Join the South Island powerhouse

We are in the industry’s sweet spot. PSE dominates South Island infrastructure projects while remaining a family business where your expertise is recognised.

Operate top gear with our 100% owned fleet of 79+ excavators and GPS control on projects from renewable energy to subdivisions. We offer stability and commitment to your professional growth within a team that delivers with integrity. We're seeking experienced operators and engineers for our branches.

Work with the best

At PSE, you get your hands on the best machinery and the biggest projects. We operate in the "sweet spot" of ~220 staff—big enough to win the major contracts, but small enough that our Directors still know your name.

Culture & stability

We pride ourselves on a low staff turnover in management and supervisor roles. We offer more than a job; we offer a long-term career with ongoing professional development, training, and a clear path for progression.

The PSE way

We value transparency, grit, and a proactive attitude. Whether you are a project manager on the West Coast or an excavator operator in Timaru, you are part of a team that is "laying the groundwork for a better tomorrow".

Who we are

Established in 2002, Paul Smith Earthmoving (PSE) has evolved from a small-scale local contractor into a market-leading civil and building construction force across the South Island.

Our projects

We deliver complex, large-scale projects across the South Island, combining skilled people, quality systems, and the right equipment to get the job done.

FAQ

Have questions about our sustainability commitments? Here are the answers to the most common things clients want to know before work begins.

What types of roles does PSE regularly recruit for?

We are always looking for experienced operators, as well as skilled laborers, class 2-5 drivers, site supervisors, civil engineers, and project managers. While we maintain a stable team of over 200 experts, we frequently have openings for those who can handle the scale and technical demands of bulk earthworks, roading, and infrastructure projects.

Where can I see your current vacancies and apply?

We advertise all of our current roles and actively recruit through TradeMe and Seek. You can also keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for updates on available positions and company news.

What kind of equipment and technology will I be using?

We own and maintain an extensive, modern fleet of over 79 excavators (ranging from 1.8T to 49T), motor scrapers, dozers, and dump trucks. You will be working with cutting-edge technology, including GPS machine control on our excavators and graders for millimetre-level accuracy, and modern Euro 6 low-emission engines.

Does PSE provide opportunities for career progression?

Absolutely. We pride ourselves on low staff turnover in management and supervisory roles by offering long-term career stability and clear paths for progression. We are committed to ongoing training, professional development, and actively mentoring our operators and trades staff to upskill the next generation of civil leaders.

What is the company culture like?

We are a family-owned business driven by a proactive “zero-harm” culture and a commitment to delivering lasting benefits to our people and communities. "The PSE Way" values transparency, grit, and teamwork. Whether you are a project manager on the West Coast or an excavator operator in Timaru, you are part of a team that is laying the groundwork for a better tomorrow.

Careers