Final Trim Excavator Operator | Christchurch

Make the finish look easy. If you know your levels, grades and detailed excavation, we want to hear from you.
Max People are looking for an experienced Final Trim Excavator Operator to join a busy civil construction team working across Christchurch and surrounding areas.

This isn't a role for someone who simply wants to move dirt. We're looking for an operator who understands levels, grades, set-out and precision excavation, and takes genuine pride in leaving a site looking right.

You'll primarily operate smaller excavators across subdivision, commercial, school, council and civil projects, completing final trim, detailed excavation, drainage preparation, levelling and finishing work. You'll work from plans, site set-out and levels alongside experienced civil crews who value quality workmanship and getting the job done properly. GPS machine control experience is a bonus, but we're more interested in your ability to produce an accurate, tidy finish.

With modern machinery, a strong pipeline of projects and consistent full-time work, you'll have plenty of opportunity to put your operating skills to work across a variety of Christchurch projects.

If you can make final trim look easy, we want to hear from you.

What's In It For You

• $33–$35 per hour, depending on experience
• Full-time, consistent work across Christchurch
• Long-term pipeline of civil projects
• Modern, well-maintained machinery
• Variety across subdivision, commercial, school and council projects
• Supportive and experienced site teams
• Weekly pay
• Immediate start available
• Opportunity to build your reputation as a specialist operator

What You Will Be Doing

• Operating smaller excavators safely and efficiently
• Completing final trim, precision excavation and levelling
• Detailed excavation to plans, specifications and required levels
• Excavating and preparing for drainage and underground services
• Preparing footpaths, walkways, car parks and other civil structures
• Working accurately from plans, laser levels and site set-out
• Using GPS machine control where available
• Completing daily machine inspections and basic maintenance
• Working closely with site supervisors and ground crews
• Assisting the wider crew when required
• Maintaining a high standard of accuracy, workmanship and site safety

What We Require

• Proven excavator operating experience – minimum 5 years
• Strong experience operating smaller excavators
• Demonstrated final trim and finishing experience
• Excellent understanding of levels, grades and site set-out
• Ability to work accurately from plans and specifications
• GPS machine control experience is advantageous
• WTR endorsements preferred
• Class 2 Licence advantageous
• Strong understanding of civil site health and safety
• Reliable, professional and team-focused approach
• Ability to work independently when required
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test
• Valid Site Safe or Construct Safe – we can assist with this

‍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, and help you build a future you're excited about.