Site Engineer | Canterbury Region

Max People are looking for a Site Engineer with at least two years’ relevant civil construction experience to join a Christchurch-based team.

This is a hands-on site role where you’ll work closely with Project Managers, supervisors and crews to help plan and deliver civil infrastructure projects. Projects can involve live operational and public environments, challenging ground conditions, temporary works, complex staging and multiple disciplines.

As a self-performing civil contractor, the team is directly involved in much of the labour, plant and construction activity. That means you’ll get to see how things are actually built, rather than spending your days buried in paperwork!

‍What You’ll Be Doing

• Understanding drawings, specifications and scope before work starts
• Assisting with programmes, methodologies and work plans
• Planning work fronts with supervisors and crews
• Coordinating labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and suppliers
• Monitoring progress and raising issues early
• Completing site diaries, as-builts, ITPs and quality documentation
• Supporting inspections and ensuring work meets required standards
• Preparing and reviewing JSEAs with the site team
• Maintaining accurate quantities, costs and site records
• Supporting procurement, forecasting and cost tracking
• Communicating with Project Managers, consultants and site teams
• Helping ensure construction methods, materials and quality standards are understood and followed

What We’re Looking For You’ll bring:‍

• Tertiary qualification in Civil Engineering or a related field
• At least 2 years’ relevant civil construction experience
• Experience in a site-based delivery environment
• Ability to read and understand drawings and specifications
• Practical understanding of construction methodology
• Strong organisation and attention to detail
• Clear and confident communication
• A willingness to learn, ask questions and take ownership
• Full NZ Driver Licence

Experience in three waters, pipelines, pump stations, structures or multidisciplinary civil projects would be an advantage, but isn’t essential.

We’re interested in people with strong civil foundations who want to broaden their experience and take on increasingly complex work.

‍What Success Looks Like

• You understand the work before it starts
• You’re visible and engaged on site
• You plan ahead and raise issues early
• You take ownership of your section of work
• Site and quality documentation stays accurate and up to date
• You build strong relationships with supervisors and crews
• You support safe, quality delivery
• You get the basics right every time

This role is a development step towards Project Engineer. Progression will come from demonstrating reliable delivery, strong planning and coordination, proactive communication and increasing ownership.

‍What’s In It For You?

• $80,000–$110,000 salary, depending on experience
• Company vehicle for business use
• Varied civil infrastructure projects across Canterbury
• Exposure to technically challenging and multidisciplinary work
• Hands-on experience with a self-performing civil contractor
• Support and coaching from experienced project and operational leaders
• Clear pathway towards a Project Engineer role
• Opportunity to build technical, commercial and leadership capability

If you want to be close to construction, take real ownership and build the experience that will move your engineering career forward, we’d like to hear from you. Apply online today or contact the Max People team for a confidential chat.

‍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 New Zealand 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.