Operator - Queenstown

Excavator Operator – Queenstown (Fixed-Term Contract to December 2026) Full Job Description

McConnell Dowell is seeking a skilled and reliable Excavator Operator to join our Queenstown project team on a fixed-term contract running through to the end of the project in December 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to support major civil works in one of New Zealand’s most iconic regions.

About the Role As an Excavator Operator, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of machinery, equipment, and tools on site.

Key responsibilities include :

• Operating excavators and associated plant safely and efficiently.
• Ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Maintaining safe work conditions and reporting hazards promptly.
• Participating in daily pre-starts and weekly toolbox meetings.
• Ensuring all work complies with relevant codes, standards, and project CEPs.
• Reporting mechanical or electrical faults to supervisors.
• Performing general labouring tasks as required.

About You

About Us

McConnell Dowell – Creative Construction

Our purpose is Providing a Better Life. We do that through delivering projects that connect, support and sustain communities, and through providing career opportunities that challenge, reward and grow our people.

From remote major resources and energy projects to city-shaping transport and water infrastructure, we have constructed thousands of high-quality, complex projects for our customers and communities over more than 60 years, in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia.

Why join us?

The work you’ll do will have a tangible positive impact on people’s lives, including yours. The diversity of our projects, roles and locations means greater development opportunities. We invest in our people to set and reach personal and professional goals and we have some of the best mentoring minds in the business to help you do that.  Because when you grow, we all grow.

McConnell Dowell actively seeks and celebrates diversity, inclusion, and individuality. In a culture low on ego and high on support, we encourage everyone to make an impact. We're big enough to take on community-shaping projects, but agile enough for you to have an influence on how we do things.

So, join us, be you, and help us create better together.  Apply now!

We are an equal opportunity employer. People of all ages, abilities, sexual orientation, gender identities and Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.

Please note all successful applicants must hold valid work rights for New Zealand and / or Pacific Islands and pass a satisfactory pre-employment medical which includes drug and alcohol checks.

This role is being sourced through McConnell Dowell directly and not accepting applications via external recruitment agencies.