Operator

Operator


Company
Higgins
Location
Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Job Type
Full-time
Posted
28 days ago
Via
via LinkedIn
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Job Description
DescriptionHiggins Wellington has secured an exciting new contract - the Wellington City Council Road Maintenance Contract. Due to this, our team is growing, and we are seeking Operators to join the team.What You’ll Be DoingOperate excavators and other civil and roading plant.Carry out stabilised pavement repairs, dig outs, drainage work, concrete works, slip repairs, and minor earthworks.Support your crew on site, ensuring safety and quality standards are met.Assist with planning daily tasks and coordinating resources.What You NeedRelevant Licenses (Class 2 + WTR)Minimum 3 years’ experience operating Excavators, Rollers & BroomsExperience in civil construction or road maintenanceMust be available to work on an on-call rosterFamiliarity with RAMM is beneficial but not essentialFlexible, committed, and reliable - will turn up rain or shineWhy Join the Green Team?Competitive hourly rateBased on our Wellington Branch in Ngauranga with travel around the Wellington region as requiredPermanent long-term workUpskill and gain further licences if requiredSupportive team that treats each other like whanauZ fuel discounts including a monthly free pie and coffeeKiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%Higgins is a leading roading and civil infrastructure company in New Zealand. We are on a dynamic growth path with people at the heart of what we do every day. We offer a great working environment, competitive hourly rate, subsidised medical insurance and subsidised education and training for you and your dependants.Higgins is committed to a drug-free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol testing along with a health check – you’ll need to be fit for work!Building better roads for safer journeys – He pai ake te hanga o ngā rori, kia haumaru ai ngā haerengaWe are actively looking to fill this role and encourage your early application. Applications are reviewed regularly, and we reserve the right to remove the advertisement before the advertised closing date.Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Driver Jobs

Q What is the minimum wage for truck drivers in New Zealand from 1 April 2026?
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment sets the adult minimum wage at NZ$24.50 per hour from 1 April 2026 for all drivers including truck and delivery roles. Drivers must receive at least this rate for the first 40 hours per week, with time-and-a-half for hours worked between 40 and 60. Starting 1 April 2026, the rate applies to all new and existing employment agreements without exception.
Q Do overseas drivers need a specific visa to work as truck drivers in New Zealand in 2026?
Immigration New Zealand requires drivers from outside New Zealand to hold either an Accredited Employer Work Visa or a Straight to Residence visa under the transport sector if the role is on the Green List. Applicants must have a job offer from an accredited employer paying at least NZ$29.66 per hour before lodging the visa application. The visa allows up to three years of work with the option to apply for residence after two years of continuous employment.
Q What driver licence class is required for heavy vehicle jobs in New Zealand?
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency mandates a Class 2 licence for rigid trucks over 4,500 kg and a Class 4 or 5 licence for combination vehicles over 18,000 kg. Drivers must also hold a current dangerous goods endorsement if carrying hazardous loads and complete the 40-hour logbook training course. The licence must be renewed every five years with a medical certificate dated no older than 24 months.
Q How many hours can drivers legally work per week in New Zealand in 2026?
The Employment Relations Act limits standard driver working hours to 40 hours per week spread over no more than five days. Any hours above 40 must be paid at 1.5 times the ordinary rate, and drivers cannot exceed 11 hours of driving time in any 24-hour period under NZTA work-time rules. Employers must provide at least two consecutive days off each week.
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