Civil Machine Operator

Job Description Civil Machine Operator – Drainage and Earthworks Location: Napier, Hawke’s Bay Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent Industry: Civil Construction, Drainage and Earthworks Remuneration: Competitive hourly rate based on experience and capability The Opportunity 323 Recruitment is working with an established civil and drainage contractor based in Napier. The company specialises in major drainage outfall lines, subdivisions, underground infrastructure and earthworks projects across Hawke’s Bay. It operates a range of modern excavators and uses advanced machine-control technology, including Unicontrol, to improve excavation accuracy, productivity and project delivery. Due to continued growth, the company is looking for an experienced Civil Machine Operator who has a strong background in drainage, subdivisions and infrastructure construction. This is not a role for someone whose experience is limited to bulk earthworks or loading trucks. The successful operator must understand drainage construction, trench excavation, underground services and the level of accuracy required when working alongside experienced drainlayers. Key Responsibilities Your duties will include: Operating excavators ranging from approximately 5 tonnes to 30 tonnes Completing detailed trench excavation for drainage and underground services Working on major stormwater and drainage outfall projects Completing subdivision drainage and civil infrastructure works Excavating for stormwater, wastewater and water-service installations Working around existing and live underground services Preparing trenches to the required depths, grades and widths Assisting with the installation of pipelines, manholes, catchpits and other drainage structures Completing deep drainage and large-diameter pipeline excavations Placing bedding materials and assisting with pipe installation Backfilling trenches and preparing work areas for compaction Completing bulk earthworks, cut-to-fill and site preparation Loading trucks and managing excavated or imported materials Trimming formation and preparing areas to design levels Reading and interpreting civil drawings, drainage plans and site set-out information Working with machine-control systems, including Unicontrol where required Conducting daily plant inspections and reporting maintenance issues Completing basic care and maintenance of machinery Working closely with drainlayers, labourers, supervisors and project managers Maintaining high standards of productivity, accuracy and workmanship Following excavation permits, service plans and company safety procedures About You The successful candidate will have: At least five years of proven civil machine-operating experience Strong experience operating excavators from approximately 5 tonnes to 30 tonnes Demonstrated experience on subdivision drainage projects Experience completing drainage and underground infrastructure works Confidence excavating deep trenches and working around existing services Experience installing or excavating for stormwater and wastewater pipelines A sound understanding of drainage grades, trench widths, bedding and backfilling requirements The ability to work accurately to plans, levels and set-out information Experience working alongside registered or experienced drainlayers Strong knowledge of excavation, trench and plant safety The ability to complete both bulk and detailed excavation A productive but controlled operating style The ability to protect existing services and surrounding infrastructure A reliable attitude and strong work ethic Pride in keeping machinery clean and properly maintained The ability to work independently while contributing positively to the wider crew Experience using GPS or 3D machine-control technology, particularly Unicontrol, would be highly regarded. Training may be available for an experienced operator who has the right drainage background and is willing to learn the system. Licences and Requirements The preferred candidate will hold: Full Class 1 New Zealand driver licence Wheels, Tracks and Rollers endorsements Relevant excavator or civil plant competencies ConstructSafe or Site Safe passport The following would also be advantageous: Class 2 or Class 4 driver licence Drainage or civil construction qualifications Confined-space or trench-safety training Experience with GPS or Unicontrol machine-control systems Experience operating larger excavators on drainage outfalls First Aid certification Applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand and be able to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. What Is on Offer Full-time, permanent employment Competitive hourly rate based on experience and operating capability Stable pipeline of Hawke’s Bay-based projects Opportunity to work on major drainage outfall and subdivision projects Modern excavators ranging from smaller machines through to large civil plant Exposure to advanced machine-control technology Supportive, hands-on management A close-knit and productive civil construction team Long-term career stability with a growing contractor Opportunity to take on greater responsibility based on performance Apply This position would suit an experienced operator who understands that high-quality drainage excavation requires accuracy, awareness and close coordination with the ground crew. Apply with an up-to-date CV detailing the machines you have operated, the drainage and subdivision projects you have worked on, your current licences and your availability.