Agricultural Operator
Arable, Seed Potato & Lamb Operations Role – Mid Canterbury
We are seeking a motivated, skilled, and hands-on individual to take a key role in our arable, seed potato, and lamb programmes. This is a varied and rewarding position suited to someone who enjoys operational responsibility, working with machinery, and being part of a collaborative team.Based in rural Mid Canterbury—between Rakaia, Methven and Ashburton—you’ll enjoy beautiful views and easy access via sealed roads.
What We Offer- A supportive, positive team environment
- Variety in daily tasks across multiple farm operations
- Competitive remuneration based on experience
- Opportunities for training and ongoing development
About the Role
You’ll play an important part in crop husbandry and agronomy, working with the Farm Manager, lead potato operative and agronomists on seed quality, spray programmes and desiccation decisions. You’ll assist with roguing, crop inspections and relief sprayer work, and help maintain and prepare potato equipment, boxes and storage facilities.
During harvest, you’ll oversee the potato crews, ensuring the harvester and grader run smoothly and safely. You’ll work closely with the Farm Manager on planning, logistics and quality, while maintaining strong, respectful relationships with the team.
When planting begins, you’ll prepare paddocks, operate the planter, and manage daily planting operations. Accuracy, efficiency and attention to detail will guide your work as you help keep the programme on track.
Across the broader farm, you’ll support arable operations and the lamb programme; assisting with cultivation, harvest work, roguing, fence-line spraying, and animal health tasks such as drenching, dagging and vaccinating. Whatever the job, you’ll be a steady, reliable presence helping keep the farm running smoothly.
To be eligible for this position you MUST have a full Class 1 NZ Driver Licence, if you have your Heavy Traffic Licences it would place your application at an advantage.
About You
The ideal candidate will bring:- 2 years arable farming experience as a minimum
- Strong practical farming experience (potato experience an advantage but not essential)
- Competence operating agricultural machinery
- A proactive, safety-focused approach
- Good communication skills and the ability to work well in a team and lead respectfully
- Willingness to take responsibility and show initiative across a range of tasks
Ministry of Justice and ACC checks apply. Applicants must also be drug free and willing to undergo a pre-employment drug test.
Personnel Placements specialises in temporary and permanent placements in a range of industries within the Mid Canterbury region, but more than that we look to place the right candidate with the right clients to increase your chance of long-term work.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.