About your current role

Smith & Co is recruiting Excavator Operators for current and upcoming projects with established civil contractors across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

Projects include subdivisions, road upgrades, drainage, bulk earthworks and land development. Roles range from general excavation and trenching through to GPS final trim. We’ll discuss the project, location and type of machine work that best match your experience.

Hourly rates are generally $46–$50 plus penalties, depending on the role and project. Start dates, duties, and site locations vary.

What’s on offer?

- Long-term opportunities on active civil projects
- Immediate starts available on selected sites
- Overtime available on some projects
- Weekday hours across established civil sites
- Work across subdivisions, roadworks, drainage and earthworks
- Opportunities ranging from general excavation to GPS final trim

Key responsibilities

- Operate excavators across civil construction projects
- Complete excavation and trenching to site requirements
- Support drainage, subdivision, roadworks or earthworks crews
- Follow plans, marks and instructions from site supervisors
- Work safely around existing services, machinery and ground crews
- Use GPS systems for final-trim work when required
- Communicate with the crew to keep work safe and on schedule

Skills & experience we are looking for

- Excavator operating experience in civil construction




- Relevant RII Excavator competency or ticket
- Current Construction White Card
- Ability to work safely around services and ground crews
- GPS final trim experience
- Subdivision, Roadworks, drainage, or bulk earthworks

Nice to haves

- Additional RII tickets for rollers, loaders, or skid steers
- Experience operating different excavator sizes
- Confidence completing pre-starts and basic plant checks

We encourage general excavation operators and experienced GPS final-trim operators to apply. Project requirements vary, so you don’t need experience across every type of work listed.

About your team

You’ll work alongside civil Supervisors, Leading Hands, operators and ground crews. Team structure and daily tasks vary by project.

About Smith & Co Recruitment

Smith & Co Recruitment connects civil workers with established contractors across South East Queensland. We recruit for subdivisions, road construction, drainage, earthworks and other civil projects, and can discuss opportunities that suit your experience and preferred location.

How to apply

If you’re an Excavator Operator looking for your next civil project, click Apply Now to discuss the current opportunities with Smith & Co.

Questions?

For questions about the role or help with your application, contact Ashton on (phone hidden) OR [email protected]. We aim to respond to applications within 1–2 business days.

📌 Excavator Operator (Queensland)
🏢 Smith and
📍 Queensland