A Career in Cranes starts here!

Smith Crane & Construction has a wide variety of career opportunities across all of our divisions for you. Join the Silver team today!

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Current Vacancies

Check out our available vacancies below — click on each role to learn more.
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  • Are you an experienced Diesel Mechanic who thrives on working with heavy civil plant, from piling rigs and hammers to excavators and cranes?
    Smith Crane and Construction is looking for a skilled Heavy Diesel Mechanic to join our high-performing team, maintaining and repairing powerful and specialised equipment. You’ll get hands-on with complex machinery, major rebuilds, and large-scale infrastructure projects across New Zealand and overseas.

    What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining diesel, hydraulic, and electrical systems across our civil and crane fleet

    • Working on piling rigs, hammers, excavators, cranes, loaders, and other large plant

    • Carrying out rebuilds, servicing, preventative maintenance, and breakdown support (both in the field and workshop)

    • Supporting crane builds, rig mobilisation/demobilisation, and major overhauls

    • Using schematics, diagnostics, and your technical know-how to keep equipment running safely and efficiently

    What We’re Offering:

    • A modern, fully equipped service vehicle (for work and commute use)

    • Competitive remuneration with time and a half after 40 hours

    • The chance to work on major infrastructure projects across New Zealand and overseas

    • Exposure to complex, large-scale machinery and technically challenging work

    • Ongoing training, certification support, and career development

    • A supportive, experienced team that values skill, safety, and workmanship

    What You’ll Bring:

    • NZ Trade Qualification (Heavy Diesel or similar) with 3+ years’ post-trade experience

    • Proven background working on civil plant — piling rigs, excavators, or similar heavy machinery

    • Strong mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical fault-finding ability

    • A self-motivated, reliable approach and pride in quality work

    • Full NZ driver’s licence (Class 2–5 and WTR endorsements an advantage)

  • We are looking for a competent and experienced Rigger Dogman to join our team in Christchurch. You will be confident working with lift plans, rigging gear, and crane operations. You’ll need to have solid industry experience, a strong focus on safety, and the ability to communicate clearly with operators and site teams. If you're reliable, take pride in your work, and are looking to join a well-respected company with ongoing projects, we want to hear from you.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Prepare and inspect rigging equipment for safe lifting operations

    • Assist crane operators with load positioning and movement

    • Communicate clearly with the team to ensure safe and efficient operations

    • Maintain compliance with safety procedures and site requirements

    • Perform routine inspections and report any equipment issues

    • Support the team with general labouring tasks as needed

     

    What we're looking for:

    • A solid work ethic and a good attitude

    • Has 3+ years of experience as a Rigger Dogman in the crane industry

    • Holds NZQA Unit Standards 30072 and 3789

    • Clear spoken English and strong communication skills

    What we offer:

    • Minimum Guaranteed: 40 hours per week + overtime opportunities paid at time and a half

    • Location: Christchurch

    • A supportive and down-to-earth team environment

    • Opportunities for ongoing training and career development

    • Stable, long-term role with exciting projects


  • We are seeking a reliable and hardworking Cleaner to join our team. You’ll play a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and general upkeep of our buildings, work areas, bathrooms, communal housing, and more. This is a weekday role between the hours of 7.00 am - 5.30 pm.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Carry out daily cleaning of offices, bathrooms, kitchens, and accommodation areas

    • Manage rubbish removal and basic supply restocking

    • Identify and report any maintenance issues

    • Prepare and refresh employee accommodation, including making beds and ensuring fresh, clean bedding

    • Follow all Health & Safety requirements

    What We’re Looking For

    • Experience: Previous commercial cleaning experience is preferred.

    • Physical Capability: Able to lift/carry cleaning equipment (including vacuum cleaners up/down stairs).

    • Attributes: Trustworthy, motivated, reliable, and a team player. Able to work confidentially and flexibly.

    • Health & Safety: Full understanding and adherence to company Health and Safety policies. Able to identify and mitigate risks, and wear PPE when required.

  • Are you an experienced mechanic looking for your next challenge?
    Smith Crane & Construction Ltd is on the lookout for a skilled and motivated Light Vehicle Mechanic to join our busy mechanical workshop in Christchurch.

    What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Service, repair, and carry out preventative maintenance on our large Light Vehicle Fleet. (Late model Toyota Hilux, Landcruiser etc.)

    • Diagnose complex electronic systems using scan tools.

    • Replace engines, transmissions, braking components.

    • Test, drive as part of the fault-finding and repair process

    • Maintain detailed service records using the latest software tools

    • Always prioritise health, safety, and compliance on site

    What You’ll Bring:

    • At least 3+ years’ experience as a mechanic, with automotive background.

    • NZ-recognised mechanic qualification

    • Confident diagnosing faults and identifying repairs

    • Current Full NZ driver’s licence

    • Strong commitment to health & safety and a team-focused mindset

    • Organised, reliable, and ready to adapt in a fast-paced environment

    Why join us?

    • Pay rate: $35-$42 per hour + OT after 40 hours

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

    • Christchurch Location

    • Work for an iconic NZ-owned business known for delivering complex crane and construction projects nationwide

    • Varied and rewarding work – each day brings a new challenge

    • Opportunities to grow and upskill as a HD Mechanic with Crane, Transport & Civil Equipment.

  • Ready to take your mechanical career to the next level?
    We’re looking for an experienced Heavy Diesel Mechanic to join our high-performing team.

    What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Diagnose and repair mechanical, hydraulic and low-voltage electrical faults across our fleet

    • Undertake breakdown callouts, routine servicing, rebuilds and preventative maintenance

    • Work with a diverse range of gear including crawler cranes, tower cranes, excavators, trucks, trailers and loaders

    • Use schematics, diagnostic tools and your technical expertise to deliver high-quality, efficient outcomes

    What We’re Offering:

    • A modern, fully equipped service vehicle for work and commute use

    • Competitive remuneration with time and a half paid after 40 hours

    • Exposure to industry-leading machinery and a variety of challenging projects

    • Ongoing training and support for upskilling and certifications

    What You’ll Bring:

    • NZ trade qualification (Heavy Diesel or similar) with 3+ years’ post-trade experience

    • Solid background in servicing and repairing heavy plant or similar equipment

    • Strong fault-finding skills in mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems

    • Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently or as part of a team

    • Full NZ driver’s licence (Class 2- 5 and WTR endorsements are a bonus)


  • We’re on the lookout for a skilled Mobile Crane Operator ready to take on challenging lifts and keep projects moving safely and efficiently. If you’ve got a sharp eye, steady hand, and love working where the action is, this is your chance to join a respected team with a strong pipeline of work ahead.

    What You'll Be Doing (Key tasks and responsibilities)

    As a Crane Operator, you'll play a crucial role on-site by:

    • Mobilising, erecting, and demobilising cranes.

    • Carrying out complex lifts involving containers, man cages, concrete structures and more.

    • Performing daily maintenance checks and ensuring all lifting equipment is safe.

    • Communicating effectively with the rigging team and site supervisors.

    • Ensuring strict compliance with health, safety, and site-specific requirements.

    What We’re Looking For

    You’ll thrive in this role if you have:

    • Unit Standard 3789 & 3795.

    • At least 3+ years of crane operation experience.

    • A current Full NZ driver’s licence. Class 4 Minimum (Class 5 a bonus)

    • WTR preferred. BESS would be advantageous.

    • A strong commitment to safety and high standards of professionalism.

    • Flexibility, reliability, and a team-first attitude

    • A clean pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

    What We Offer

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

    • Christchurch location

    • Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting.

    • Be part of a supportive, safety-focused team.

    • Ongoing development opportunities and job stability.

  • We’re looking for a motivated individual to join our Christchurch team as a Load Pilot.

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Escort over dimension loads safely and in line with regulations

    • Communicate clearly with drivers and road users

    • Identify and manage route hazards

    • Maintain pilot vehicle readiness

    • Help out in the yard with general labouring and equipment handling

    • Assist with basic mechanical tasks if skilled

    • Follow all health and safety procedures

    What we're looking for:

    • A solid work ethic and a good attitude

    • Clear spoken English and strong communication skills

    • Full Class 2 NZ Driver Licence

    • Experience in transport, construction, heavy industry, or farming an advantage

    • Willingness to learn and contribute to a team

    • Prior load piloting experience is preferred – but not essential

    What we offer:

    • Competitive hourly rate + overtime opportunities

    • A varied role where you’re not stuck doing the same thing every day

    • A supportive and down-to-earth team environment

    • Training provided for the right person

    • Opportunity to grow within the company

We believe that the best learning and up-skilling happens on the job.

At Smith Crane and Construction we have a desire to support the next generation of professionals in the industry. That's why we are lucky enough to have in-house training providing by Jason Campbell. This allows us to up skill staff continuously and take on trainee operators while learning from Jason who has been in the industry for over 20 years.

Jason won the award for Crane Association of New Zealand Trainer of the year in 2023 show casing his dedication to training and the future of the industry. We are proud to have him lead our silver team and training programs.

"Jason has been instrumental in the upskilling of our team. His knowledge and skills in the assembly, operation, and supervision of cranes and lifts of all types; large and small, is exceptional. Jason is a bit of a character who relates well with all of his work colleagues and trainees in a practical and down-to-earth manner thus ensuring that trainees find training an enjoyable and positive experience.

Jason spends a considerable amount of time studying and understanding the technical specifications and manuals for many cranes, he is very proficient and professional in his work and is always sharing these skills with colleagues & trainees. He possesses a willingness to share his extensive knowledge & skills with all he works with and is a highly valued member of the team." - Tim Smith, Managing Director Smith Crane & Construction.

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the crane and construction industry, we invite you to explore our current job openings and apply. Join the silver team and be a part of a company that is dedicated to providing excellent crane hire and construction services.

Why join the silver team?

We believe our success is attributable to our highly skilled, experienced and hard-working team of over 300 around the country.

At Smith Crane and Construction we offer a wide range of interesting work, a large fleet of heavy machinery, industry leading technology and most importantly a supportive team to work with and learn from.

We understand the value that comes from having a diverse team. With staff from all walks of life and a variety of highly skilled tradespeople we have fostered a positive, engaging work place that is made up of talented individuals who are passionate about their work and Smith Crane and Construction’s future. We have sourced international talent to contribute to significant projects such as our windfarm and crane hire teams. Smith Crane and Construction are proud to be an accredited employer with New Zealand Immigration. We have held an accreditation since 2021 and have had over 100 workers from around the world join the silver team to complete projects. This allows us to have industry leading knowledge and practical experience from around the globe.

A career in construction is like no other, with a wide variety of roles available across our business you can be sure to love your job. 

Working in the crane industry offers a dynamic career path filled with diverse opportunities and challenges. Operating cranes demands precision, skill, and a commitment to safety, fostering personal growth and responsibility. At Smith Cranes we encourage our staff to embrace cutting-edge technology while honoring time-tested practices. The industry's demand ensures steady employment and competitive wages, with room for career advancement and specialization. Every day presents unique challenges, from intricate maneuvers to contributing to large scale projects, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment. Additionally, the industry fosters a community of skilled professionals, promoting collaboration and learning, making it an enticing choice for those seeking a fulfilling and impactful career.