Excavator Operator

Published: 13 January 2026

Te whakapakari tahi i tō tātau Taiao – Enhancing our environment together.

Our vision is a healthy environment and a resilient and prosperous community.

About The opportunity | Ko te āheinga:

The Hawkes Bay Regional Council (HBRC) Works Group has a rare opportunity for an Excavator Operator to join our team. This is a fulltime, permanent position and will be based out of our Guppy Road, Taradale depot. This role will suit someone who enjoys working in the outdoors, has a commitment to safe work practices, and wants to work in a positive team environment.

The primary focus of the role is to operate 5 to 20 tonne excavators and other heavy machinery on various projects within the HBRC River and Drainage Schemes, and for external clients, in a cost effective, professional and customer focused manner.  The role involves continuous hazard identification during day-to-day operations, maintaining a clean and orderly work environment, and promoting a positive health and safety culture.

About you | E pā ana ki a koe:

To be successful in this role you will be a motivated and self-directed person with a clean current Class 1 drivers license and W, T and R endorsements. Class 4 and 5 licenses would be an advantage.

Alongside this, you will:

• Be a safe and competent multi-skilled heavy machine operator
• Have proven experience in general excavation, earthworks, and construction works
• Have solid documentation skills and be competent in the use of smart phones/Ipads and associated apps
• Be able to communicate effectively with a broad range of people including landowners and Council engineers 
• Have a positive attitude toward health and safety in the workplace and be comfortable working both independently and in a team environment
• Be fit and healthy

What we offer | Nga huanga mōu:

The hourly rate for this role will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Other benefits of working for our team include:

• Limited income protection and life insurance
• Subsidised eye tests and lenses
• Flu vaccinations, and other well-being initiatives
• HBRC also has a strong commitment to developing and upskilling people within a flexible and supportive working environment

As an equal opportunity employer, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We recognise that collaborative and innovative organisations depend on having a workforce made up from a diverse range of perspectives and experiences. We're all about excellence, and we encourage open communication – if you need any specific support, just let us know! Our main goal is to empower each person to share their unique talents to contribute to the outcomes for our community. This commitment ensures that our workplace is a dynamic and progressive space where everyone can flourish.

HBRC is responsible for Civil Defence emergencies and as such, all staff may be called upon to support the response.

How to apply | I pēhea ki te whakauru:

Applications close Thursday, 12 February 2026, however we will be shortlisting and interviewing appropriate candidates as applications are received. If you are interested in this position, please do not wait to apply as we may close the ad earlier than advertised.  

Please apply through Seek. If you would like any further information regarding the role, please email hr@hbrc.govt.nz

View the full job description here.

Applicants must have existing rights to work in New Zealand. A pre-employment medical and drug test will be a requirement for the successful applicant.

About us | E pā ki a mātou:

At Hawke’s Bay Regional Council our purpose is to work with our community to protect and manage the region’s precious taonga of rivers, lakes, soils, air, coast and biodiversity for health, wellbeing and connectivity. Our organisation is diverse and our work is varied. Our structure comprises of six key business units; Corporate Services, Integrated Catchment Management, Asset Management, Māori Partnerships, Policy & Regulation, and the Executive Advisory Group which also consists of the Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

We focus on prioritising:

Te kounga o te wai, te haumarutanga me te mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi o te whakamarutanga | Water quality, safety and climate-resilient security.  

Kia koi, kia toitū hoki te whakamahinga o te whenua | Climate-smart and sustainable land use. 

Kia ora, kia āhei, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki te rerenga rauropi | Healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity. 

Kia toitū, kia mārohirohi ā-āhuarangi hoki ngā ratonga me ngā hanganga ā-whare | Sustainable and climate-resilient services and infrastructure. 

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