_{01st July, 2025}

Location: Hastings, Hawke's Bay
Type: Full-time/Permanent
Pay Range: $30 to $35 per hour
Days: Monday to Friday
Hours: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm (guaranteed 30 hours per week, standard 40)
  

 
About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced GPS Trenching Machine Operator to work across rural, agricultural, and horticultural projects in Hawke’s Bay. You will operate specialised trenchers (Mastenbroek 20/15 and Interdrain) to complete accurate excavation and pipe-laying work for drainage systems. The role involves independent fieldwork once trained, working outdoors in varied environments.

 
Key Responsibilities
As a GPS Trenching Machine Operator, your main responsibilities will include:

• Operate chain trenchers with Trimble GPS and laser control to install subsurface drainage with graded stone
• Read and work from site plans and layouts to ensure accurate pipe placement and trenching
• Lay gravity-fed drainage pipe systems to millimetre-level accuracy
• Carry out daily maintenance, machine servicing, and fault identification
• Maintain clean and tidy machinery and job sites — taking pride in presentation and efficiency
• Work collaboratively with a small site team, leading by example and thinking ahead
• Raise issues promptly and constructively, offering solutions
• Keep detailed records of site work including trench logs and machine data
• Support off-season work, with excavators or maintenance jobs as needed

 To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience operating trenchers or earthmoving machinery
• Hands-on knowledge of chain trenchers (preferably Mastenbroek or Interdrain)
• Experience with Trimble GPS or similar machine control systems
• Familiarity with gravity pipe systems and rural/agricultural drainage
• Mechanically minded with daily machine care experience
• Able to work independently, plan ahead, and deliver tidy, accurate results
• Clean, professional personal presentation and worksite behaviour
• Must pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol test and hold a clean police record
• Class 2 licence and WTR endorsements preferred

If you're a capable and detail-focused machine operator ready for your next challenge, we want to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to join a stable, respected business and be part of a hard-working, supportive team.
 
To Apply:
Recruit NZ, part of People Inc, specialises in recruitment for small to medium local NZ businesses and has been New Zealand’s premier recruitment agency since 2008.
Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in this role. We look forward to hearing from you!

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