Position Title
REF 1786: Excavator Operator
About Our Organisation
The Water Authority of Fiji is a corporate body established under the Water Authority of Fiji Act 2007 to make provision for the effective management and administration of the Water and the wastewater systems.
We are responsible for providing access to quality drinking water and wastewater services to over 159,000 and 33,540 residential and non-residential metered customers in the urban areas of Fiji and also setting up water supply systems in rural areas.
Position Objective
The Excavator Operator (Central/Eastern) is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient operation of excavators and associated earth-moving equipment to support Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) operational and construction activities. The role is accountable for coordinating excavation works, maintaining equipment performance, complying with all safety requirements, and ensuring excavation projects are completed in accordance with approved work plans, operational standards, and organisational objectives.
Key Accountabilities
- Effective and Efficient Excavator Operations
- Operate excavators and other assigned earth-moving equipment safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with organisational and legislative safety requirements.
- Safe work procedures are followed at all times.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is utilised consistently.
- Maintain excavator and machine performance to the required operational standards.
- Conduct daily pre-start inspections and equipment checks.
- Perform timely test runs and adjustments of machine controls and operating systems.
- Ensure routine cleaning and preventative maintenance are carried out to support equipment reliability.
- Immediately report any mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or operational defects.
- Coordinate excavation activities with team members, operators, drivers, contractors, and site personnel to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently.
- Execute excavation works in accordance with approved scope, plans, specifications, and instructions.
- Maintain effective communication with supervisors, ground crew, spotters, contractors, and other stakeholders throughout excavation activities.
- Assess and manage potential hazards and site risks including:
- Underground utility services.
- Overhead power lines.
- Existing infrastructure.
- Other equipment and vehicles.
- Workers and public safety risks.
- Falling objects and unstable ground conditions.
- Immediately investigate, report, and assist in resolving accidents, incidents, damage, hazards, and near-miss events involving excavation equipment.
- Ensure all excavator greasing points are serviced daily before commencing excavation works.
- Support the induction, coaching, and training of new operators and employees in safe excavator operation and site safety procedures.
- Operate excavators and other assigned earth-moving equipment safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with organisational and legislative safety requirements.
- Equipment Care and Asset Management
- Ensure assigned excavators and equipment are maintained in a clean, serviceable, and operational condition.
- Complete daily machine inspections, checklists, and defect reports accurately.
- Monitor and report equipment usage, fuel consumption, maintenance requirements, breakdowns, and service requirements.
- Ensure machine operating hours and service schedules are accurately recorded and communicated to Fleet Management Unit.
- Promote responsible use and protection of WAF assets and equipment.
- Timely, Relevant and Compliant Reporting
- Understand and comply with all internal and external reporting requirements relating to excavation operations.
- Complete and submit all required reports accurately and within required timeframes, including:
- Daily work reports.
- Plant/Machinery inspection records.
- Incident and accident reports.
- Defect reports.
- Safety reports.
- Provide supervisors with relevant information, recommendations, and analysis to support operational decision-making.
- Respond to ad-hoc information requests from management in a timely manner.
- Workplace Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance
- Comply with all WAF Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental policies, procedures, and standards.
- Participate actively in toolbox meetings, safety briefings, training sessions, and risk assessments.
- Identify, report, and mitigate workplace hazards to maintain a safe work environment.
- Support environmental protection initiatives through responsible excavation practices and proper waste management.
- Ensure excavation activities minimise risks to people, infrastructure, and the environment.
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Promote positive teamwork and cooperation within the Fleet team and across WAF departments.
- Maintain professional and respectful working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively to achieve departmental and organisational objectives.
- Provide support to operational teams during emergency response and disaster recovery activities when required.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably assigned by the Supervisor Fleet, Fleet Officer, Team Leader Fleet, or other authorised management representatives.
- Organisational Values
- Demonstrate and uphold WAF's organisational values, code of conduct, and governance principles at all times.
- Conduct duties with integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect.
- Support organisational strategies, objectives, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Promote sound corporate governance practices and ethical behaviour in all work activities.
Qualification and Experience Requirement
- The Applicant must possess a Year 10–12 education or equivalent qualification.
- Minimum of three (3) employment references.
- Three (3) to five (5) years of proven experience operating excavators in full-time employment.
- Valid and current LTA-approved driver's licence for:
- Class 2
- Class 6
- Class 9
- Class 4 and Class 7 licences will be an added advantage.
- Valid Defensive Driving Certificate.
- Certificate or training in heavy machinery operation will be an advantage.
Skills and Abilities
Technical Skills
- Demonstrated experience operating excavators in construction, utility, civil works, infrastructure, or maintenance environments.
- Proven ability to safely perform:
- Excavation works.
- Trenching
- Backfilling
- Material handling.
- Loading and unloading activities.
- Ability to control excavator movements and attachments safely and efficiently.
- Sound understanding of excavation techniques, machine stability, and worksite safety requirements.
- Basic mechanical knowledge of heavy equipment and machinery systems.
- Ability to identify electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or operational system failures and promptly report them.
- Ability to assist with transport and operational requirements by undertaking driving duties and operating WAF-owned vehicles and equipment, including Water Carting Trucks, 7-Ton Trucks, 3-Ton Twin Cab Trucks, 4x4 Twin Cab Vehicles, and Forklifts, as authorised and directed by the Fleet Officer or Supervisor Fleet, ensuring compliance with all safety and operational procedures.
Communication Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to understand and follow instructions, plans, diagrams, and safety documentation.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively within diverse teams.
Personal Attributes
- Physically and mentally fit for demanding field operations.
- Dependable, responsible, and safety conscious.
- Demonstrates initiative and good judgement in operational situations.
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends, public holidays, and emergency call-outs when required.
- Strong commitment to organisational values and continuous improvement.
Safety and Compliance
- Thorough knowledge of workplace health and safety requirements.
- Understanding of hazard identification and risk management practices.
- Commitment to maintaining safe work environments and complying with all regulatory and organisational requirements.
How To Apply For Position
Interested candidates are advised to apply online and complete the recruitment requirements on the portal. All applications should be received no later than 31st July, 2026
INCOMPLETE & LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.
Employment Type
Established
SBU
Finance
Sub-Section
Fleet Management Unit
Salary Scale
$15,200.00-$19,000.00 Per year
Job Location
Wailoku Depot - Suva
Vacancy Valid Till
July 31, 2026
