Civil Machine Operators | Christchurch

About The Role
Big machines. Serious projects. No shortage of work.

Max People are looking for experienced Civil Machine Operators to join established civil crews working across Christchurch, Canterbury, and the wider South Island.

This is a hands-on opportunity for operators who know their machinery, understand production, and take pride in leaving a tidy job behind them. You'll work across a range of major civil projects, operating modern plant while supporting the wider crew when you're off the machine.

Whether you're happiest behind the controls of an excavator, dozer, grader, or scraper, you'll get plenty of variety and the opportunity to put your skills to work on projects that are shaping the region.

This is not an entry-level position. We're looking for experienced operators who can work safely, efficiently, and independently while fitting into a professional civil crew.

If you know your gear, respect the machine, and aren't afraid to jump out and lend a hand when the crew needs you, we'd like to hear from you.

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‍What's In It For You

• $32–$35 per hour, depending on experience
• Full-time, long-term employment
• Weekly pay
• Variety across major civil and infrastructure projects
• Opportunity to work across Christchurch, Canterbury and South Island projects
• Modern, well-maintained plant and equipment
• Supportive, experienced crews
• Professional site environments with reputable civil contractors

What You Will Be Doing

• Operating excavators, scrapers, dozers, graders and other civil machinery
• Working safely and efficiently to production targets
• Carrying out earthworks, bulk excavation, trimming and site preparation
• Supporting ground crews and assisting with general civil tasks when required
• Completing daily pre-starts, machine checks and basic maintenance
• Working safely around other plant, vehicles and site personnel
• Communicating with Site Supervisors and crew members to keep production moving
• Taking pride in machine operation, productivity and finished work
• Assisting with crew leadership when required

What We Require

• Minimum 4 years' proven civil machine operating experience
• Strong experience on excavators, scrapers, dozers and/or graders
• WTR endorsements essential
• Class 1–4 NZ Driver Licence preferred
• Strong understanding of civil construction and site safety
• Ability to work independently and as part of a crew
• Reliable, productive, and safety-focused approach
• 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
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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, and help you build a future you’re excited about.