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!

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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

  • 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

  • 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

     

  • 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

  • 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

A worker in orange safety vest and blue pants is repairing a large Liebherr crane inside a warehouse, with tools and equipment around.
Contact Us
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.
Two construction workers in orange safety gear inspecting machinery outdoors with trees in the background.
A smiling man with a beard, wearing a black polo shirt and a watch, standing indoors with his hands in his pockets. The background shows a modern staircase and a dark wall.

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.

  • A construction worker wearing an orange safety shirt, hard hat, and sunglasses, sitting inside a construction crane cab.
  • Group of construction workers standing in a circle on a muddy construction site, wearing high-visibility safety gear and helmets, with large construction cranes and equipment in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
  • Group of workers in orange safety uniforms sitting around a conference table in a meeting room, some taking notes, with a flat screen TV and wall-mounted air conditioning unit in the background.
  • Two construction workers wearing safety gear and helmets standing on dirt ground, discussing plans or documents at a wind farm with wind turbines in the background.
  • A construction worker in an orange safety jacket and white helmet standing on dirt at a construction site, holding a walkie-talkie and looking at machinery, with a bright sky and distant hills in the background.
  • A construction worker wearing safety gear, including a helmet and face shield, is operating a spray gun to paint or coat a metal structure outdoors.
  • Construction workers in safety gear are working on a construction site. They are using a hydraulic lift platform with a red and white chevron pattern. The background shows construction vehicles, equipment, and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A construction worker wearing a yellow safety vest and a hard hat, standing on a crane's operator platform and waving, with a cloudy sky in the background.
  • Two workers in orange safety jackets working at a desk in an industrial or warehouse setting, looking at a laptop and paperwork.
  • A man with glasses wearing an orange safety jacket sitting in the driver's seat of a large construction crane.
  • Two men in orange safety jackets and helmets smiling and giving thumbs up at an outdoor construction site with a white vehicle and wind turbines in the background.
  • A group of ten men in basketball uniforms posing on an indoor basketball court, holding a banner with the logo 'SMTH' and making various gestures. The background shows a scoreboard, basketball hoops, and a wooden wall.
  • People in orange safety vests gathered outside a modern building, some sitting on stools, others standing by a barbecue grill.
  • Group of nine men standing around a round table at crane awards event in new Zealand
  • A smiling worker wearing an orange safety jacket and helmet stands in an industrial workshop, with a large white utility truck on a platform behind him. The workshop has a high ceiling with exposed beams and windows, and there is machinery and equipment nearby.
  • Man in orange safety jacket standing with arms crossed in front of large construction equipment in a workshop.
  • A man wearing an orange safety jacket and black cap standing in front of a white utility truck with a mounted toolbox and construction equipment in the background on a bright day.