Senior Civil Machine Operator

Unison Networks; Hastings; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and income protection insurance

All PPE provided

Company iPhone

Clothing allowance

Wellbeing subsidies

Growth opportunity

Job summary

Unison Contracting is seeking a Senior Civil Machine Operator to join our Civils team across Hawke's Bay. This hands‑on role involves operating civil plant and heavy vehicles, general labouring and supporting a small crew to deliver essential infrastructure projects.

You'll work safely and efficiently with a team that prioritises quality, safety and getting the job done right. The role requires 2–5 years civil construction experience, a Class 2 licence with endorsements, and the fitness to

Qualifications

• 2–5 years experience in general civil construction.
• Proven experience operating excavators and civil plant.
• Full Class 2 driver's licence with W, T and R endorsements.
• Strong health, safety and quality awareness.
• Good communication and positive, honest attitude.
• Team-focused with the physical fitness for civil work.
• Class 4 licence and hydro‑excavator experience are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Operating civil plant and heavy vehicles on site.
• Carrying out general civil labouring and machine tasks.
• Support trenching and infrastructure activities.
• Assist with small-team/site supervision when required.
• Maintain workmanship, quality and housekeeping standards.
• Follow safety practices and report hazards and incidents promptly.

Skills

Civil construction experience

Operate excavators

Class 2 licence with W/T/R

Health & safety awareness

Communication skills

Teamwork & fitness

Class 4 licence (advantage)

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.

Unison Contracting is one of the largest electrical distribution contracting businesses in New Zealand, proudly New Zealand community-owned for 100 years.

We're about more than just keeping the lights on. We provide safety and supply services that cover all your electricity needs. Operating across Hawkes Bay, Rotorua, Taupo, Dunedin, and now Tauranga, we're committed to delivering positive outcomes for our communities and creating a sustainable energy future.

The Opportunity

Are you an experienced operator who takes pride in doing quality work safely and efficiently? Join our Civils team as a Senior Civil Machine Operator and use your skills across a range of essential infrastructure projects throughout Hawke's Bay.

This is a hands‑on role involving heavy vehicle and civil plant operation, general labouring and supporting a small team or site when required. You'll work alongside an experienced team in a varied environment where safety, teamwork and getting the job done right are always priorities.

What you'll be doing

• Operating civil plant and heavy vehicles
• Completing general civil labouring and machine operation tasks
• Supporting trenching and other infrastructure‑related activities
• Assisting with small‑team and site supervision when required
• Maintaining high standards of workmanship, quality and housekeeping
• Following safe work practices and reporting hazards, incidents and public safety concerns promptly

What you'll bring

• 2-5 years' experience in general civil construction
• Proven experience operating excavators and other civil plant
• Full Class 2 driver's licence with W, T and R endorsements
• Strong understanding of health, safety and quality requirements
• Good communication skills and a reliable, honest and positive approach
• A team-focused attitude and the physical fitness required for civil work
• A Class 4 licence, hydro-excavator experience and experience supervising small teams or sites would be advantageous.

You'll also need to be available to work at least 40 hours per week, with occasional shifts, weekends and standby or on-call duties as required.

In return for your hard work, we will provide:

• Industry best practices, modern tools, and equipment
• Health insurance for you, plus discounted rates for your family
• Life and income protection insurance
• All PPE provided
• Company iPhone, clothing allowance, corporate and wellbeing subsidies
• A team that values and supports your growth, both professionally and personally