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Construction Labourers & Operators

Job Type:Permanent / Full Time

Job Role: Construction Labourers & Operators

Job Type: Permanent / Full Time

Location: Canterbury

Category: Trades & Services

Sub-Category: Labourer

Description:

Construction Labourers & Operators

 
This Is Where Hard Workers Get Ahead
 
If you’re in construction, civil, or mechanical work and feel like you’re not progressing, not learning, or not being paid what you’re worth – read on.
We’re working with a leading South Island contractor specialising in concrete cutting, drilling, demolition, and excavation.
They take on complex, technical work that most others can’t – and they invest in people who want to step up and build a proper career.
But these roles don’t come up often – and they won’t stay open for long.
 
The Roles Available:
 
We’re hiring across 3 key pathways:

  • Construction Labourers (Class 1) Starting from $26+ per hour → Ideal if you’ve got construction/civil experience and want to move into a specialised trade
  • Demolition / Civil Operators (Class 2-4 + WTR) Starting from $30+ per hour → Perfect if you’ve done demolition or excavation and want to progress into concrete cutting & full deconstruction work
  • Senior Mechanic (Plant & Equipment) Starting from $36+ per hour → Experienced across light to heavy vehicles and equipment – qualification not essential, capability is

What Makes This Different:
 
This is not basic labouring.
 
You’ll be:

  • Learning highly specialised, in-demand skills
  • Working on challenging, technical projects
  • Trained in concrete cutting, drilling, and deconstruction
  • Developing a career path with BCITO qualifications

This is where people go from general worker → specialist → top earner.
 
What’s On Offer:

  • Strong hourly rates based on experience
  • Time + 1/3 overtime rates (real earning potential)
  • Bonus incentives
  • 45-50 hours per week (consistent income)
  • Regular team events & solid crew culture
  • Long-term career progression with a respected, established company

What We’re Looking For:
 
You’ll stand out if you:

  • Have a strong work ethic and show up ready
  • Are physically capable of handling demanding work
  • Think logically and ahead of the job (not just follow instructions)
  • Take health & safety seriously
  • Want to learn, upskill, and build a career
  • Are flexible with hours, travel, and occasional night/weekend work

The Reality (No Sugar-Coating):

  • Early starts (typically 7:30 am)
  • 45-50+ hour weeks
  • Some out-of-town, weekend, and night work
  • Dirty, dusty environments – PPE is essential

If you want easy work, this isn’t it. If you want to get ahead, it is.
 
Why Apply Now:

  • Immediate starts available
  • Limited positions – once they’re filled, they’re gone
  • Shortlisting and interviewing as applications come in

Apply Now
 
If you’re ready to earn more, learn more, and build something long-term, apply today with your CV.
 
Applicants must:

  • Be based in New Zealand
  • Hold full working rights
  • Pass pre-employment drug and criminal checks

 
Steve Deans
VIPeople Senior Recruiter | Building, Civil & Trades Sectors

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