Job Description

Drainlayer Team Leader 

323 Recruitment is working with our client to find an experienced Drainlayer Team Leader for a permanent opportunity based in Masterton.

This is a great opportunity for a practical, hands-on drainage professional who is ready to lead from the front. The role will suit someone with strong experience across three waters, drainage maintenance, civil works, and field crew leadership.

Our client is looking for someone who can help manage day-to-day field operations, support contract delivery, lead staff on site, and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

The position involves supporting the delivery of a local council maintenance contract, including water, wastewater, and stormwater network works. The client’s position description highlights key responsibilities around operational efficiency, staff management, plant and labour coordination, customer relationships, asset management, health and safety, quality, and environmental performance.

About the role

As the Drainlayer Team Leader, you will be involved in:

• Leading and supporting field crews across three waters maintenance works
• Maintaining water, wastewater, and stormwater systems
• Planning and coordinating labour, plant, materials, and daily work activities
• Ensuring crews are working safely, productively, and completing quality work
• Managing timesheets, plant use, stock control, and job records
• Supporting minor works pricing, including smaller connections and repairs
• Completing site inspections, JSEA audits, hazard identification, and safe work practices
• Liaising with council representatives, customers, contractors, suppliers, and internal teams
• Coaching, mentoring, and developing staff
• Supporting contract performance, reporting, and continuous improvement

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a Drainlayer, Team Leader, Supervisor, or Senior Leading Hand
• Strong practical knowledge of three waters networks
• Experience across water, wastewater, stormwater, drainage, civil maintenance, or utilities
• Confidence leading small crews in the field
• Good health and safety knowledge, including JSEA, hazard identification, PPE, and TMP compliance
• Strong communication skills with crews, clients, council representatives, and the public
• Good planning, organisation, and problem-solving ability
• Confidence using tablets, field systems, or job management tools
• A relevant trade qualification, Connexis qualification, utilities maintenance background, or drainlaying ticket would be highly regarded

About you

You will be practical, reliable, and comfortable taking ownership on site. You will know how to get the best out of your crew while keeping safety, productivity, quality, and customer service front of mind.

This role would suit someone who enjoys being hands-on but also wants to step into more responsibility around planning, staff leadership, client communication, and contract delivery.

What’s on offer

• Permanent role based in Masterton
• Competitive hourly rate of $40-$48 per hour, depending on experience
• Opportunity to step into a key leadership role
• Variety across water, wastewater, and stormwater maintenance
• Long-term career opportunity within the three waters sector
• Supportive team and stable local infrastructure work

323 Recruitment is looking to speak with experienced drainlayers, civil utilities professionals, and hands-on leaders who are ready for their next step.

If this sounds like you, apply now or contact Daniel Young at 323 Recruitment for a confidential discussion.