Tower Crane Operator

Smith Crane & Construction; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 hours per week

Overtime after 40 hours

Safety‑focused team

Industry leader in lifting

Job summary

Smith Crane & Construction in Christchurch is seeking a skilled Tower Crane Operator to join our safety‑focused team on major civil and construction projects. You will operate tower cranes, assist with mobilisation, inspect lifting equipment and ensure lifts meet plans and regulations.

NZ Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 4) and strong teamwork are preferred, with a Full NZ Driver’s Licence (Class 2 or 4) or international equivalent and a proven safety record desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience operating tower cranes on construction or infrastructure sites.
• NZ Certificate in Crane Operation or equivalent preferred.
• Safe lifting practices and NZ health and safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Operate tower cranes in accordance with lift plans and site requirements
• Assist with crane mobilisation, setup and demobilisation
• Inspect and maintain lifting equipment, report defects promptly
• Communicate clearly with team members during lifting operations
• Perform routine crane maintenance and safety checks
• Ensure compliance with company policies and health & safety regulations
• Represent Smith Crane & Construction professionally at all times

Skills

Tower crane operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

New Zealand Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 4)

Unit Standards in tower crane operation (e.g., US 3789, 3794)

Job description

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Smith Crane & Construction – Christchurch, South Island

When the stakes are high, clients call Smith Crane & Construction. With over 30 years in the industry, we've built a reputation for delivering safe, reliable lifting solutions on some of New Zealand's largest and most complex construction projects.

We're now looking for a skilled Tower Crane Operator to join our growing team.

About Us:

Smith Crane and Construction is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, offering exceptional service across crane hire, civil construction (including marine civil and pre-cast manufacturing), transportation, and wind energy installation and maintenance. We pride ourselves on our strong team culture, commitment to safety, and continuing our family tradition of excellent customer focus and job execution.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Operate tower cranes in accordance with lift plans and site requirements
• Assist with crane mobilisation, setup and demobilisation
• Inspect and maintain lifting equipment, report defects promptly
• Communicate clearly with team members during lifting operations
• Perform routine crane maintenance and safety checks
• Ensure compliance with company policies and health & safety regulations
• Represent Smith Crane & Construction professionally at all times

What We’re Looking for:

• Minimum 2 years’ tower crane operation experience in construction/infrastructure
• Unit Standards in tower crane operation (e.g., US 3789, 3794) - preferred
• New Zealand Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 4) – preferred
• Full NZ Driver’s Licence with appropriate endorsements (Class 2 or 4, WTR) or international equivalent (with ability to transfer)
• Strong understanding of safe lifting practices and NZ health & safety regulations
• Ability to pass a drug & alcohol test and pre-employment medical
• Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills
• Physically fit and able to work in varied environments

What We Offer:

• Minimum guaranteed hours: 40 hours per week
• Overtime rates after 40 hours worked per week
• Be part of a supportive, safety-focused team
• Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting

Please note, successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, a pre-employment medical and police vetting.

You must also have the right to legally live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.

Applications will be assessed as they are received.

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