Careers at Ground Anchor Systems
Ground Anchor Systems New Zealand is a leading company in the drilling and anchoring industry. If you are interested in joining our team in Queenstown, New Zealand or Nelson, New Zealand and are looking for a long-term position with an established company, please send your current resume and a brief letter telling us a bit about yourself to Kim McArthur.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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The future is looking bright at Ground Anchor Systems, with a forward workload of exciting projects spanning in both Queenstown and Nelson. Travel can also be a large component of this role, so if you are interested in travelling to different drilling locations throughout the South Island, this could be the job for you.
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At Ground Anchor Systems, you’ll have the opportunity to build the career that’s right for you. Ground understands that each employee has their own motivations, their own career goals, and as a ‘people first’ business, it’s why we’ll take the time to listen, to understand what you want from your time here, and provide the support you need to achieve your ambitions. Wherever you join us, you can look forward to a competitive reward package that includes an attractive starting wage and opportunities for career development.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
As an Operations Manager, you will own the daily operations across multiple sites — ensuring the right people, plant, and materials are in the right place at the right time, safely and efficiently. This role is hands-on and site-present, coordinating crews, suppliers, and clients to deliver work on programme, to spec, and within budget.
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Scheduling & resourcing: Build and maintain the rolling 2–6 week look-ahead; allocate crews, plant, and subcontractors; manage leave/cover and call-outs.
• Logistics & plant: Coordinate transport, access, permits, traffic management, and plant swaps/repairs with the Workshop; ensure critical spares and consumables are on hand.
• Delivery oversight: Support Site Supervisors/Lead Drillers with set-ups, daily plans, method compliance (JSEAs/SOPs), QA packs, and close-out documentation.
• H&S leadership: Lead daily/weekly toolbox talks as needed; ensure JSEAs, permits, and exclusion zones are in place; champion SafetyCulture usage and incident/near-miss follow-up.
• Quality & compliance: Ensure drill logs, grout records, test reports, ITPs and photos are captured and filed (Procore) to client/engineer requirements. Client & stakeholder comms: Be a primary operational contact for day-to-day client, engineer, and supplier coordination; attend site meetings and resolve issues early.
• Programme & cost control: Track progress vs. programme; flag risks/variations.
• People & culture: Coach crew leads, uphold standards, support training/competency sign-offs, and maintain a positive, safety-first culture.
• Readiness & contingency: Maintain mobilisation checklists, emergency plans, and wet weather/alternative work plans.
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Required Experience
• 5+ years in the foundation drilling industry with direct exposure to anchoring, shotcrete, and piling (essential); micropiles and soil nails advantageous.
• Proven track record scheduling multiple crews and coordinating plant across concurrent civil sites.
• Familiar with QA documentation (drill logs, grout/test records), temporary works, and working with geotechnical engineers.
• Practical understanding of rope-access interfaces and traffic management on constrained sites (preferred).
Skills & Tools
•Strong planning and sequencing; cool under pressure with fast, pragmatic decision making.
• Competent with site paperwork and digital systems (Procore for documents/financials; SafetyCulture for inspections/incidents; MS 365/Sheets).
• Excellent communication; clear toolbox talks, crisp daily updates, and respectful client interactions.
KPIs (Guiding)
• Delivery to programme and budget on assigned works.
• Zero harm / proactive close-out of hazards and near-misses.
• QA completeness and timeliness.
• Plant utilisation and reduced unplanned downtime.
• Positive client and crew feedback.
Additional Requirements
• Current SiteSafe/ConstructSafe; STMS and first aid advantageous.
• Clean NZ driver licence.
• Must have valid working rights in New Zealand.
• Must pass a pre-employment ACC check and drug test.
PROJECT MANAGER
As a Project Manager, you will be responsible for end-to-end project delivery — from planning and scheduling through to on-site execution, budget control, and client handover. You will oversee people, resources, subcontractors, equipment, and materials to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, and within budget, all while maintaining exceptional quality standards and client satisfaction. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will be visible on-site, actively supporting your crew, resolving challenges, and ensuring smooth project progress.
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Take booked projects from the General Manager and schedule them into efficient production plans
Organise and coordinate employees, equipment, tools, subcontractors, and materials for timely, cost-effective project delivery
Set daily and weekly goals with your team, ensuring clear expectations and accountability
Monitor project progress, address delays or challenges, and keep projects on track
Ensure all variations or changes to scope are documented, approved, and communicated to clients before work begins
Provide weekly progress updates to the General Manager and keep all project documentation and administrative systems (e.g., Procore, Safety Culture, Microsoft 365) accurate and up to date
Maintain clear, professional communication with clients, engineers, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams
Conduct regular on-site health & safety checks, toolbox talks, and safety audits, ensuring a safe working environment
Lead and support employee onboarding, training, and skills development to build team capability
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Experience & Industry Knowledge
Minimum 3 years' experience in project management within civil construction, with a strong preference for candidates experienced in anchoring, piling, retaining, and slope stabilisation projects
Demonstrated ability to manage projects from inception to completion, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specified quality standards
Proven experience in leading and coordinating diverse teams, including subcontractors and suppliers, to achieve project objectives
Financial Management & Planning
Solid understanding of project financials, including budgeting, forecasting, cost tracking, and revenue targets
Ability to monitor project expenditures, identify cost variances, and implement corrective actions to maintain profitability
Strong commercial acumen with experience managing gross profit margins, controlling variations, and understanding the financial drivers of a successful project
Comfortable using project management tools and systems to track time, costs, and resource allocations in real time
Strong organisational, multi-tasking and planning skills in order to coordinate with subcontractors and meet deadlines
Technical Proficiency
Proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings, plans, and specifications
Familiarity with project management software and tools, such as Procore & Safety Culture
Strong understanding of construction methodologies and sequencing, particularly in geotechnical applications
Leadership & Communication
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams effectively
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to liaise confidently with clients, engineers, and stakeholders
Experience in conducting site meetings, toolbox talks, and safety briefings
Health & Safety
Comprehensive knowledge of New Zealand health and safety regulations and best practices
Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, with a proactive approach to hazard identification and mitigation
Qualifications & Certifications
Relevant tertiary qualification in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field is preferred
Valid Class 1 New Zealand driver's licence; Class 2 licence is advantageous
Must have valid working rights in New Zealand
SITE SUPERVISOR
We require a construction professional with experience on the tools and excellent site management skills who can come in and make a positive impact at Ground Anchor Systems and doesn’t mind jumping on the levers and leading by example. Our Site Supervisor will be confident running civil construction projects and keen to take ownership in this role. The position may involve working throughout the South Island across a variety of sites and sectors including, Commercial, Public Infrastructure & Residential.
(PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT an engineering role, this is an on-site role with experience on the tools)
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Leading drilling, piling and construction teams to deliver quality retaining, slope stabilization & rockfall protection solutions.
Overseeing all onsite operations to ensure successful project outcomes.
Coach and mentor the team to deliver high quality outcomes to support the delivery of projects on time and on budget
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Minimum 3 years' experience in a civil construction leadership role with preference given to candidates with leadership experience in: Anchoring, Piling, Retaining and Slope Stabilisation projects
Experience working with clients, construction teams, and subcontractors to set and monitor productivities
A strong client focus and the ability to interface with clients and engineers on all site related matters
Confidence in leading site and toolbox meetings
Strong leadership and management skills and ability to manage and motivate a team of workers
Ability to read and interpret plans and technical drawings
Familiarity with project management software and tools
Excellent numeracy, literacy and communication skills
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Experience in scheduling and coordinating work activities
Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines
Machinery operating experience desired but not essential
Experienced in site record keeping
Foundation drilling experience beneficial
A good understanding of NZ health and safety practices and an unwavering commitment towards safely with a safety record to match
Class 2 license preferable with training provided for the right applicant
Must have valid working rights in New Zealand
Lead/Rotary Driller
The work will focus on the use of various drilling techniques using a variety of drilling equipment for the purpose of slope and asset stability. The successful candidate would be expected to work independently, demonstrating leadership and taking a key role in the development of trainee and assistant drillers, as well as health and safety stewardship. The position can involve working across a variety of sites and sectors including, Commercial, Public Infrastructure & Residential.
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Installation of cased anchors, self-drilling anchors, and ground anchor systems
Operating drilling equipment and machinery safely and efficiently
Maintaining and repairing drilling equipment
Adhering to safety protocols and regulations
Collaborating with project managers, engineers, and other team members to complete projects on time and within budget
Conducting site assessments to determine the best drilling method and anchor system for each project
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Basic knowledge of construction equipment and tools. Experience in construction drilling and knowledge of BS-8081 & BSEN-1537 would be beneficial.
2 years’ experience acting in the role of Lead Driller, Civil Construction, Machine Operation and Drilling Experience desirable but not required. Preference will be given to holders of a New Zealand Certificate in Non-Hydrocarbon Drilling L3&4 or relevant international qualification. Training can be provided for the right candidate if they do not any of hold these qualifications.
Experienced in the installation, and testing of micropiles, soil nails and ground anchors using a variety of methodologies including, injection anchor drilling, DTHH and casing systems
Knowledge of soil types and conditions and how they affect drilling
Expertise in drilling techniques, equipment, tools, as well as drilling software and technologies
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
Ability to operate and maintain drilling equipment
Physical fitness and ability to perform manual labor
Willingness to work in varying weather conditions and outdoor environments for extended periods of time
Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
A good understanding of NZ health and safety practices
Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions precisely
Demonstrate leadership and taking a key role in the development of trainee and assistant drillers, as well as assisting the project manager in managing various project phases
Willingness to work irregular hours as required
A full, clean driving license (minimum Class 2) is essential, with Class 4 with W,T,R,F endorsements preferable.
Full valid working rights in New Zealand
Driller’s Assistant
The Driller’s Assistant assists the Lead Driller with the operation of drilling equipment and installation of ground anchor systems. This person will stay one step ahead of the Driller, knowing what the Driller will need before they have to even ask for it and having everything prepared to keep works moving smoothly, safely & efficiently. This role requires Civil Construction experience.
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Assist the Driller with the operation of drilling equipment
Assist in the installation of ground anchor systems
Perform maintenance and upkeep of drilling equipment
Adhere to all safety guidelines and procedures
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Civil Construction required
Machine Operation and Drilling Experience desirable but not required
Previous experience in the drilling industry is preferred but not required
Basic knowledge of construction equipment and tools
Physical fitness and ability to perform manual labor and lift heavy equipment
Willingness to work in varying weather conditions and outdoor environments for extended periods of time
Good communication skills and ability to follow instructions
Familiarity with safety procedures and protocols
Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Ability to work in a team environment
Willingness to work irregular hours as required
Valid driver's license
Valid working rights in New Zealand
MACHINE Operator
The work will focus on the use of various machinery and a range of excavators for the purpose of slope and asset stability. The successful candidate would be expected to work independently, demonstrating leadership and be able to operate in all forms of weather and topography.
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Operating excavators and other equipment to 45t to assist with piling and drilling activities
The ability to operate additional machinery (vibro, auger, lifting attachments)
Assisting your team with work in and out of the machine when required
Lead and work with a team in a dynamic and safe manner
Ensure that machine operating procedures are in compliance with safety regulations and company policies
Identify and mitigate potential hazards on job sites
Participate in site inspections and job site safety meetings
Coordinate with Site Supervisors to ensure timely completion of machine operating activities
Provide daily updates on project progress and any issues that arise
Work with Site Supervisors to ensure that project objectives are met
Train new crew members on machine operating procedures and equipment operation
Provide ongoing guidance and support to crew members to improve their skills and performance
Encourage teamwork and collaboration among crew members
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Basic knowledge of construction equipment and tools. Experience in construction drilling and knowledge of BS-8081 & BSEN-1537 would be beneficial.
2 years’ experience acting in the role of Lead Driller and/or Machine Operation required. Preference will be given to holders of a New Zealand Certificate in Non-Hydrocarbon Drilling L3&4 or relevant international qualification.
Extensive experience operating a variety of machinery in the civil field (up to 45 tonne)
Familiar with general civil construction practices. Preference given to candidates with drilling and piling experience and experience in the installation, and testing of micropiles, soil nails and ground anchors using a variety of methodologies including, injection anchor drilling, DTHH and casing systems
Knowledge of soil types and conditions and how they affect excavation and drilling
Preference given to candidates with ability to operate and maintain drilling equipment
Applicants must have their own transport to site
A full, clean driving license (minimum Class 2) is essential, with Class 4 with W,T,R,F endorsements preferable.
Comply with health and safety requirements and wear appropriate PPE gear (provided)
Ability to take direction
Reliable and punctual
Work in a timely and safe manner
Physical fitness and ability to perform manual labor
Willingness to work in varying weather conditions and outdoor environments for extended periods of time
Good communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
A good understanding of NZ health and safety practices
Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions precisely
Must pass a pre-employment ACC check and drug test
Full valid working rights in New Zealand
Want to be part of the Ground Anchor Systems team?
Fill in the form below, we will be notified and will be in touch with our current opportunities. All applicants will be required to submit a CV of relevant work experience.
