Tractor Driver / General - Queenstown

This is your chance to operate modern machinery while working hands-on with some of the most exciting technology in New Zealand agriculture.

Melrose Station is a 21,00 stock unit, 2,650-hectare sheep and beef breeding and finishing property. We’re fortunate to have a friendly, efficiency-focused team, currently consisting of the owners, 3 permanent staff, and occasional help from casual staff and family.

Located between Dunedin and Invercargill, we’re just 15 minutes from Clinton (our local town), 35 minutes to Gore, and 45 minutes to Balclutha.

We are seeking an experienced Tractor Driver / General Farm Hand with good organisational skills and a positive attitude. You’ll work closely with the owner and team to plan and complete a wide range of seasonal and general farm duties. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are essential.

This role is full-time.

Key Responsibilities:

~180ha of spring-sown young grass

• Installation of a reticulated stock water scheme using GPS to create an accurate infrastructure map
• Assist with other infrastructure upgrades

• Oversee and coordinate 1-3 staff associated with your tasks
• Contribute to maintaining an efficient, positive team culture

• Pasture topping (~1000ha, Dec–March)
• Silage and baleage operations
• Support pasture and crop management to maintain productivity

• Farm drainage and tracking maintenance
• General farm upkeep and infrastructure improvements
• Assist with stock work when required

• Operate and maintain our machinery including:
• Fendt 933 (1000hr) and Fendt 728 (400hr) tractors
• 20T Hitachi digger
• Strip tilling equipment
• 9m Krone mowers
• Various cultivation equipment
• DitchWitch pipe plow
• Range of earthworks equipment
• Ensure machinery is cared for, well-maintained, efficient, and safely operated

• Use Resolution, Google Docs, Halter, Fendt Connect, and GPS systems as part of day-to-day tasks

About You: We need you to be...

• Well organised and enjoy completing job lists as they arise
• Passionate about farming and willing to learn
• A good team player who can also work independently
• Reliable, with a strong work ethic
• Comfortable with using technology
• Thick-skinned with a good sense of humour
• Holder of a current NZ restricted (or full) driver licence
• Excited by innovation and open to learning new systems and technology like virtual fencing and pasture metering

• Supportive and knowledgeable team who are keen to teach and share skills
• A varied role with a mix of responsibilities
• Well-maintained modern machinery
• A farm with strong infrastructure and good systems
• Opportunities for skill development and career progression
• Competitive remuneration package based on ability and responsibility
• Opportunities to work with innovative technology
• Off-farm accommodation available
• Nearby school, kindy, and welcoming community with local sports groups
• The Catlins Forest right on the doorstep

How to Apply: If you’re friendly, motivated, and keen to be part of our team, we’d love to hear from you.

Applicants must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Note: See Photos on facebook job lisiting