Specialist Operator

Higgins; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver employer contribution (4%)

Fuel discounts

Monthly pie & coffee

Training & development

Job summary

Higgins Hawke's Bay is seeking an experienced Operator to join our civil team delivering a range of projects across the Wairoa region. This hands-on role combines plant operation with earthworks and general construction activities to support safe, quality outcomes.

You will operate excavators and civil plant, follow plans, perform pre-start checks, and work with forepersons to keep projects on schedule. A strong safety focus and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating excavators and civil construction plant.
• Full Class 2 Licence and WTR endorsements.
• Experience in civil construction, roading, earthworks, or infrastructure.
• Strong commitment to health and safety.
• Good communication and a team-focused attitude.
• Willing to assist with labouring duties when required.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Class 4 Licence is advantageous.
• Experience in 3-waters drainage excavation and installation is advantageous but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and civil construction plant.
• Assist with earthworks, roading, drainage, and general civil construction activities.
• Load, unload, and move materials around site.
• Carry out excavations, trenching, backfilling, and reinstatement works.
• Read and work from plans and site instructions.
• Conduct pre-start checks and maintain plant and equipment to a high standard.
• Work closely with Forepersons and Project Teams to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Follow all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
• Assist with traffic management and site establishment activities when required.
• Contribute to a positive team culture and safe working environment.

Skills

Excavator operation

Civil construction experience

Health and safety mindset

Team-focused attitude

Job description

Description

Higgins Hawke's Bay is looking for an experienced and motivated Operator to join our growing team. With a strong pipeline of work across the Wairoa region, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-performing team delivering a variety of civil infrastructure projects.

This is a hands‑on role that combines plant operation with general civil construction activities. You'll work across a range of projects, supporting crews to safely deliver quality outcomes while contributing to a positive team environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating excavators and other civil construction plant and equipment
• Assisting with earthworks, roading, drainage, and general civil construction activities
• Loading, unloading, and moving materials around site
• Carrying out excavations, trenching, backfilling, and reinstatement works
• Reading and working from plans and site instructions
• Conducting pre-start checks and maintaining plant and equipment to a high standard
• Working closely with Forepersons and Project Teams to ensure efficient project delivery
• Following all health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements
• Assisting with traffic management and site establishment activities when required
• Contributing to a positive team culture and safe working environment

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience operating excavators and civil construction plant
• Full Class 2 Licence and WTR endorsements
• Experience working within civil construction, roading, earthworks, or infrastructure environments
• 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
• Class 4 Licence is advantageous
• Experience in 3-waters drainage excavation and installation works is advantageous but not essential

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 construction and infrastructure company, proudly building and maintaining roads, bridges, and civil projects that connect communities across New Zealand. With a strong focus on safety, quality, and sustainability, we deliver projects that make a real difference. At Higgins, you'll join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and career growth - because we believe our people are the foundation of our success.

We're with you on the road ahead

Ko tatou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua

Research shows that females and minority groups don't always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.