Excavator Operator

Role Overview

Operate 20-tonne and 26–30-tonne tracked excavators, including long-reach machines, to prepare land for a developing sugarcane farm. Your work will cover vegetation and stump removal, canal excavation, and drainage construction, helping establish usable farmland while protecting people, equipment, and the surrounding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate tracked excavators safely and efficiently across demanding field conditions.
• Clear bush and remove stumps using suitable buckets and attachments, including skeleton buckets.
• Excavate canals and drainage channels to the required alignment and profile.
• Adjust operating methods to suit varying soils, ground conditions, and seasonal drainage changes.
• Carry out routine equipment checks and keep assigned machines in sound working condition.
• Identify mechanical, hydraulic, or attachment faults and report them clearly to the maintenance team.
• Follow site safety procedures and environmental controls during earthworks.
• Use GPS or RTK guidance for excavation work where available and required.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least five years of practical experience operating tracked excavators in challenging field conditions.
• Valid NTSA Class G4 excavator operator licence, current heavy commercial driving licence, and valid operator safety card.
• Demonstrated skill using skeleton buckets and experience in land development, bush clearing, or comparable earthmoving work.
• Working knowledge of excavator mechanics, hydraulic systems, and attachment operation, with the ability to perform basic troubleshooting.
• Understanding of soil behaviour and compaction, and the effects of tropical conditions and seasonal drainage on excavation work.
• GPS and RTK-guided operating experience is an advantage, particularly for canal and drainage alignment.