Civil Foreman / Operator | Drainage & Earthworks

‍Some foremen carry a clipboard. You'd rather carry the job.

Max People are looking for an experienced Civil Working Foreman / Operator to lead crews across a range of civil construction projects throughout Canterbury.

This is a genuine hands-on leadership role where you'll be responsible for keeping the crew organised and productive while still getting stuck into the work yourself. You'll balance leading the team with operating excavators and other civil plant, supporting drainage and earthworks, and dealing with the day-to-day challenges that come with busy civil sites.

You'll be leading from the front — coordinating daily activities, mentoring crew members, running pre-starts and toolbox talks, and making sure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

With a strong pipeline of projects ahead, you'll get plenty of variety across drainage, earthworks, subdivisions, and infrastructure work.

If you're an experienced civil operator who knows how to get the best out of a crew without being afraid to jump in and get your boots dirty, this could be your next move.

‍What's In It For You

• $36–$38 per hour, depending on experience
• Weekly pay
• Ongoing work with a strong pipeline of Canterbury projects
• Genuine hands-on leadership role
• Variety across drainage, earthworks, subdivisions and infrastructure
• Work with modern plant and equipment
• Supportive team that values experience and initiative
• Opportunity to grow your career with a respected civil contractor

What You Will Be Doing

• Leading and supervising civil crews on site
• Coordinating daily work, labour, plant, and site activities
• Operating excavators and other civil machinery as required
• Supporting drainage, earthworks, and infrastructure operations
• Reading plans and working to site levels and specifications
• Running toolbox meetings and daily pre-starts
• Monitoring productivity, quality, and progress
• Supporting and mentoring less experienced crew members
• Working closely with Site Managers and Project Managers
• Ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to programme

What We Require

• Proven civil construction experience across drainage, earthworks, and/or subdivisions
• Previous Foreman, Working Foreman, or Leading Hand experience
• Confident operating excavators and other civil machinery
• Current WTR endorsements
• Strong understanding of civil construction processes
• Ability to read plans and understand levels/set-out
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Reliable, organised, and able to keep a crew moving
• Strong commitment to health and safety
• Valid Site Safe or Construct Safe – we can assist with this
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test

If you're ready to lead from the front, keep the crew moving, and still jump on the machine when needed, apply now.

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

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‍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!