Telehandler Operator

Enterprise Recruitment; Wellington; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Enterprise Recruitment – Wellington, North Island is seeking an experienced telehandler operator to join a busy construction site. You will operate telescopic handlers to lift, move and position materials, ensuring loads are placed accurately and safely to keep projects on schedule.

This temporary vacancy requires site safety awareness, strong communication with supervisors, and a proven ability to work outdoors in variable conditions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating telehandlers on construction or similar sites.
• Strong ability to interpret load charts, weight limits, and lifting capacities.
• Demonstrated competence working safely in confined or busy site environments.
• Solid understanding of site safety procedures and safe work practices.
• Confident communication skills to coordinate movements with site teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate telescopic handlers (telehandlers) to lift, move, and place materials as directed.
• Load and unload materials from trucks, storage areas, and work zones with precision.
• Position loads accurately in tight, confined, or congested site conditions.
• Interpret and apply load charts, weight limits, and stability guidelines for each lift.
• Conduct pre-start checks and basic daily maintenance of the telehandler.
• Co-ordinate movements with site supervisors and ground personnel using clear communication and signals.
• Follow all site safety procedures, traffic management plans, and exclusion zones.
• Report any defects, hazards, or incidents promptly to the appropriate supervisor.

Skills

Telehandler operation

Load chart interpretation

Site safety awareness

Communication

Reliability

Job description

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Enterprise Recruitment – Wellington, North Island

Step into a key role on a busy Wellington construction site where your telehandler expertise keeps projects moving safely and on schedule.

This temporary opportunity is ideal for an experienced operator who thrives in fast-paced, confined environments and takes pride in precision handling and safe operations.

About the Role:

You will be responsible for operating telescopic handlers to move, lift, and position materials across an active construction site.

Working closely with site supervisors and ground crews, you’ll ensure materials are delivered safely and efficiently to where they’re needed most.

Your focus on accuracy, safety, and clear communication will directly support daily site productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate telescopic handlers (telehandlers) to lift, move, and place materials as directed.
• Load and unload materials from trucks, storage areas, and work zones with precision.
• Position loads accurately in tight, confined, or congested site conditions.
• Interpret and apply load charts, weight limits, and stability guidelines for each lift.
• Conduct pre-start checks and basic daily maintenance of the telehandler.
• Co-ordinate movements with site supervisors and ground personnel using clear communication and signals.
• Follow all site safety procedures, traffic management plans, and exclusion zones.
• Report any defects, hazards, or incidents promptly to the appropriate supervisor.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience operating telehandlers on construction or similar sites.
• Strong ability to interpret load charts, weight limits, and lifting capacities.
• Demonstrated competence working safely in confined or busy site environments.
• Solid understanding of site safety procedures and safe work practices.
• Confident communication skills to coordinate movements with site teams.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to adapt to changing site priorities.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in varying conditions.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working on multi-storey or complex construction projects.
• Familiarity with other site plant or machinery.
• Previous exposure to traffic management or logistics coordination on construction sites.

Qualifications:

• Current telehandler or relevant plant operator certification/ticket.
• Valid driver’s licence appropriate for site access and local requirements.
• Site Safe or equivalent construction safety passport (preferred).
• Any additional machinery or high-risk work licences (advantageous).