Excavator Operator, New Zealand
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OneStaff

Excavator Operator

  • Posted 4d ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Invercargill

Job Description

Description

Onestaff Invercargill are the leading supplier of temporary and permanent staff to many industrial based clients in Southland.

With a number of major projects  coming on line we have opportunities for experienced excavator operators across our clients civil and drainage sectors.


Bulk Earthworks:

  • Loading out dump trucks with soil & aggregate
  • Cutting soil & clay
  • 10T - 30T machines
  • $28.00 - $35.00 per hour


Roading Construction:

  • Digging out existing road
  • Reprepping sub-base
  • Finish & trim work to final levels
  • 5T - 12T machines
  • $26.00 - $32.00 per hour


Drainage:

  • Trenching around services & shields for pipe installation
  • Slinging pipe into trenches
  • Reinstatement work
  • $28.00 - $35.00 per hour


Job Requirements:

  • Pass a pre-employment drug test
  • Class 1 WTR Minimum
  • Class 2 advantageous
  • 2 x referees confirming experience.


If these roles are of interest to you then please contact Sonja on 032186192.

Working from a network branches across NZ, Onestaff delivers recruitment and staffing solutions across the country, combining national reach with local expertise for over 25 years. Our specialist Recruitment Consultants work alongside both candidates and clients, connecting highly skilled people with fantastic temporary and permanent job opportunities, whilst supporting the local communities we work with.

Desired Hard Skills

  • Class 1 WTR License
  • Operating Excavators

Desired Soft Skills

  • Reliability
  • Attention to Detail

Culture

  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer

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Excavator Operator Jobs

Excavator operators in New Zealand play a vital role in shaping the landscape — from subdivisions and drainage to major civil and commercial builds. Demand remains strong across Canterbury, Auckland, and other fast-growing regions, with work spanning roading, infrastructure, residential development, and utilities. Employers are looking for operators who can handle a range of diggers with precision, work safely around live services, and contribute to a positive on-site culture.

Day-to-day work

Most excavator operators spend their days on civil and construction sites, completing trenching, drainage, and earthworks. You’ll prep sites for asphalt, concrete, or foundations, carry out bulk and final trim work, and operate under strict health and safety standards. Many roles also involve assisting on the ground, checking levels, or driving trucks between tasks — variety is part of the job.

Career progression

Careers as an excavator operator often start with entry-level site work or labouring before moving into machine operation. With experience and licences such as WTR and Class 2 or 4, operators can progress to leading hand, site foreman, or plant supervisor positions. Some move into civil construction management, project coordination, or specialist drainage and earthworks roles within larger infrastructure firms.

Skills employers look for

Employers value proven operating experience, particularly on diggers up to 10 tonnes and in tight-access sites. Key technical skills include trenching, final trim, and safe work around live services. Communication, teamwork, and reliability are just as important. A solid understanding of on-site health and safety, a clean drug screen, and current Site Safe and WTR endorsements are standard expectations.

Find your next role

Ready to build your career in civil construction? Explore current Excavator Operator jobs on ZEIL and find opportunities that match your experience, location, and goals.