permanent opportunity