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 Welder Jobs

Q What is the minimum hourly wage for welders in New Zealand as of 2026?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the adult minimum wage for welders in New Zealand is NZ$26.00 per hour effective 1 April 2026. Welders under 18 receive NZ$20.80 per hour with no youth rates applying after age 16. Overtime rates start at 1.5 times the hourly rate after 40 hours per week.
Q What visa is required for overseas welders to work in New Zealand in 2026?
As per Immigration New Zealand, overseas welders need a Straight to Residence visa or Accredited Employer Work Visa valid for up to 3 years if they hold ANZSCO skill level 3 qualifications. Applicants must earn at least NZ$29.66 per hour and provide a job offer from an accredited employer before 31 December 2026.
Q What qualifications and experience are needed to qualify as a welder in New Zealand?
As per the New Zealand Qualifications Authority, welders require a New Zealand Certificate in Welding Level 3 or 4 plus 2 years of documented experience in structural or pipe welding. International applicants must have their credentials assessed by NZQA with at least 1,200 hours of practical training completed by 2026.
Q What documents are required to apply for welder jobs in New Zealand?
As per the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, applicants must submit a CV, NZQA qualification assessment, current welding tickets such as AS/NZS 2980, and a police certificate issued within the last 6 months. Applications for roles starting after 1 July 2026 also require proof of English language proficiency at IELTS 5.0.
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