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

  • We’re looking for a reliable and experienced HIAB Operator with a Class 4 or higher licence and a strong commitment to safety to join our Queenstown team. This role requires someone who takes pride in their work, communicates well with team members and clients, and enjoys being part of a hardworking, supportive crew.

    If you have a can-do attitude, currently residing in Queenstown, have solid operating experience, and want to be part of a respected company working alongside New Zealand’s largest crane fleet, we want to hear from you.

    What You’ll be Doing:                            

    • Operate Hiab truck and transport equipment safely to and from site locations 

    • Assist with lifting, loading, securing, and mobilisation/demobilisation tasks 

    • Complete daily pre-start checks and report any faults or maintenance needs 

    • Follow site lift plans and supervisor instructions to carry out safe, efficient lifts 

    • Maintain clear communication with team members, clients, and supervisors 

    • Supporting our fleet of mobile cranes in the Queenstown area

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Valid FULL New Zealand Driver's Licence

    • Based in Queenstown, or intending to relocate

    • Class 4 or 5 Heavy Transport Licence is Essential 

    • HIAB Certifications (US1753, US16617) 

    • Forklift F Endorsed Licence with OSH Certificate (preferred but not essential) 

    • Physically fit 

    What We Offer:

    • Ongoing training and development

    • Competitive hourly rate + overtime opportunities

    • Strong team culture with modern tools and equipment

    • Work alongside NZ’s largest crane fleet

  • We’re seeking an experienced Civil Supervisor to oversee operations on key projects in Christchurch. If you’re a natural leader with a strong civil construction background, this is your chance to make an impact. 

    What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Supervise site activities and manage crews.

    • Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

    • Coordinate with engineers and project managers to meet deadlines.

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Minimum 6–10 years’ experience in civil construction, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.

    • Strong knowledge of earthworks, drainage, roading, concrete works and bridge construction.

    • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

    • Proven leadership and team management skills.

    • Solid understanding of health & safety regulations and compliance.

    • Excellent organisational and time management skills.

    • Full NZ driver’s license (Class 2 preferred).

    What We Offer:

    • Overtime rates.

    • A supportive team and great work culture.

    • Opportunities for career advancement.

  • We are seeking a Marketing Coordinator to join our Christchurch team. In this role, you will lead and deliver marketing initiatives that support business growth for Smith Crane & Construction. Join New Zealand’s leading crane hire company today!

    What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Work with the IT team and external providers to develop, maintain, and improve the Smith Crane & Construction website.

    • Manage the company’s social media channels (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), including content creation, approvals, publishing, engagement monitoring, and performance reporting to senior leadership.

    • Design, prepare, and distribute the company newsletter, including tailored versions for key clients, collaborating with H&S Managers, the Board, and Senior Leaders to ensure accurate and relevant content.

    • Ensure brand consistency across all company materials, vehicles, signage, documentation, and digital channels.

    • Provide marketing, administrative, and documentation support across the business as required.

    • Monitor and report on marketing activity and engagement to the Senior Leadership Team.

    • Comply with all Company Policies and Health & Safety requirements, actively contributing to a safe working environment.

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Ideal for a recent graduate or a candidate with 1–2 years of marketing experience. Prior industry experience is desirable but not essential.

    • Proficiency across a range of marketing software and platforms, including Adobe Creative Suite, Meta Business Suite, LinkedIn, and email marketing tools.

    • High standards of health & safety awareness and accountability. 

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

    • Positive, collaborative, and flexible team player. 

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

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

    What We Offer:

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week 

    • Overtime rates

    • Join a supportive, down-to-earth team 

    • On-site parking provided 

    • Join an industry leader in NZ Construction projects  

  • We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Junior Civil Engineer to join our growing team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of civil construction projects, working alongside experienced industry professionals on everything from residential piling to major infrastructure works.

    This role offers valuable exposure to both office and site-based work, providing a solid foundation for career development in civil engineering.

    What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Assist with project planning and site supervision. 

    • Assist with project tendering, planning and delivery. 

    • Prepare reports, drawings, and documentation. 

    • Support senior engineers with technical tasks. 

    • Travel to various project sites as required, including work away from home

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).

    • 2-4 years’ experience in civil construction or infrastructure projects.

    • Familiarity with NZ standards and codes for civil works.

    • Proficiency in AutoCAD, MS Office, and basic project management tools.

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

    • Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.

    • Flexibility to travel for projects

    • Full NZ driver’s license.

    What We Offer:

    • Join a supportive, down-to-earth team  

    • Overtime rates after 40 hours per week worked 

    • On-site parking provided

    • Opportunity to grow your career and industry knowledge  

  • We are looking for an experience Tower Crane Erector (Assembly Rigger) to join our dynamin team in Auckland.

    About Us:  

    Smith Crane and Construction is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, offering exceptional service across crane hire, civil construction (including marine civil and pre-cast manufacturing), transportation, and wind energy installation and maintenance. We pride ourselves on our strong team culture, commitment to safety, and continuing our family tradition of excellent customer focus and job execution. 

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

    • Safely use tools and equipment (EWP, Forklift, telehandler)

    • Rigging & slinging loads safely, following lift & rigging plans Communicate clearly with crane operators & site teams

    • Inspect crane components, connections, and fasteners to verify proper assembly and structural integrity.

    • Support crane mobilisation, assembly & deconstruction

    • Coordinate lifting operations with rigging crews, mobile crane operators, and site supervisors to execute precise crane assembly sequences.

    • Work outdoors in variable weather & flexible hours

    • Move cranes and equipment on site

    • 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:

    • NZQA Rigging Qualifications (or international equivalent) preferred

    • Qualified to operate EWP, Telehandler, Forklift or a willingness to learn

    • Two+ years’ rigging experience

    • Clear communicator & strong safety mindset

    • Physical fitness and reliability

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

    • Flexibility, reliability, and a team-first attitude.

    What We Offer

    • Pay rate: $45.00 - $50.34 flat rate per hour

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

    • Auckland 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 seeking an experienced Civil Supervisor to oversee operations on key projects in Christchurch. If you’re a natural leader with a strong civil construction background, this is your chance to make an impact. 

    What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Supervise site activities and manage crews.

    • Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

    • Coordinate with engineers and project managers to meet deadlines.

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Minimum 6–10 years’ experience in civil construction, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.

    • Strong knowledge of earthworks, drainage, roading, concrete works and bridge construction.

    • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

    • Proven leadership and team management skills.

    • Solid understanding of health & safety regulations and compliance.

    • Excellent organisational and time management skills.

    • Full NZ driver’s license (Class 2 preferred).

    What We Offer:

    • Overtime rates.

    • A supportive team and great work culture.

    • Opportunities for career advancement.

  • We’re looking for an experienced Piling Operator to join our dynamic crew in Christchurch. If you have a strong background in operating piling rigs, diggers, cranes and associated gear, with a commitment to safety and quality, we want to hear from you.

    We also welcome applications from trainee operators if you have civil construction experience and are keen to learn, full training can be provided on the job.

    What You’ll Be Doing:

    • Operate piling rigs, diggers, cranes and associated equipment for foundation works and bridge construction. 

    • Ensure compliance with health and safety standards. 

    • Work collaboratively with site teams to deliver projects on time. 

    What We’re Looking For:

    • Experience operating piling rigs, digger-mounted piling rigs or cranes is advantageous; applicants with civil construction experience and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply

    • Class 2 or 4 NZ driver’s license (WTR endorsement preferred). 

    • Knowledge of ground engineering and foundation techniques. 

    • Ability to read and interpret site plans and specifications. 

    • Strong focus on health & safety compliance. 

    • Physically fit and able to work outdoors in varying conditions. 

    • Site Safe Passport or equivalent safety training (advantageous). 

    What We Offer:

    • Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week

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

    • Overtime rates

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.