Plant Operator - Field Team

RobLawMax Recruitment

Christchurch

On-site

NZD 47,000 - 51,000

Full time

14 days+
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Job summary

RobLawMax Recruitment in Christchurch, South Island, is seeking an experienced Plant Operator to join its Christchurch team. You will work with a collaborative group delivering installation, repair and maintenance of underground, overhead, and street lighting infrastructure.

This hands-on role is based in Canterbury with occasional travel outside the region. The ideal candidate has solid excavator experience, 2+ years in utilities or civil construction, and a Current Class 2 driver licence

Qualifications

  • Solid excavator experience.
  • Minimum 2+ years working around underground utilities.
  • Experience in utilities, civil construction or electrical infrastructure.
  • Able to read utility service plans.
  • Current Class 2 driver licence (Class 4 bonus).
  • WTR Endorsements.
  • Strong commitment to safety, quality and teamwork.

Responsibilities

  • Operate excavators 1.3–5 tonne for underground utilities.
  • Trenching and backfilling.
  • Cable laying and pole erection.
  • Surface remediation and general labouring.
  • Support network maintenance and fault response.
  • Read and interpret service plans.
  • Identify and manage worksite hazards.
  • Complete job and project documentation.
  • Experience driving Class 2 tip trucks.
  • Work to technical specifications, safety requirements and regulatory standards.

Skills

Excavator operation
Trenching
Cable laying
Read utility plans
Safety compliance
Teamwork
Class 2 license
WTR endorsements

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

RobLawMax Recruitment – Christchurch, South Island

Plant 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 Plant Operator to our clients Christchurch team. Youll 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
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