Position Title
REF 1785: Backhoe 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 Backhoe Operator is a member of the Fleet Management Unit and is responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of backhoe equipment. Key duties include operating the bucket and boom controls, excavating, lifting, loading, and transporting materials such as soil, concrete, and asphalt. The role requires a high level of skill in handling heavy machinery, ensuring precision in all operations, and maintaining constant awareness of workplace safety standards to prevent accidents and injuries. The Backhoe Operator is accountable for the proper use and care of equipment and reports directly to the Supervisor Fleet.
Key Accountabilities
- Effective and Efficient Backhoe Operations
- Operate backhoe and other earthmoving/construction equipment safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and occupational health and safety requirements.
- Perform a range of excavation and construction support activities, including digging, trenching, excavating, grading, backfilling, lifting, loading, and moving earth and construction materials.
- Consistently adhere to safe work practices and operating procedures to ensure the safety of personnel, equipment, and the public.
- Conduct daily pre-operational inspections and safety checks to ensure the backhoe and associated equipment are in good working condition and fit for purpose.
- Monitor engine and machine performance, promptly identifying and reporting defects, faults, or maintenance requirements.
- Carry out routine cleaning, greasing, and basic maintenance activities to maintain optimal equipment performance and reliability.
- Regularly inspect and maintain correct tyre pressure and fluid levels as part of preventative maintenance requirements.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute excavation and construction activities in collaboration with Technical Officers, Supervisors, Engineers, and other site personnel.
- Maintain clear, effective, and timely communication with site teams and ground crews to support safe and productive operations.
- Safely manoeuvre equipment in restricted spaces and around existing infrastructure, utilities, structures, and other obstacles while preventing damage.
- Undertake backfilling and compaction works following construction, maintenance, or repair activities to ensure work sites are restored to the required standard.
- Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential hazards, including underground services, moving equipment, worksite personnel, and environmental risks.
- Ensure all incidents, accidents, equipment damage, and near-miss events involving backhoe operations are promptly reported, investigated, and addressed in accordance with organisational requirements.
- Provide guidance and on-the-job training to new operators and employees on the safe and efficient operation of backhoe machinery and related equipment.
- Timely, Accurate, and Compliant Reporting
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date operational records, logs, and documentation relating to backhoe and heavy equipment activities.
- Ensure all internal and external reporting requirements are completed accurately and submitted within required timeframes.
- Prepare and submit periodic and ad hoc reports, including incident, accident, maintenance, and operational reports, as requested.
- Provide supervisors and management with relevant information, analysis, and recommendations to support effective planning, decision-making, and resource allocation.
- Respond promptly and professionally to requests for operational information and documentation.
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Foster positive working relationships and effective cooperation within the Fleet Management Unit and across all departments.
- Work collaboratively with supervisors, engineers, technical staff, contractors, and other stakeholders to achieve operational objectives.
- Contribute to a productive, safe, and team-oriented work environment through open communication and mutual support.
- Support departmental and organisational initiatives aimed at improving operational performance and service delivery.
- Undertake other duties and responsibilities as reasonably assigned by the Fleet Officer, Supervisor Fleet, or management.
- Promotion of Organisational Values and Governance
- Demonstrate and uphold organisational values, standards, and expected behaviours in all aspects of work.
- Support the achievement of organisational goals by aligning individual performance and deliverables with strategic objectives.
- Comply with all policies, procedures, legislative requirements, and good corporate governance practices.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, integrity, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Represent the organisation in a professional manner and contribute positively to its reputation and service standards.
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 backhoe 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
- 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 backhoe 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 Bailing/Vacuum Truck, Flushing/Jetting Truck, Water Carting Trucks, Hiab Trucks, 7-12 Ton Trucks, 3-Ton Twin Cab Trucks, 4x4 Twin Cab Vehicles, Forklifts, Excavator and Mobile Tower Lights as authorised and directed by the Fleet Officer or Supervisor Fleet, ensuring compliance with all safety and operational procedures.
- 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.
- 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 callouts when required
- Strong commitment to organisational values and continuous improvement.
- 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
