Downer is proud to be commencing long‑term Road Maintenance and Surfacing contracts across the Southland region. We’re excited to recruit skilled people from local communities to help maintain and enhance the region’s roading network, keeping Southland moving.
The Opportunity |Te kōwhiringa
We are building crews to carry out road maintenance, surfacing, and construction works across the Southland region. Works includes routine and cyclic works, pavement repair, bridging, emergency works, sealing, winter road maintenance, and incident response.
All positions are Full-Time, Permanent opportunities, with 40 hours guaranteed each week. Our crew roles are aligned to the South Island AWUNZ union agreement where overtime, allowances and other rates are on offer.
Vacancies:
Maintenance Grader Operators
Excavator Operator (Wheeled Excavator)
Operators
Truck Driver Class 4 & 5
Patrol Operator – Road Maintenance
Carpenter/Builder
Drain Layers
Sealing Operators
Traffic Management STMS
Traffic Management TMO
Skilled Labourers
Leading Hands
We are after skilled team members but will also consider those who want to build a career with Downer in the roading industry. If you can bring the following, we want to hear from you! Ideal applicants will bring:
A keen interest in developing your skill set and training to execute road maintenance and construction works.
Relevant licenses (Full Class 1 at minimum and Full Class 2-4 for Operator roles)
Positive, can-do attitude essential
A focus on collaborative teamwork and project delivery
Full commitment to a Zero-harm work environment
The flexibility to undertake occasional travel
Ko te take ka parekareka e koe ki te mahi ki kōnei | Why you will enjoy working here
Downer is committed to delivering excellence by ensuring our people have the environment and the means to be successful. We offer:
Deals & Discounts from local and national retailers
Rewarding Pay
Whanau Scholarships
Development programmes and ongoing career opportunities across NZ & Australia
$500 bonus for current employees who refer a friend to Downer
Ko wai mātou | Our Organisation
Want to know more about what it is like to work at Downer? Then head to our People Site: https://downergroup.co.nz/life-at-downer/
Me pēhea ki te tono | How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, click Apply Now to submit your application!
We are committed to a safe working environment for everyone - all successful applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment drug test, medical and a Ministry of Justice check prior to starting employment. If you need support with this requirement, please talk to our team.

Enabling communities to thrive.
It’s what we’ve done for more than 150 years. Solving problems. Making the extraordinary run smoothly every day. We’re keeping the lights on and the water flowing. Running the hospitals that take care of us. Delivering the transport that takes us from A to B. Maintaining communication networks that keep people connected. Helping our Government and Defence customers keep them protected. Delivering train fleets. Building bridges, roads and streets. Now we’re building momentum too. Moving forward even faster.
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