Drainlayer Foreman

Role Opportunity

Grounds & Services Ltd (GSL) is seeking a skilled Drainlayer Foreman to oversee on-site civil drainage operations, drive daily productivity, and uphold the highest standards of safety, quality and performance.

Reporting to the Construction Manager, you will be responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of civil drainage works, including stormwater, wastewater and water supply systems. You will supervise field team members and subcontractors, ensure accurate planning and delivery of daily tasks, and maintain strong communication with internal teams, clients, consultants and local authorities.

What you will be doing

• Delivering civil drainage works including stormwater, wastewater, water supply, and maintenance activities
• Interpreting site plans and set out heights, grades and alignments
• Overseeing trenching, shoring, backfilling, and pipe installation (concrete, PVC, PE)
• Installing manholes, sumps, pump systems and associated structures
• Completing QA requirements including pressure testing, commissioning and documentation
• Maintaining a safe site environment and proactively managing hazards
• Scheduling and allocating work for the site crew and subcontractors

What we are looking forYou will have strong technical knowledge, proven site leadership experience and a commitment to safe and high-quality work:

• A relevant NZ trade qualification certificate in civil construction or a related field
• CCC Approved Drainlayer
• Confined Spaces qualification
• Full NZ Licence with WTR (Class 2 an advantage)
• 5+ years managing drainage crews in NZ civil construction
• Strong knowledge of drainage systems, materials and installation methods
• Competent with excavators and associated machinery
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors, in confined spaces and at heights

About GSLGSL is a well-established privately owned company based in Hornby, who for over 27 years have been providing Grounds Maintenance, Civil Construction and Landscaping services in and around Canterbury.

Our Civil Construction Team is growing its project repertoire and capacity having established a reputation for successfully delivered projects for earthworks, drainage, roading, sports fields and the construction of stormwater treatment facilities, waterway enhancements and drainage improvements.

Our Open Spaces division offers a diverse range of services including roadside mowing, chemical spraying, pest plant control, landscaping, mass native planting and hydro seeding, as well as high amenity sports turf maintenance.

Our Mechanical Workshop extensively supports all areas of the business and external clients with services including the repair and maintenance of our vehicles and machinery, welding, and fabrication.

For more information on projects and services go to

Join UsAs a family-owned business, we care about our team and are passionate about providing a supportive and healthy work/life balance for all team members. Our team pride themselves on being agile and flexible to consistently evolve as required and deliver the best outcomes to our clients.

We value our team and the contributions they make to our company and to the communities we live in. You will appreciate the strength of being in a supportive team environment and the feeling of belonging you get by being part of the GSL family.

We're passionate about internal growth and development. This role offers a clear pathway into other operational roles, including Site Engineer and other civil construction roles, as well as a commitment to ongoing training and development.

Apply todayIf you're a qualified Drainlayer with proven supervisory experience and you're ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you. Please send us your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your suitability by Monday 5 January 2026.

We will be reviewing applications and conducting a selection process on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. The position may be filled before the closing date.

Only applicants that are living and working in New Zealand will be considered for this position.