Specialist Operator: Construction

Higgins; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver employer contributions up to

Fuel discounts and free monthly pie/co

Job summary

Higgins Hawke’s Bay seeks an experienced Specialist Operator: Construction to join our civil team in Napier. The role blends hands-on plant operation with earthworks and drainage tasks across multiple projects.

You’ll read plans, perform pre-start checks and support project teams to ensure safe, quality outcomes on site. A Full Class 2 licence and WTR endorsements are required, with Class 4 an advantage.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators and civil construction plant.
• Licence endorsements such as Full Class 2 and WTR are required.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrains.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and civil construction plant on site.
• Assist with earthworks, roading and drainage tasks.
• Load, unload and move materials around site.
• Carry out trenching, reinstatement and soil testing as needed.
• Read plans and site instructions; perform pre-start checks.

Skills

Excavator operation

Health and safety

Teamwork

Communication

Manual labour

Outdoor work

Education

Full Class 2 Licence

WTR endorsements

Class 4 Licence (advantageous)

Tools

Plant equipment

Job description

Higgins Hawke’s Bay is looking for an experienced and motivated Specialist Operator: Construction to join our growing team. With a strong pipeline of work across the Napier 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 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.