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
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We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Crane Supervisor to join our team for a major construction project. This is a fixed-term role from mid-January 2026 to August 2026.
About the Role
You will oversee crane operations, ensure compliance with safety standards, and coordinate project documentation and scheduling. You’ll work closely with clients, local authorities, and the project team to deliver outcomes on time and to budget, while upholding our commitment to health and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Read and interpret plans, drawings, and specifications; provide estimations on project costs, resources, and timelines
Prepare lift plans, Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Variance (RFVs), and Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs)
Maintain detailed project documentation and assist with audit requirements
Schedule construction works and communicate changes to all stakeholders
Communicate effectively with staff regarding repairs, delays, and scheduling
Operate cranes when required
Ensure compliance with company policies, health & safety regulations, and industry standards
What We’re Looking For
Current NZQA Crane Operator Qualifications or equivalent international qualification
Minimum 2 years’ industry experience preferred
Full New Zealand Driver’s License (or overseas equivalent)
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug & alcohol test
Excellent 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
What We Offer
Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week
Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting.
Overtime rates
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We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Rigger Dogman to join our team for a major construction project. This is a fixed-term role from mid-January 2026 to August 2026.
About the Role
You will undertake all tasks required to ensure the safe and timely rigging and loading of materials. You’ll work closely with crane operators, site supervisors, and ground crew to plan and execute lifts efficiently, while upholding our commitment to health and safety.
Key Responsibilities
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
Minimum 2 years’ industry experience preferred
Full New Zealand Driver’s Licence (or overseas equivalent)
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug & alcohol test
Excellent 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
What We Offer
Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week
Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting.
Overtime rates
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We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Mobile Crane Operator for a major construction project. This is a fixed-term role from mid January 2026 to August 2026.
About the Role
You will safely and efficiently operate mobile cranes to lift, move and position loads on site. You'll work closely with site supervisors, riggers and the project team to deliver outcomes on time and to budget, while upholding our commitment to health and safety.
Key Responsibilities
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
Unit Standards in crane operation (e.g., US 3795, 3789,) or equivalent Australian qualifications (with NZQA equivalency)
New Zealand Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 3 or 4) – desirable
Full NZ Driver’s License with appropriate endorsements (Class 2 or 4, WTR) or valid Australian heavy vehicle license (with ability to transfer)
Minimum 2 years’ crane operation experience in construction/infrastructure
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
Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week
Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting.
Overtime rates
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We are seeking skilled and safety-focused Tower Crane Operators for a major construction project. This is a fixed-term role from mid-January 2026 to August 2026.
About the Role
You will safely and efficiently operate tower cranes to lift, move and position loads on site. You'll work closely with site supervisors, riggers and the project team to deliver outcomes on time and to budget, while upholding our commitment to health and safety.
Key Responsibilities
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
Unit Standards in tower crane operation (e.g., US 3789, 3794) or equivalent Australian qualifications (with NZQA equivalency)
New Zealand Certificate in Crane Operation (Level 4) – desirable
Full NZ Driver’s Licence with appropriate endorsements (Class 2 or 4, WTR) or valid Australian heavy vehicle license (with ability to transfer)
Minimum 2 years’ tower crane operation experience in construction/infrastructure
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
Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week
Work with an industry leader in construction and heavy lifting.
Overtime rates
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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
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We’re looking for an experienced Administrator to join our Special Project – Wind Division for a fixed-term role with an IMMEDIATE START through to the end of September 2026. Help be part of New Zealand’s sustainable future by joining the team on an upcoming Windfarm Project in Dargaville.
Key Responsibilities:
• Keep project documentation accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with standards
• Maintain daily site diaries and ensure all project records are thorough and organised
• Support Health & Safety administration, helping the team stay on track with compliance
• Handle data entry and general administrative tasks to support the wider team
• Assist the Project Co-ordinator with a variety of administrative duties to ensure project efficiencyWhat we are looking for:
• Experience in administration, office management, or a similar role (preferred)
• Reasonable level of physical fitness
• Health and Safety experience (preferred)
• Positive “can-do” attitude and willingness to support the wider team
• Ability to work well under pressure and demonstrate strong initiative
• Full New Zealand Driver’s License
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol testWhy join us?
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a major renewable energy project that contributes to New Zealand’s sustainable future. You’ll work alongside experienced construction professionals in a supportive and safety-focused environment.
Overtime rates and project allowance
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.