Civil Foreman / Operator | Drainage & Earthworks

About The Role

You're not the type to watch from the sidelines—you'd rather be out there getting the job done alongside your crew.We're looking for an experienced Civil Foreman to lead civil construction projects across Canterbury, combining practical leadership with hands-on operating. You'll play a key role in delivering drainage, earthworks, and infrastructure projects, keeping crews productive, maintaining high safety standards, and making sure every job is completed to the quality our client is known for.This is a genuine working foreman role, so you'll spend time coordinating the day's work, mentoring your team, operating excavators and other civil plant, and solving the challenges that come with busy construction sites. Every project is different, giving you the opportunity to apply your experience across a variety of civil works while helping develop those around you.If you believe the best leaders are the ones willing to jump in, lend a hand, and lead by example, we'd love to hear from you.

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What's In It For You

• Earn $36–$38 per hour, depending on experience
• Secure ongoing work with a strong pipeline of civil projects
• Lead experienced crews on major Canterbury infrastructure projects
• A genuine hands-on leadership role with plenty of variety
• Work with modern plant and equipment
• Join a supportive team that values experience, initiative, and teamwork
• Opportunity to grow your career with a respected civil contractor

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What You Will Be Doing

• Leading and supervising civil crews on site
• Operating excavators and civil plant as required
• Coordinating daily site activities and workflow
• Supporting drainage and earthworks operations
• Running toolbox talks and pre-start meetings
• Ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently

What We Require

• Proven experience in civil construction (drainage, earthworks, subdivisions)
• Previous Foreman or leading hand experience
• Confident operating excavators and civil machinery
• WTR endorsements
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Solid understanding of health and safety
• Valid Site Safe or Construct Safe – we can assist with this.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test.

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ALL APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND

‍Why Choose Max People?
Max People is a trusted recruitment partner with 15+ years’ experience connecting great people with great workplaces. What started in construction has grown into one of the country’s leading labour-hire and recruitment providers across construction, civil, agriculture, dairy, manufacturing, and logistics.

When you join Max People, you’re backed by a team that lives its values: Passion, Empathy, Optimism, Professionalism, Loyalty, and Empowerment. We’re here to support your journey, champion your growth!