Plant Operator

Downer; Wellington; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed full-time hours

Health and wellbeing benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Downer is seeking skilled Plant Operators for future opportunities in the Wellington and Manawatū regions. You will operate excavators and other civil plant, supporting delivery of civil construction and maintenance projects while prioritising safety and quality outcomes for communities.

This full-time role is based in the Wellington and Manawatū regions and offers opportunities to join a trusted, integrated team across New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Class 2+ Drivers Licence with Wheels, Tracks & Rollers required.
• Experience in road maintenance or civil construction.
• Proven ability to care for and operate plant and equipment.
• Commitment to safe operation of sites.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and other civil plant safely and efficiently on projects.
• Contribute to high-quality civil construction and maintenance outcomes for Wellington/Manawatū regions.

Skills

Class 2+ Drivers Licence with Wheels,

Road maintenance and/or Civil Constr

Plant operation experience

Safety focus and site responsibilities

Written and verbal communication

Job description

Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Manawatu-Whanganui, New Zealand

About Us

At Downer we plan, create and sustain. Downer is the leading provider of integrated services in Australia and New Zealand. Through trusted relationships and world leading insight we work closely with our customers to design, build and sustain assets, infrastructure, and facilities.

About the Team

Downer’s Transport & Infrastructure business manages and maintains road networks across Australia and New Zealand, with civil and commercial construction in New Zealand. We are an integrated trans-Tasman team with a leading portfolio of products and services. By sharing our capabilities and insights across our regions we achieve the best technical solutions for our customers’ challenges, and for our communities.

Job Description

Why you will enjoy working here | Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei

At Downer, we don't just build and maintain infrastructure, we build careers. We're committed to creating an environment where our people can thrive, develop their skills, and enjoy coming to work every day.

We offer:

• Guaranteed full-time hours (minimum 40 hours per week), including wet weather days where alternative work is available.
• Free access to Marram health and wellbeing benefits and discounted holiday homes across New Zealand.
• Modern, well-maintained plant and all the tools you need to succeed.
• Ongoing training, development, and career progression opportunities.
• Access to leadership development programmes designed to support high performers.
• A supportive team culture that values safety, teamwork, and excellence.
• Opportunities to work on projects that help keep New Zealand moving.

The Opportunity | Te Kōwhiringa

We're always on the lookout for skilled and motivated Plant Operators to join our talent pool for future opportunities across the Wellington and Manawatū regions.

As a Plant Operator, you'll play an important role in delivering high-quality civil construction and maintenance projects by operating excavators and other civil plant safely and efficiently. You'll be part of a dedicated team committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for our customers and communities.

This is a full-time opportunity for future vacancies based in the Wellington and Manawatū regions.

Important Skills | Nga pūkenga matua

Along with a positive attitude and a commitment to safe workplace practises, we are looking for you to have:

• Class 2+ Drivers Licence with Wheels, Tracks & Rollers
• Road maintenance and/or Civil Construction experience
• Proven ability and competence in the proper care, maintenance and operation of appropriate plant and equipment
• Ability and willingness to work safely and be responsible for the safe operation of sites
• Great communication skills both written and verbal

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.

Job Info

• Job Identification 735502
• Job Category Frontline Trades and Labour
• Posting Date 08/05/2026, 11:37 PM
• Locations Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand Manawatu-Whanganui, New Zealand