6 Orchard jobs in New Zealand

We are looking for qualified Orchard Supervisors. This is a full-time permanent position and will consist of handling the operations of the contracted orchards in our horticulture business. 

To be considered for this position you’ll have at least one year experience to allow you to complete the tasks in this role. You should have excellent communication skills (both written and spoken) and be able to work independently to reach goals. You must be able to multitask and will be able to complete work in set time frames. You will also ideally have knowledge in the running of a Horticulture company and at least one year of horticulture experience is essential for this position. 

You will be also expected to perform management tasks such as preparing the time and wage records for staff, creating reports for work, assisting in making production schedules and rosters, communicating with farmers and growers, assisting with financial transactions, ordering products, HR Duties and staff management and training. You will be solely responsible for our orchard operations with other staff reporting to and supporting you. 

Key Attributes:
•The desire to grow your knowledge and skills in the management field and in the horticulture industry. 
•A strong business oriented focus
•The ability to adapt, be flexible and learn quickly
•Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
•Enthusiastic about customer service excellence and the contribution you can make to the business
•The ability to work independently and without supervision
•Knowledge and at leasy one year experience in horticulture industry is also vital for this role.
•You will need to be flexible and good at negotiations. 
•Ability to use a computer and basic programs like Microsoft word and excel is also beneficial. 

This is a full time Permanent position and successful applicant will be required to manage the operations of our contracted fields including assisting in recruiting, training and supervising staff members.

We are offering a minimum of 30 hours per week for this position. The minimum payrate for this position is $25.00 per hour and the maximum payrate is $26 per hour. 

  Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

We are looking for two experienced Orchard Supervisors to join our team in the Bay of Plenty.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise daily operations across dedicated orchard site.
• Plan, assign, and oversee tasks for orchard workers.
• Train orchard workers on pruning, thinning, harvesting, and safe equipment use.
• Monitor fruit quality and maturity; take samples for Brix testing during harvest season.
• Ensure high-quality picking standards and provide guidance in real time.
• Coordinate tools, PPE, and bin placement, and manage logistics with tractor drivers.
• Identify any signs of pests, diseases, or plant health issues and report them as needed.
• Oversee agrichemical use and weed control in line with Growsafe standards.
• Help set up and establish new orchard blocks — including planting and irrigation.
• Make sure everyone follows health and safety rules and conduct staff inductions.
• Keep records of team hours, leave, and performance.
• Report daily progress to managers and highlight any challenges or needs.
• Support the team with any issues, and give constructive feedback when needed.

Skills and Experience Required:

• At least 4 years of experience in a horticulture/orchard role, or a relevant qualification.
• Confident leading teams from different backgrounds.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Comfortable using and managing tools and machinery.
• Good with paperwork — including timesheets, performance notes, and reports.
• Reliable, flexible, and committed to keeping people safe at work.
• Must have owen transport and clean driver license 

We are looking for two experienced Orchard Supervisors to join our team in the Bay of Plenty. In this role, you will be leading and coordinating team working in orchard, making sure daily tasks are completed efficiently, safely, and to a high standard. You will be working closely with orchard manager and our team to keep things running smoothly throughout the year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise daily operations across dedicated orchard site.
• Plan, assign, and oversee tasks for orchard workers.
• Train orchard workers on pruning, thinning, harvesting, and safe equipment use.
• Monitor fruit quality and maturity; take samples for Brix testing during harvest season.
• Ensure high-quality picking standards and provide guidance in real time.
• Coordinate tools, PPE, and bin placement, and manage logistics with tractor drivers.
• Identify any signs of pests, diseases, or plant health issues and report them as needed.
• Oversee agrichemical use and weed control in line with Growsafe standards.
• Help set up and establish new orchard blocks — including planting and irrigation.
• Make sure everyone follows health and safety rules and conduct staff inductions.
• Keep records of team hours, leave, and performance.
• Report daily progress to managers and highlight any challenges or needs.
• Support the team with any issues, and give constructive feedback when needed.

Skills and Experience Required:

• At least 3 years of experience in a horticulture/orchard role, or a relevant qualification.
• Confident leading teams from different backgrounds.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Comfortable using and managing tools and machinery.
• Good with paperwork — including timesheets, performance notes, and reports.
• Reliable, flexible, and committed to keeping people safe at work.
• Must have owen transport and clean driver license 

Kotla H ort i cu lt ure L i mite d , wi th a steadfas t commi tm en t t o exce ll ence a n d s u sta i n a b l e pr actices t he compa ny spec i a li ses in th e mai n t enance o f h i gh- q ua l i ty fr u i t o rcha r ds .

As part o f our o n go i n g ex p an s i on and commit m ent to ex c e l l e nc e we a r e seek i n g de d i ca ted O r chard Fa rm Worke rs to j o i n o u r te am . T h is po s i tion offers an exc iting opportun i ty to co n tr i b u te t o t he m a i n te n ance and care of o u r or cha r ds.

Abo u t t h e rol e - O r chard Fa rm Wo r k ers

As part o f t h i s ro l e, you w i l l be r espo n sible for pe rfo r m i n g the fo l l ow i n g tasks to t he h i g h est sta n d ards (b ut not l i m i t ed t o) :

1)    O pera ti n g fa r m m ac h i nes and d ri v i n g the tractors to perfo r m rou ti n e d a i l y ma i n t enance a nd cleaning ta sks o n th e orc h a r d.

2)    Repa i ri n g sp ri nk ler sys t e m s a n d b rok e n p i pe fi t t i n gs u s i n g ha n d too l s.

3)    Repa i ri n g ca n op ie s an d po sts us i n g h a n d t oo ls and pow e r t oo ls .

4)    C l ea nin g, maint ain i ng a n d repa i ri n g b ui l d i n g s, ya r ds a nd f e n ces .

5)    Bu i l d i n g t re lli ses for cl i m b i n g vege ta b les a n d v i n es .

6)    Ass i s ti n g w i t h i rr i g at i n g t he l a nd fo r c rop growt h .

Q u a l i fi ca t i o n E x per ien ce a n d A t t r i b u tes Req u i re d

• N o qua li fi c a ti o n o r p r ior expe r ien ce i s r equ i r e d .
• H i g h s t anda r d o f p e r so n a l hyg i e n e a n d p r esenta t i o n .
• Ab i l i ty to wo rk i n a h i g h - paced an d v ast vo l ume e nv i ron m e n t.
• Pu n ct u a l o r g a n i sed a n d capa b l e o f m u l ti -tas k i ng with a tt e nti on to de t ai l.
• Abi l i t y to wo rk i n a t ea m e nv i ronme n t.
• Prac tical s k i l l s f or m a i n te n a n ce an d r epa i r t asks .
• Driving s k i lls f or trac t ors o r farm u ti l i t y veh i cles
• Abi l i ty to wo rk ou t doors a n d i n a l l wea th er cond i tions.

Pa y & Bene fi ts  

• F u ll t i me perm a n ent emp l oymen t.
• Mi n im u m of 30 ho u r s /w eek g u ara n t eed .
• The hourly rate range is between NZ D $24 to $28 / h our .
• G r ea t opportu n i t y fo r growth
• F l ex i b l e a nd balanced r oster ens u r i n g wor k - lif e b a l a n ce
• F r i e nd ly a n d s upport iv e wo r k i ng env i ronment.

App l i ca n ts for th i s posi t i on sho u l d h ave a valid wo r k visa or NZ res i de ncy / cit i ze n s h ip . P l e a se mention your sta t u s i n your C V.

May be open to spo n sors h i p fo r the r i g h t candidate.

P l ease up l oad your cove r le t ter and a n up - to - da t e CV or Res um e .

Position: Horticultural Plant Operator

Number of Positions: 5
Location: Bay of Plenty
Pay Rate: $31 – $5 per hour

Minimum Hours of Work Per Week: 35

Maximum Hours of Work Per Week: 40

Key Requirements:

·    At least 3 years of experience or level 4 or above qualification.

Key Responsibilities:

·    Operate machinery such as tractors, sprayers, mulchers, or pruning aids across orchard blocks

·    Perform pre- and post-operation equipment checks

·    Apply crop protection and nutrients using orchard-specific machinery

·    Transport fruit bins or equipment using trailers or towed machines

·    Assist with machinery maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs

·    Collaborate with orchard supervisors to execute work plans

·    Report any issues or hazards encountered during operations

·    Ensure machinery is cleaned and stored appropriately after use

·    Adhere to operational schedules during harvest or spray windows

·    Follow all workplace safety protocols and procedures

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Position: Orchard Manager

Number of Positions: 2
Location: Bay of Plenty
Pay Rate: $34 – $41 per hour