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

Position: Operation Manager

Pay: $45 per hour

Will Be Required to Travel to different Operations On a Daily Basis

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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Maximum Hours of work per work: 45 hours

At least Level 4 or above Relevant Qualifications Required

Key Responsibilities

Support general on-farm duties when machinery work is not required.

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Maximum Hours of work per work: 45 hours

At least Level 2 or above Relevant Qualifications Required

Follow health, safety, and biosecurity protocols at all times.

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Pay: $34 per hour

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.

• 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.

• Growsafe Certified Handler (preferred)
• First Aid Certificate
• Full New Zealand Driver License