Digger Foreman x2 & Excavator Operator - Southland
Some operators are happy just pulling levers. You're not one of them.
You're the one who reads the job before anyone asks, spots the problem before it costs money, and leaves a site looking better than you found it. If that sounds like you, we've got three ways for you to dig in. Pick the crew that fits or tell us you're keen on more than one.
What we're offering
- Competitive Pay
- Modern, well-looked-after gear with the latest tech
- Steady, long-term work right here in Southland
- A crew that has a laugh, backs each other, and gets it done properly
- A company ute
About Us
SouthRoads Ltd is a progressive civil construction contractor with deep roots in Southland and Otago, and part of the HW Richardson Group. Our fleet is modern, our people are the real deal, and our reputation is built one project at a time. We're a team, not a spreadsheet, and we like it that way.
Pick your crew
- 1. Digger Operator - Drainage (Invercargill)
Best for: operators who love tech and like to set the pace.
On our big drainage crew, the digger is the heartbeat. Get a good rhythm going and the whole crew hums along behind you. You'll be running a GPS-guided machine with grades bang on the money and threading your bucket around live underground services like a surgeon in hi-vis. You'll work under an experienced foreman who trusts you to read the job and keep it moving.
- 2. Siteworks Foreman - 5T Excavator (Southland)
Best for: operators ready to run the whole show.
Your 5-tonner already feels like an extension of your arm. Now it's time to run the job, not just the machine. You'll take charge of residential and commercial siteworks, including drainage, driveways, building platforms and retaining prep. You plan the day, you lead the work, and you own the result. Right now it's you and one other crew member, and the crew shifts to match each job.
You get the keys to: your own company ute, a well-maintained 5T excavator, real responsibility with nobody hovering over your shoulder, and full backing to get your Class 5.
- 3. Highways Foreman - Excavator (Southland)
Best for: leaders who want their work seen by thousands of people every day.
Road rehab, widening, shoulder work and drainage on state highways and rural roads mean you'll lead a crew building the roads Southland drives on. You'll be on the tools and calling the shots, working on live roads under traffic management where every move counts. You get big jobs, big responsibility and big views, and there are worse offices than a Southland highway on a clear day.
What You'll Need
- Drainage Operator: Class 2 minimum (Class 4 preferred) with WTR, plus experience working around underground services and on GPS-guided machines
- Siteworks Foreman: Class 4 with WTR, solid 5T experience, the confidence to lead a crew, and the hunger to get your Class 5
- Highways Foreman: Class 4 with WTR is ideal, but if you've got Class 2 with WTR and the drive to get your Class 4 and 5, we'll help you get there. You'll also need solid 13T excavator experience on roading or civil work.
- Foremen: the confidence to lead and the attitude to keep a crew working well together
- Everyone: a safety-first mindset, pride in your work, and a self-starter attitude. You back yourself and still play as a team
Why Southland?
Your commute will be measured in minutes, not motorway queues. You can actually afford a house. Bluff oysters are down the road, and Fiordland and the Catlins are your weekend playground. This is Burt Munro country, so we know a good machine, and we really appreciate someone who knows how to drive one.
Ready to Take a Seat?
Apply now with your CV and tell us which crew is calling your name. Can't decide? Say "surprise me" and we'll match you with your best fit.
How to apply
To apply for this job go to: https://hwrcareers.co.nz/Vacancies and enter Reference Code: 6938192
Applications close 01 Nov 2026