Machine Operator, Operation Manager, Orchard Supervisor, & Farm or Orchard Technicians

Full job description
Position: Operation Manager

Number of Positions Available:1
Location: Bay Of Plenty
Pay: $45 per hour
Minimum 30 Hours Per Week
Maximum 40 Hours Per Week
Will Be Required to Travel to different Operations On a Daily Basis


Key Requirements
Must Have a Valid Class 1 Driver's License or International Driver's License equivalent toNewzealand License
At Least 1 year or more experience is Required.
or
At least NZQF Level 4 or above equivalent to New Zealand Qualifications Authority

Duties will be as follows:

Ensuring horticultural knowledge is kept up to date, implementing and making suggestions for new practices, techniques, and products.
Plan, Direct, and Coordinate the Supervisors regarding orchard activities
Ensuring that development and harvesting are completed timely & effectively to ensurecompany production goals are met.
Recording and reporting of key orchard data – ie; crop estimates/bud counts
Maintaining company assets to agreed levels
Obtaining reports and paperwork from Respected Team Leaders at various differentOperations
Guide the Supervisor with operational involvement as required in the harvest
Ensure that the standard and quality of workmanship and appearance of orchards is at a highlevel
Responsible for the recruitment of staff within the specified team
Lead the team and make key personnel decisions in terms of HR best practices and instructthe Supervisor to do the needful tasks expected of them
Ensure adequate training is provided by Site Team Leaders to the Workers where applicable ensuring staff are aware of grade standards, best practice techniques, and products.
Maintaining a safe working environment and practices for all parties
Responsible for the recruitment, development, and mentoring of cadets
Review tools and equipment regularly to ensure staff safety and make recommendations forpurchase of any equipment that needs an upgrade or replacement.
Ensure that Site Team leaders have conducted the training and induction of new staffcorrectly in a procedural manner and in accordance with New Zealand Health and Safety requirements.
Make executive Management Decisions under his designated jurisdiction
Planning and reviewing the Contracts for supplying contract services
Making Financial Decisions of the Company
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Position: Machine Operator

Number of Positions Available: 4
Location: Bay of Plenty
Pay: $26.85 per hour
Minimum Hours of Work per Week: 40 hours
Maximum Hours of work per work: 45 hours


Key Requirements
At least 3 years or more Relevant Experience in Required
OR
At least Level 4 or above Relevant Qualifications Required


Key Responsibilities
Operate tractors, harvesters, sprayers, forklifts, and other mobile machinery used in horticultural and agricultural settings.
Assist with land preparation, planting, spraying, irrigation, and harvesting operations.
Carry out basic machinery checks, routine maintenance, and minor repairs.
Ensure machinery is operated safely, efficiently, and in line with operating procedures.
Monitor equipment performance and report mechanical issues promptly.
Transport produce, equipment, or supplies within or between farms as needed.
Follow health, safety, and environmental protocols during operation.
Support general on-farm duties when machinery work is not required.

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Position: Farm or Orchard Technician

Number of Positions Available: 6
Location: Bay of Plenty
Pay: $26.85 per hour
Minimum Hours of Work per Week: 40 hours
Maximum Hours of work per work: 45 hours


Key Requirements
At least 2 years or more Relevant Experience in Required
OR
At least Level 2 or above Relevant Qualifications Required


Key Responsibilities
Monitor and record crop growth, soil conditions, pest presence, and irrigation requirements.
Operate and maintain orchard or farm equipment and tools.
Support pest and disease control programs through monitoring and basic treatments.
Collect data on crop health, yield, and environmental conditions for reporting.
Apply fertilisers and chemicals in accordance with safety standards and farm plans.
Assist in irrigation management, including setup, monitoring, and adjustments.
Maintain records of work activities, treatments, and observations.
Follow health, safety, and biosecurity protocols at all times.

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Position: Orchard Supervisor

Number of Positions Available: 2
Location: Bay Of Plenty
Pay: $34 per hour
Minimum 30 Hours Per Week
Maximum 40 Hours Per Week
Will Be Required to Travel to different Operations On a Daily Basis

Position Purpose
The Orchard Supervisor is responsible for overseeing teams delivering contracted horticulturalservices across client-owned kiwifruit orchards. This hands-on role involves supervisingseasonal operations such as pruning, thinning, poll stringing, harvesting, weed control, andgeneral vine management.
Depending on the stage of the season, the Orchard Supervisor may lead teams of up to 40workers across multiple orchard sites. The seasonal workload generally follows the belowschedule:


Winter Pruning (mid- June – September)

Summer Tasks (September – mid-March): Bud thinning, squeezed tipping, cane training, fruitthinning, blank shoot plucking, zero leaf removal, cosmetic thinning, and male pruning

Harvest Season (mid-March – mid-June): Fruit picking and logistics


The Supervisor plays a key role in ensuring that crews are working efficiently, safely, and toclient standards, training and overseeing staff and coordinating orchard activities while alsoproviding technical advice on horticultural best practices, pest and disease identification, andagrichemical use.

Position Description
Key Tasks/Duties:

Supervise day-to-day operations of orchard crews working across multiple locations.
Organize workflow and ensure that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks,and the associated quality and productivity expectations.
Assess fruit maturity based on color, firmness, and visual signs; take and submit samples for Brix testing to determine harvest readiness.
Ensure quality standards are met during harvesting by discarding overripe or damaged fruitand providing real-time guidance.
Coordinate logistics including placement of picking bins by tractor drivers, and the deliveryand distribution of tools, ladders, and PPE.
Provide technical training and ongoing instruction to crew members in pruning, twist/thinning, and other horticultural practices.
Use technical knowledge to provide advice to Orchard Owners or Managers where concerns are observed
Identify plant health issues, including pest or disease presence and nutrient deficiencies, and report or escalate as necessary.
Supervise the construction and establishment of new orchard blocks, including planting and irrigation.
Manage weed control programs and agrichemical applications in accordance with Growsafe standards.
Ensure health and safety compliance on-site, including induction of new staff and hazard management.
Maintain and submit employee records, including timesheets, holidays and sick leave tracking, and performance notes.
Act as the central communication point between workers, orchard managers, and the company office.
Review daily progress, ensure deadlines are met, and prepare and submit reports to management.
Support conflict resolution, deliver performance feedback, and implement disciplinary processes if necessary.
Skills and Experience Required:
Minimum of three years' relevant experience in a commercial horticultural or orchard setting; OR A Relevant qualification.
Demonstrated ability to train, supervise, and motivate large field-based teams from diverse backgrounds.
Practical knowledge of kiwifruit production cycles and best practice orchard management.
Strong understanding of seasonal operations, quality assurance, and plant health.
Competence in logistics coordination and orchard worksite planning.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to liaise professionally with orchard clients and internal teams.
Capable of maintaining accurate administrative and production records.
Flexible, reliable, and committed to health and safety.
Desirable Qualifications:
Growsafe Certified Handler (preferred)
First Aid Certificate
Full New Zealand Driver License

Pay: Please refer to Job Description below

New Zealand
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