You will be supporting all types of three waters installations trenching, pipe support, backfilling, site preparation and working safely around plant and machinery. The work is physical, outdoor, and requires flexibility to travel for project work when required.
We need someone who values doing the job right, follows the plan, and contributes positively to a close-knit local team. If you have civil or drainage experience, excellent. If you are reliable, safety-focused, and willing to learn, we want to hear from you.
Company Overview
Schick Civil Construction is not new to this industry. We were founded in 1973 in Hamilton as a local cartage and excavation service, and over five decades we have grown into a major New Zealand contractor with more than 400 staff, 500 items of plant, and the capability to deliver projects valued at over $30 million .
Our expertise spans earthworks, cartage, highway infrastructure, subdivisions, retaining walls, coastal and river bank protection, stop bank construction, and the full spectrum of three waters infrastructure wastewater, stormwater, and water reticulation . We are well known in the industry for our skill, diversity, and genuine can-do attitude. n the South Island, we have been building our presence since 2017. Lewis Wilson, our Contract Manager, started with Schick as a Drainage Foreman in Christchurch and was instrumental in establishing our Nelson and Blenheim operations . His story is our story: we grow our people, we invest in their development, and we reward long service. When Lewis reached five years with Schick, he received an extra five days leave just one way we bring our purpose of “benefit to all who contribute” to life .
Key Responsibilities
You will be an integral member of one of our Nelson-based drainage crews, supporting the delivery of high-quality three waters infrastructure.
- Support all types of 3 waters installations, including wastewater, stormwater, and water reticulation systems .
- Perform trenching, pipe laying and support, backfilling, and site preparation to engineering specifications.
- Work safely around plant and machinery, maintaining clear communication with operators and supervisors.
- Follow standard work procedures, daily site plans, and project-specific quality requirements.
- Contribute to tidy, compliant, and well-organised work sites that reflect the Schick standard.
- Conduct daily hazard identification and pre-start checks as part of our safety-first approach .
- Participate in toolbox talks and site safety briefings .
- Travel for project work when required, with the understanding that this is a Nelson-based role with occasional out-of-town project demands.
Qualifications
We are looking for a reliable, team-focused individual who fits our way of working.
You must have:
- A full Class 1 New Zealand driver’s licence.
- Civil or drainage experience preferred—you understand the pace, the standards, and the importance of getting pipe grades right.
- A strong safety mindset. Home safe every day is not a slogan; it is our commitment .
- The ability to work comfortably in a physical, outdoor role across all weather conditions.
- Reliability and punctuality. Our crews start on time and depend on each other.
- A team-focused attitude and willingness to follow the plan. We work collaboratively, and we value positive contributions to crew culture.
- Flexibility to travel for project work when required.
It is highly advantageous if you hold:
- WTR (Wheels, Tracks, Rollers) endorsements.
- A Level 4 Drainlaying qualification or progress toward registration.
- Experience operating machinery in a civil drainage context.
This role suits someone who works well with others. Teamwork, reliability, and fitting our way of working are essential.
Benefits and Perks
Schick is a respected national contractor with deep local roots and a genuine commitment to its people.
- Competitive pay based on your experience and skill set. Jora listings for Schick Civil Construction labouring roles in Nelson indicate a range of $30–$35 per hour .
- Steady, ongoing work with a company that has a strong forward pipeline across the South Island.
- Clear systems, clear expectations, no guesswork. Our “Have a Plan” approach means you always know what you are doing and why .
- Opportunities to upskill and progress. Lewis Wilson started as a Drainage Foreman and is now our Contract Manager. We promote from within .
- Long service recognition. At five years, our team members receive an extra five days leave. We value tenure .
- A team culture built on Stronger Together and Better than Before. You will work alongside experienced crews who take pride in their craft.
- A close-knit local team environment. This is a small Nelson-based crew. You will be known, respected, and supported.
How to Apply
If you are a reliable, safety-focused labourer with civil or drainage experience or the right attitude and willingness to learn and you want to join a respected national contractor with a strong local presence in Nelson, we want to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter through the official Schick Civil Construction careers portal. If you have questions or would like to discuss the role before applying, contact our careers team directly:
Please note: Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
Schick Civil Construction is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a positive, collaborative work environment where everyone can grow and thrive .
