Trainee Service Locator

Downer; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Marram healthcare benefits

StandOut LGBTQIA+ network

Discounted holiday homes

Job summary

Downer’s Underground Service Locators (USL) is seeking a Trainee Utility Locator in New Zealand. You will learn to identify, map and mark underground services to protect critical infrastructure across telecoms, power, water and gas networks.

You’ll gain hands-on training with GPS/GNSS, GIS technology and locating equipment, working alongside experienced locators to ensure safe, accurate site preparation before construction or maintenance.”

Qualifications

• Full New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Interest in technology, mapping, or infrastructure.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Physical fitness to work on active sites and around trenches.
• Experience with GPS, surveying, GIS (ArcGIS), or utility locating equipment would be beneficial but not essential — full training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Identify, map and mark underground services to protect critical infrastructure.
• Learn to use GPS/GNSS and GIS tech to capture and analyse underground network data.
• Work with locating equipment to identify buried utilities before construction or maintenance work.

Skills

Full NZ driver’s licence

Interest in technology, mapping, or  /

Outdoor work adaptability

Attention to detail & problem solving

Communication & teamwork

Physical fitness for active sites

GPS, surveying, GIS (ArcGIS) exposure

Education

N/A

Tools

GPS equipment

Surveying tools

GIS (ArcGIS)

Utility locating equipment

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

As a Trainee Utility Locator, you’ll learn how to identify, map and mark underground services to help protect critical infrastructure such as telecommunications, power, water and gas networks.

Working alongside experienced locators, you’ll be trained to use specialised GPS/GNSS and GIS technology to capture and analyse underground network data. You’ll also use locating equipment to accurately identify and mark buried utilities before construction or maintenance work begins.

This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys working outdoors, solving problems, and using technology in the field. Each day brings different sites, environments and challenges. You’ll play an important role in ensuring work around underground services is completed safely, accurately and efficiently for our customers.

This is a Full Time, Permanent opportunity guaranteeing 40 hours of work with overtime and allowances available.

Nga pūkenga matua | Important Skills

We’re looking for someone motivated to learn and grow in the utilities industry. Ideally, you will bring:

A full New Zealand driver’s licence

Interest in technology, mapping, or infrastructure

Ability to work outdoors in varying terrain and weather

Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Good communication and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Physical fitness to work on active sites and around trenches

Experience with GPS, surveying, GIS (ArcGIS), or utility locating equipment would be beneficial but not essential — full training will be provided.

Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation

Underground Service Locators (USL), a part of Downer group, is a leading specialist company in the field of underground cable locating. We provide comprehensive location service for telecommunications plant, power, gas, water and private cable networks nationwide. Our customers nationwide include major telecommunications, utility companies, councils, and contractors.

We are an employer that acknowledges and embraces the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from everyone.

Ngā Painga o te Mahi ki Downer | Benefits of working with Downer

Our purpose is to enable communities to thrive, driven by your passion and dedication. We offer a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth, with support systems tailored to your diverse needs and aspirations. Our benefits focus on four key areas:

Career: We invest in your successwith personal development planning, training and upskilling opportunities, and established leadership programmes designed to support long-term career growth.

Wellbeing: Your safety, health and wellbeing are our priorities.We embed Zero Harm practices across all our work, and offer free counselling for you and your immediate whānau, as well as access to Marram healthcare benefits and discounted holiday homes throughout Aotearoa.

Community: Together, we make a difference. We’re proud of the strong culture within our E&U teams. You’ll also have opportunities to connect through our employee networks including StandOut (LGBTQIA+), Fetu Pasifika, EmpowerHER and Wāhine Kotahitanga, which celebrate diversity and foster belonging.

Individuality: We celebrate high performance and what makes you unique. Perks@Downer gives you access to a range of offers tailored to your lifestyle, including discounts on Southern Cross premiums, gym memberships, car rentals, movies, travel, and cashback on retail purchases.

We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug screen, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment.