Construction workers in safety gear installing a large blue crane at a building site with a sign reading 'SMIT CRANES'. Overcast sky.
A smiling man wearing safety gear, including a white helmet with a logo, sunglasses, and an orange high-visibility jacket, holding a radio device.

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!

Current Vacancies

Check out our available vacancies below — click on each role to learn more.
Sound like you’d be a good fit? Apply here

  • 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 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)

    What We’re Offering:

    • 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 Be Doing:

    • Operating Franna cranes on a variety of sites

    • Lifting, moving, and placing loads safely and accurately

    • Working closely with riggers and site teams

    • Carrying out pre-start checks and basic crane maintenance

    • Following all health & safety and lifting procedures

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Experience operating HIAB cranes (strong advantage)

    • Strong understanding of safe lifting practices

    • Dogman / rigging experience or unit standards (advantageous)

    • Class 4 or Class 5 driver licence required

    • Reliable, with the ability to work overtime when required

    • Good attitude and willingness to learn

    • Strong team player who works well on site

    What We Offer:

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

    • Overtime rates

    • Location: Auckland

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

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

    • Ongoing development opportunities and job stability.Item description

  • Item descriptionWhat You’ll Be Doing:

    • Correctly select, inspect, and use rigging and lifting equipment in accordance with site procedures and manufacturer specifications

    • Accurately sling loads and provide clear, standardised hand or radio signals to crane operators

    • Identify and control load movement, ensuring balanced and secure lifting

    • Conduct pre-start checks on rigging gear, lifting appliances, and associated equipment

    • Report defects or hazards promptly and remove unsafe equipment from service

    • Assist with preparing and reviewing lift plans, ensuring lifts are carried out according to plan

    • Calculate load weights, centre of gravity, and suitable lifting points when required

    • Proactively participate in ongoing training and competency assessments

    • Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by following procedures, identifying and reporting risks, and participating in training and safety initiatives

    What We’re Looking For:

    • US 30072 and 3789 (or overseas equivalent)

    • Minimum 2 years’ industry experience

    • Full New Zealand Driver’s Licence (or overseas equivalent)

    • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug & alcohol test

    • Clear spoken English and strong communication skills

    • Technical knowledge of crane types, specifications, and rating information

    • Physically strong and capable of lifting crane blocks

    • High standards of health & safety awareness and accountability

    • Reliable, organised, resilient, and able to work well under pressure

    • Positive, collaborative, and flexible team player

    • Flexibility to travel for work is required

    What We Offer:

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

    • Overtime rates

    • Location: Christchurch

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

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

    • Ongoing development opportunities and job stability.

  • What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Service, repair, and conduct preventative maintenance on tower cranes, plant, and machinery. 

    • Diagnose and troubleshoot complex electronic, electrical, and hydraulic systems. 

    • Assist with crane mobilisation, erection, deconstruction, and general setup/removal. 

    • Work at heights, ensuring safety protocols are followed at all times. 

    • Use diagnostic software and tools to maintain detailed service records. 

    • Install, test, and commission electrical equipment and control systems. 

    • Read and interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and specifications. 

    • Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations and company policies. 

    What We’re Looking For:

    • NZ electrical qualification 

    • Registered with the NZ Electrical Workers Registration Board 

    • Strong fault finding skills 

    • Solid understanding of electrical and hydraulic systems 

    • Comfortable working at heights 

    • Skilled in cable work, cable pilling and termination  

    • Physically fit  

    What We Offer:

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

    • Overtime rates + company vehicle

    • Location: Auckland

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

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

    • Ongoing development opportunities and job stability.Item description

  • What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Operate mobile cranes in accordance with lift plans and site requirements

    • Assist with crane mobilisation, setup and demobilisation

    • Inspect and maintain lifting equipment; report defects promptly

    • Communicate clearly with team members during lifting operations

    • Perform routine crane maintenance and safety checks

    • Ensure compliance with company policies and health & safety regulations

    • Represent Smith Crane & Construction professionally at all times

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Minimum 2 years’ crane operation experience in construction/infrastructure

    • New Zealand Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 3 or 4) – preferred

    • Unit Standards in crane operation (e.g., US 3795, 3789,) or willing to undertake the courses

    • Full NZ Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements (Class 2 or 4, WTR) or international licence equivalent

    • Strong understanding of safe lifting practices and NZ health & safety regulations

    • Ability to pass a drug & alcohol test and pre-employment medical

    • Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills

    • Physically fit and able to work in varied environment

    What We Offer:

    • Pay rate: $35.00 - $45.00 + overtime

    • Location: Auckland

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week | Permanent full-time

  • What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Sling and direct complex lifts alongside experienced crane operators

    • Identify and report defects with lifting and rigging equipment

    • Assist with crane setup, deconstruction, and site preparation

    • Keep work areas safe, tidy, and compliant with site rules

    • Communicate clearly with crane operators, supervisors and clients

    • Help maintain high safety standards on every lift and every site

    What We’re Looking for:

    • Minimum 2 years’ proven experience as a Rigger/Dogman in construction, heavy lifting, or crane operations

    • Solid understanding of lift plans, site hazards and best practices

    • Full NZ driver’s licence or international equivalent (with the ability to transfer)

    • Strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills

    • Reliability, professionalism, and a commitment to safety

    • Clear pre-employment drug & alcohol test

    • Holds NZQA Unit Standards 30072 and 3789 – preferred

    What We Offer:

    • Pay rate: $32.00-$38.00 + overtime

    • Number of positions: 3

    • Minimum guaranteed hours: 40 hours per week

    • Fixed-term position from June 2026 to October 2028 due to the duration and operational requirements of a major construction project in Dunedin. Employment will end on project completion.

    • Location: Dunedin

    • Be part of a supportive, safety-focused team

    • Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting

  • What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Operate tower cranes in accordance with lift plans and site requirements

    • Assist with crane mobilisation, setup and demobilisation

    • Inspect and maintain lifting equipment, report defects promptly

    • Communicate clearly with team members during lifting operations

    • Perform routine crane maintenance and safety checks

    • Ensure compliance with company policies and health & safety regulations

    • Represent Smith Crane & Construction professionally at all times

    What We’re Looking for:

    • Minimum 2 years’ tower crane operation experience in construction/infrastructure

    • Unit Standards in tower crane operation (e.g., US 3789, 3794) - preferred

    • New Zealand Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 4) – preferred

    • Full NZ Driver’s Licence with appropriate endorsements (Class 2 or 4, WTR) or international equivalent (with ability to transfer)

    • Strong understanding of safe lifting practices and NZ health & safety regulations

    • Ability to pass a drug & alcohol test and pre-employment medical

    • Excellent situational awareness, decision-making, and teamwork skills

    • Physically fit and able to work in varied environments

    What We Offer:

    • Pay rate: $32.00-$40.00 + overtime

    • Minimum guaranteed hours: 40 hours per week

    • Number of positions: 2

    • Fixed-term position from June 2026 to October 2028 due to the duration and operational requirements of a major construction project in Dunedin. Employment will end on project completion.

    • Dunedin location

    • Be part of a supportive, safety-focused team

    • Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting

  • What You’ll be Doing:

    • Quickly attend to on-site or workshop equipment failures, accurately diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical faults, and communicate repair plans clearly

    • Perform routine servicing and high-quality repairs on tower cranes, crawler cranes, excavators, loaders, trucks, and trailers, including major component replacements

    • Troubleshoot and repair batteries, starters, alternators, sensors, lighting, and hydraulic systems, collaborating on complex issues as needed

    • Assist with setup, removal, and general operational support of heavy plant machinery

    • Maintain a clean, safe workshop, log repairs digitally, and manage spare parts efficiently

    • Work with operators, foremen, and managers to reduce downtime, mentor apprentices, and stay current with training and equipment updates

    What We’re Looking For:

    • 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)

    • Ability to work overtime + weekend work as required

    What We Offer:

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

    • Opportunities to work on major projects overseas (Antarctica, Australia, the Pacific and beyond)

    • Competitive remuneration + overtime paid after 40 hours

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

    • Ongoing training and support for upskilling and certifications

    • Work alongside an experienced, down-to-earth team in a professional and supportive environment

  • What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Correctly select, inspect, and use rigging and lifting equipment in accordance with site procedures and manufacturer specifications

    • Accurately sling loads and provide clear, standardised hand or radio signals to crane operators

    • Identify and control load movement, ensuring balanced and secure lifting

    • Conduct pre-start checks on rigging gear, lifting appliances, and associated equipment

    • Report defects or hazards promptly and remove unsafe equipment from service

    • Assist with preparing and reviewing lift plans, ensuring lifts are carried out according to plan

    • Calculate load weights, centre of gravity, and suitable lifting points when required

    • Proactively participate in ongoing training and competency assessments

    • Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by following procedures, identifying and reporting risks, and participating in training and safety initiatives

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Full driver’s licence (or working towards one)

    • Interest in construction, cranes, or heavy machinery

    • Strong work ethic and willingness to learn

    • Reliable and punctual

    • Good communication skills

    • Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors

    • A team player with a positive attitude

    What We Offer:

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

    • Overtime rates

    • Location: Christchurch

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

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

    • Ongoing development opportunities and job stability.

  • What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Assist with transportation for heavy haulage by warning and controlling traffic while escorting an over-dimension vehicle

    • Drive to and from site as and when required to assist deliver/retrieve plant and equipment to ensure the timely delivery of service to colleagues and clients

    • Routinely assist in the servicing and maintenance of the vehicle

    • Support with the mobilisation and demobilisation, and general set up/removal of trucks and other plant and machinery as required

    • Undertake labouring duties as required to support the role and the wider site.

    • Actively meet all compliance and audit requirements for role

    • Represent Smith Crane and Construction in a professional and courteous manner

    • Follow all health and safety procedures

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Prior load piloting experience is preferred – but not essential

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

    • Physically fit and mobile, capable of lifting.

    • Clear spoken English and strong communication skills

    • Full Class 1 NZ Driver Licence (Class 2 a bonus)

    • Willingness to learn and contribute to a team

    • WTR Qualification (advantage)

    • Clear pre-employment Drug & Alcohol Test.

    What We Offer:

    • Opportunity to grow your career and industry knowledge  

    • Competitive hourly rate + overtime opportunities

    • Join an industry leader in NZ Construction projects  

    • Training provided for the right person

    • Opportunity to grow within the company

Two happy construction workers wearing orange safety jackets and white hard hats, standing in front of a large construction vehicle. They are smiling, with one giving a thumbs-up gesture.

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.

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.