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- Tasks: Operate cranes on exciting wind farm projects across New Zealand.
- Company: Join a family-owned business with over 30 years in renewable energy.
- Benefits: Earn $30-$50 per hour with guaranteed 40 hours a week.
- Why this job: Be part of the renewable energy revolution and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: 2+ years crane experience and a positive, flexible attitude required.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team culture focused on safety and professionalism.
Crane Operator – Wind Farm Special Projects
Are you ready to be part of New Zealand’s renewable energy future? We’re looking for experienced Crane Operators to join our high-performing Wind Division team. You’ll help mobilise, operate and maintain cranes on some of NZ’s largest wind farm projects. This role will be based at various windfarm locations around New Zealand that include KAIWERA DOWNS – Gore, KAIWAIKAWE – Dargaville and various other locations.
About Us
Smith Crane and Construction is a family-owned business with over 30 years of experience, offering exceptional service across crane hire, civil construction (including marine civil and pre-cast manufacturing), transportation, and wind energy installation and maintenance. We pride ourselves on our strong team culture, commitment to safety, and continuing our family tradition of excellent customer focus and job execution.
Responsibilities
- Safely operate cranes and undertake lifts as per site schedules
- Support crane assembly, deconstruction & rigging activities
- Perform daily/weekly crane checks & routine maintenance
- Work closely with dogmen, riggers & site teams to get the job done
- Maintain compliance and keep daily records up to date
Qualifications
- Crane Operator & Rigging certificates preferred
- 2+ years’ crane industry experience, ideally on wind farms
- A clean pre-employment drug and alcohol test
- Positive, can-do attitude and flexibility to work in changing weather
- A current Full New Zealand driver’s licence (or valid international licence)
- A strong commitment to safety and high standards of professionalism
- Flexibility, reliability, and a team-first attitude
What We Offer
- Pay rate: $30-$50 per hour
- 1 year fixed term contract
- Minimum guaranteed: 40 hours per week
- Southland, Northland and various locations
- Be part of a supportive, safety-focused team
If you’re ready to step into a role that’s challenging, rewarding, and vital to the success of major renewable energy projects— We want to hear from you.
Please note successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and a pre-employment medical.
You must also have the right to legally live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position.
Applications will be assessed as they are received.
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Crane Operator - Wind Farm Special Projects employer: Smithcranes
Contact Detail:
Smithcranes Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Crane Operator - Wind Farm Special Projects
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry, especially those who work in wind energy or crane operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up at industry events or job fairs. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers face-to-face. Bring your best self and be ready to talk about your experience and what you can bring to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow companies like Smith Crane and Construction on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and share your own crane operation experiences to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It shows you're genuinely interested and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, we love seeing applicants who take that extra step to connect with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Crane Operator - Wind Farm Special Projects
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your crane operating experience, especially if you've worked on wind farms. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Safety First!: Since safety is a big deal for us, don’t forget to mention your commitment to safety standards and any relevant certifications you have. It’ll show us that you take this seriously, just like we do.
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the job description. Use keywords from the listing, like 'team-first attitude' and 'flexibility', to show that you’re a perfect fit for our crew.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and makes sure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smithcranes
✨Know Your Cranes
Make sure you brush up on your crane knowledge before the interview. Understand the different types of cranes, their functions, and any specific models that might be used in wind farm projects. This will show your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Safety First!
Since safety is a top priority in this role, be prepared to discuss your approach to safety protocols. Think of examples from your past experience where you ensured safety on site, and be ready to explain how you would handle potential hazards.
✨Team Player Mindset
This job requires working closely with dogmen, riggers, and site teams. Highlight your teamwork skills by sharing stories of successful collaborations in previous roles. Emphasise your flexibility and reliability, as these traits are crucial in a dynamic work environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company and the projects they’re involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you. Ask about their safety culture or upcoming projects to get the conversation flowing.
