Specialist Operator: Construction

Fletcher Building Limited; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Permanent role with 40 hours per week

Ongoing training & development

KiwiSaver employer contribution 4%

Fuel discounts & monthly pie/coffee

Job summary

Higgins Hawke’s Bay is seeking an experienced Specialist Operator: Construction to support a busy Napier-based civil project portfolio. This hands-on role blends plant operation with on-site construction activities and requires proactive teamwork to deliver quality outcomes safely.

You will work across multiple projects, reading plans, performing pre-start checks, and assisting with traffic management as required. A strong safety focus and ability to work outdoors in varied weather are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators and civil construction plant.
• Strong commitment to health and safety in construction environments.
• Experience in earthworks, roading, drainage or infrastructure work is preferred.
• Full Class 2 Licence and WTR endorsements are required; Class 4 is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators and civil construction plant on site.
• Assist with earthworks, roading, drainage and other civil activities.
• Load, unload and move materials around site.
• Carry out excavations, trenching, backfilling and reinstatement works.

Skills

Excavator operation

Civil construction plant operations

Health and safety

Teamwork

Communication

Outdoor work

Manual labour

Class 2 Licence

WTR endorsements

Class 4 Licence (adv)

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’re with you on the road ahead

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. 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.