C.J.L Civil is a Geelong-based civil contractor delivering subdivision infrastructure across the region. Our pipe crews install sewer, stormwater and watermain on active residential subdivisions from Geelong through Armstrong Creek, Torquay and surrounding areas.

We're growing, and we're currently hiring for two separate roles:

1. Experienced Excavator Operator - Minimum 5 years, GPS machine control

2. Experienced Toppies (Pipelayer Assistants) - Minimum 12 months subdivision pipe crew experience

Both roles are full-time, ongoing, and based on local projects. Please tell us clearly which role you're applying for.

ROLE 1 — EXPERIENCED EXCAVATOR OPERATOR (GPS)

You'll be running the machine for one of our pipe crews, trenching to grade and working hand in hand with the pipelayer and toppy. This is production pipe work, not general earthmoving, accuracy and consistency matter.

What you'll be doing

- Trenching to grade for sewer, stormwater and watermain

- Operating with GPS machine control, loading and localising design models, checking against benchmarks and control points

- Lowering pipe, pits and manhole components to the crew

- Installing, shifting and working safely around trench shields and shoring

- Careful excavation around live services, including potholing to DBYD plans

- Batter work, trimming and bulk earthworks between pipe runs

- Loading trucks, managing spoil and stockpiles

- Working from design drawings, set-out and survey marks

- Daily prestart, greasing, fault reporting and basic machine maintenance

- Keeping your work area safe and tidy, and communicating clearly with the crew and other plant

Essential requirements





- Minimum 5 years' excavator experience in civil construction

- Proven GPS machine control experience [Trimble / Topcon / Leica - specify yours]

- Excavator Ticket

- White Card (Construction Induction)

- Current Driver's Licence and reliable transport

- Demonstrated ability to work to fine grade in a production pipe crew

- Solid understanding of trench safety, shoring and working around live services

Highly regarded

- Experience across machine sizes 5t to 30t

- High-Risk Work Licence

- Confined Space Ticket

- Subdivision experience

- HR Licence and/or float experience

- Ability to read and interpret design files and set-out independently

ROLE 2 — EXPERIENCED TOPPIES / PIPELAYER ASSISTANTS

Working from the top of the trench alongside our pipelayers on active subdivision projects. You'll be across the full process. Bedding, jointing, levels and backfill and able to keep pace on a production run.

What you'll be doing

- Slinging and lowering pipe, pits and manhole components into the trench

- Preparing pipe joints. Cleaning spigots, fitting and lubricating rubber rings

- Spreading and screeding bedding material, then backfilling and compacting

- Checking levels and grade off the laser

- Hand digging and potholing around live services





- Spotting for the excavator operator and keeping trench edges transparent

- Helping set manhole risers, benching and grout work

- Assisting with watermain fittings, hydrants, valves and thrust blocks

- Keeping materials up to the crew, the site tidy and the job moving

Essential requirements

- Minimum 12 months hands-on subdivision pipe crew experience

- Proven experience assisting with sewer, stormwater and watermain installation

- Confined Space Ticket

- White Card (Construction Induction)

- Current Driver's Licence and reliable transport

- Solid understanding of trench safety and working around live services

- Physically Fit

Highly regarded

- Asbestos awareness

- Some pipelaying experience, or the ability to step into the trench when needed

- Excavator or skid steer ticket

WHAT WE OFFER - BOTH ROLES

- Full-time ongoing employment

- Negotiable wages based on experience

- Overtime

- Local work

- All PPE supplied

- Well-maintained, modern plant and equipment

- Ongoing training and ticket support

- Immediate starts available for the right people

HOW TO APPLY

Hit Apply Now and include:

1. Which role you're applying for - Excavator Operator or Toppy

2. Your resume, with dates and the types of projects you've worked on

3. Copies of any tickets or licences you hold

Applicants for the Excavator Operator role should note the GPS systems they've operated and the machine sizes they're confident on.

Only applicants with the right to work in Australia will be considered. All applicants will be treated in confidence.

You can also find us at https://cjlcivil.com.au

We look forward to hearing from you.

📌 Toppy and Excavator Operator - Multiple Positions (Warrnambool)
🏢 C.J.L Civil
📍 Warrnambool