Excavator Operator, Wellington
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Unite Recruit

GPS Excavator Operators

  • Posted 3d ago
  • On Site
  • Contract

$36  -  $40 /hr

Wellington Region

Job Description

Unite Recruit is looking for GPS EXCAVATOR OPERATORS to work in the Wellington Region.

  • $36.00 to $40.00 per hour
  • Temp to perm opportunities
  • Ongoing work + Pays weekly

About the Role

Unite Recruit is looking for experienced GPS Excavator Operators to join civil construction and infrastructure projects across the Wellington region.

We are looking for operators who are confident operating excavators and using GPS machine control systems to complete earthworks accurately, safely and efficiently.


This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator / GPS Machine Operator looking for ongoing work with established civil construction companies.


  • What You'll Be Doing Operating excavators equipped with GPS machine control systems
  • Completing earthworks, excavation and site preparation
  • Trenching, bulk excavation and backfilling
  • Working to levels, grades and digital site plans
  • Completing detailed excavation and final trim work
  • Loading trucks and moving materials safely around site
  • Assisting with drainage, underground services and civil construction works
  • Conducting daily pre-start checks and basic machine maintenance
  • Working from site plans, drawings and GPS data
  • Communicating with supervisors, engineers, spotters and other crew members
  • Maintaining a high standard of accuracy, productivity and site safety
  • Carrying out general civil construction duties when required
  • What You'll Receive $36–$40 per hour, depending on experience and skills
  • October 2026 start
  • Full-time, ongoing work
  • Opportunities across Wellington and surrounding areas
  • Work on civil construction and infrastructure projects
  • Weekly pay
  • PPE provided where required
  • Support from the Unite Recruit team
  • Opportunities for further training and career development

What We Need

We are looking for operators with:

  • Proven experience operating excavators in civil construction
  • Experience using GPS machine control / GPS excavator systems
  • Ability to work accurately to levels, grades and site plans
  • Strong understanding of earthworks and excavation
  • Experience with trenching, drainage and underground services is advantageous
  • Good knowledge of construction site Health & Safety
  • Ability to carry out daily machine checks
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Reliable attendance and strong work ethic
  • A current NZ driver's licence
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test
  • Experience With the Following Is Advantageous Trimble GPS
  • Topcon GPS
  • Leica GPS
  • 3D machine control
  • Final trim
  • Bulk earthworks
  • Drainage
  • Underground services
  • Roading and infrastructure
  • Large excavators

Why Work With Unite Recruit?

Unite Recruit connects skilled operators and construction workers with established civil construction and infrastructure companies throughout New Zealand.


We work with candidates to understand their experience, machine skills, tickets and career goals, helping match them with suitable projects and long-term opportunities.


Apply Now

If you're an experienced GPS Excavator Operator looking for your next opportunity in Wellington, we'd like to hear from you.


Apply today with your CV and include details of the excavators you have operated, GPS systems you have used and your relevant civil construction experience.


Shaun 027 864 8309

shaun@uniterecruit.co.nz

Unit 3A / 73 Kenepuru Drive, Porirua, 5022

Desired Hard Skills

  • Site Preparation
  • Drainage
  • Trimble GPS
  • Earthworks
  • 3D Machine Control
  • Basic Machine Maintenance
  • Bulk Earthworks
  • Excavator Operation
  • Final Trim
  • GPS Machine Control
  • Leica GPS
  • Reading Site Plans
  • Topcon GPS
  • Trenching
  • Underground Services

Desired Soft Skills

  • Teamwork
  • Time Management
  • Productivity
  • Reliability
  • Communication
  • Accuracy
  • Work Ethic

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • 🧕 Inclusive Workspace
  • ❤ Care and Appreciation
  • 📈 Professional Development
  • 🛂 Visa Sponsorship
  • 📣 Referral Bonuses
  • 🍺 Free Drinks
  • 🍔 Free Food
View All
  • 🌈 Rainbow Tick
  • 💰 Wage Equality

Job Schedule

  • Monday to Friday

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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

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