Job Description

Civil Drainage Machine Operator

Location: Tauranga, Bay of Plenty
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting an experienced Civil Drainage Machine Operator for a well-established civil contractor delivering drainage, three waters and wider civil infrastructure projects across the Bay of Plenty.

This is a hands-on operating role suited to someone who is confident working around live and existing services, undertaking deep excavations and completing accurate drainage trenching and excavation work.

You will operate a range of excavators from approximately 4-tonne through to 20-tonne, working closely with drainlayers, supervisors and ground crews to safely and efficiently deliver stormwater, wastewater and water infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate excavators ranging from approximately 4T to 20T.
• Complete drainage trenching and excavation works.
• Excavate safely around existing underground services.
• Carry out deep excavations using appropriate excavation and trench-safety procedures.
• Dig accurately to line, level and grade for drainage installation.
• Assist with the installation of stormwater, wastewater and water infrastructure.
• Excavate for manholes, pipelines, service connections and drainage structures.
• Complete trench backfilling, bedding preparation and site reinstatement.
• Conduct daily machine inspections and basic maintenance.
• Work alongside drainlayers and ground crews when required.
• Follow site plans, service plans, permits and supervisor instructions.
• Maintain high health, safety, quality and environmental standards.

About You

You will be a practical and experienced operator who understands that civil drainage work requires accuracy, patience and strong communication with the ground crew.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Proven excavator operating experience within civil construction or drainage.
• Experience operating machines ranging from approximately 4T to 20T.
• Strong experience excavating around live or existing underground services.
• Experience undertaking deep drainage excavations.
• The ability to dig accurately to line, level and grade.
• Experience with stormwater, wastewater or watermain projects.
• A sound understanding of trench safety, shoring and safe excavation practices.
• Current Wheels, Tracks and Rollers endorsements.
• A full New Zealand driver licence.
• Strong awareness of health and safety requirements.
• A reliable, team-focused and hard-working attitude.
• The willingness to leave the machine and assist the wider crew when required.

Experience installing large-diameter drainage pipelines, manholes, pump stations or complex three waters infrastructure would be advantageous.

What Is on Offer

• Permanent, full-time employment.
• Competitive hourly rate based on experience and capability.
• Consistent civil and drainage project work.
• Modern machinery and well-maintained equipment.
• Exposure to technically challenging infrastructure projects.
• A supportive and experienced project team.
• Opportunities for ongoing development and career progression.
• The chance to join a respected civil contractor with a strong forward workload.

Apply

Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand and relevant New Zealand civil construction or drainage experience.

To apply, submit your CV or contact:

Dan Young
323 Recruitment
Phone: 021 198 5257
Email: dan@323.co.nz