Deep Drainage Foreman / Digger Operator

About the role

We're looking for an experienced Deep Drainage Foreman / Digger Operator to join a well-established Christchurch-based drainage company. This is not a general excavator operator role. We're looking for someone with a strong background in deep drainage who is comfortable working in challenging ground conditions, at significant depths and with the specialist equipment that comes with deep drainage work. Working across Canterbury on deep drainage projects, you'll combine hands-on machine operation with responsibility for leading crews and running jobs effectively.

Key responsibilities

• Operating excavators on deep drainage projects
• Working at depths of up to 5 metres
• Extensive dewatering and groundwater management
• Setting up and working with trench shields / trench boxes
• Understanding levels, grades and drainage installation
• Reading and interpreting drainage plans
• Leading and coordinating site crews
• Planning daily work and keeping jobs on programme
• Managing plant, materials and resources
• Identifying and resolving issues on site

About you

• 5–7+ years' experience in deep drainage
• Proven experience working at depths of up to 5 metres
• Strong dewatering experience
• Proven experience working with trench shields / trench boxes
• Excellent excavator/digger operating skills
• A strong understanding of drainage levels, grades and installation
• Previous foreman or crew leadership experience
• The ability to organise, motivate and lead a crew
• A strong understanding of site safety
• The ability to work independently and make good decisions on site

Benefits

• Competitive salary, based on experience
• Work ute
• Long-term opportunity with an established Christchurch drainage company
• Deep drainage projects across Canterbury
• A hands-on leadership role with genuine responsibility
• The opportunity to work on challenging drainage projects

Interested?

If you’re an experienced Deep Drainage Foreman / Digger Operator, we’d like to hear from you.

This is a specialist position. If you’ve got the experience, we want to talk to you.