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General Information

Job Type
Permanent
Category
Construction/Technical
Business
Higgins
Location
Manawatu-Whanganui
Job Reference
43253
Posted Date
23-Apr-2026
Closing Date
22-May-2026

Description

Leading Hand - Drainage

Higgins Manawatū is looking for an experienced and motivated Leading Hand - Drainage to join our team in Palmerston North. This is a hands on role where you’ll support the Foreperson/Supervisor in leading day to day drainage activities, ensuring safe, high quality and efficient delivery across our projects.

If you enjoy working outdoors, have strong drainage experience, and are confident leading small crews, this is a great opportunity to step up and make an impact.

What you’ll be doing
  • Assisting the Foreperson/Supervisor with planning and supervising daily drainage activities
  • Leading and supporting operators, labourers, subcontractors and labour hire staff
  • Ensuring all drainage works (pipelines, manholes, connections, structures) are delivered safely and to specification
  • Coordinating plant, materials and resources to keep work flowing efficiently
  • Maintaining strong communication with the team, clients and site stakeholders
  • Ensuring all work meets Higgins’ safety, quality and environmental standards
  • Supporting a positive team culture and helping train and mentor less experienced crew members

What you’ll bring
  • Proven experience in drainage. 
  • Experience leading crews
  • Strong knowledge of drainage construction methods, materials, tools and equipment
  • Experience with rotating and pipe lasers
  • Drainlaying and/or Water qualifications (bonus)
  • Willingness to support other civil tasks when required
  • Ability to read plans, understand levels and follow site instructions
  • Full Class 1 licence - Class 2 and WTR endorsements are an advantage
  • Physically fit, reliable and committed to safe work practices
  • A positive attitude and willingness to work flexible hours when required


Come join the Green Team
  • Competitive hourly rate
  • Permanent, full time role with guaranteed 40 hours per week
  • KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4%
  • Opportunities to upskill and gain further licences or qualifications
  • Great benefits for you and your family
  • Access to educational funds for you and your children
  • School holiday programme and tutoring support
  • Discounts with partners including Southern Cross, ANZ, Z Energy, PlaceMakers, Mico and Samsung

About Higgins

Higgins is a leading roading and civil infrastructure company in New Zealand. We are on a dynamic growth path with people at the heart of what we do every day. We offer a great working environment, competitive pay, subsidised medical insurance, and subsidised education and training for you and your dependants.

Higgins is committed to a drug free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre employment drug and alcohol testing and a health check.

We’re with you on the road ahead – Ko tātou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua.

We are actively looking to fill this role and encourage early applications. Applications are reviewed regularly, and the advertisement may be removed before the closing date.

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.