Civil Leading Hand / Operator
Adelaide, SA | $100k–$115k + Super + Vehicle

Civil Leading Hand / Operator
Adelaide & Regional SA | Hands-On Role | $115K–$125K + Super + Vehicle

• Long-term opportunity with an established SA contractor
• Varied government, education, commercial and civil projects
• Hands-on Leading Hand role with plenty of autonomy

What's in it for you?
✅ Circa $115K–$125K + super, depending on experience
✅ Fully maintained company vehicle
✅ Long-term permanent opportunity
✅ Strong pipeline of projects across Adelaide and regional SA
✅ Varied civil works including earthworks, pads, footings, drainage, car parks and associated building works
✅ Work within a small, experienced civil team
✅ Established business with strong safety and quality systems
✅ Genuine autonomy without moving completely away from the tools

The Company
We're partnering with a long-established South Australian construction contractor delivering projects across the civil, commercial and government sectors.

With a strong pipeline of work, they undertake projects throughout metropolitan Adelaide and regional SA across education, government facilities, infrastructure and commercial construction.

They self-perform a range of civil works and are now looking for an experienced Civil Leading Hand who can take ownership of the work while remaining genuinely hands-on.

The Opportunity
This is not a traditional Supervisor or Project Management role.

Working alongside the Site Manager and wider project team, you'll take responsibility for civil works on site while remaining heavily involved in the day-to-day work yourself.

One day you might be reading plans, setting out and organising works. The next you could be operating an excavator, preparing a building pad, excavating footings or helping the team wherever required.

You'll have support around you, but they need someone capable of being given the plans, understanding what needs to happen and getting on with the job.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead from the front within a small civil team
• Read plans and set out civil works
• Establish levels and ensure works are completed accurately
• Operate plant and machinery as required
• Complete earthworks, trenching, pads and footings
• Civil works associated with driveways and car parks
• Excavations for services, drainage and plumbing
• Coordinate materials, plant and day-to-day site requirements
• Assist with apprentices and other trades where required
• Work closely with Site Managers and the wider construction team
• Maintain high safety and quality standards
• Work independently when required

We're looking for someone with:

• Proven civil construction and earthworks experience
• Previous Leading Hand experience or someone ready to step into that responsibility
• Strong ability to read plans, set out works and establish levels
• Plant and machinery operating experience
• Relevant plant tickets highly regarded
• Strong understanding of site safety
• Ability to plan and complete works without constant supervision
• A practical, team-first attitude
• Willingness to work away regionally when required
• Most importantly, a willingness to remain on the tools

You might currently be a Civil Leading Hand, Leading Hand Operator, Excavator Operator, Civil Foreman or experienced Civil Operator looking for more responsibility.

The Projects The work is diverse and can include:

• Government facilities
• Education and learning facilities
• Commercial construction
• Civil and earthworks packages
• Building pads and footings
• Roads, driveways and car parks
• Drainage and services
• Regional projects

Projects commonly range from approximately $5M–$20M, with the business also capable of delivering considerably larger projects.

The Package $115K–$125K + super + fully maintained vehicle
There may be flexibility for the right person depending on their experience and ability.

This will suit someone who wants to lead from the front rather than from the site office. If you're still happy jumping on a machine, getting your hands dirty and getting the job done while taking responsibility for the civil works, we'd like to hear from you. 

What You Need to Do Now:

If you believe your skills and experience align with the requirements of this position, please submit your application or contact Ben (0402 229 247) directly for a confidential discussion.

Should your background be relevant but this role not entirely suitable, we still welcome the opportunity to connect and explore other potential opportunities.
Please note: only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

Apply Later