Orchard Supervisor

Chahal Horticulture Limited is seeking Orchard Supervisors to join its team in the Bay of Plenty
region. The role involves supervising daily orchard operations, leading and supporting staff,
and ensuring all activities run efficiently.
The role also requires travel within the region, with all work-related travel and fuel costs covered by the employer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and oversee orchard tasks such as planting, pruning, fruit thinning, trellis management, weed control, and canopy maintenance.
• Supervise harvesting activities to ensure fruit meets quality requirements and is handled carefully to prevent damage.
• Check irrigation routines, soil conditions, and plant health, reporting any issues to management without delay.
• Assist in implementing pest and disease management measures in line with orchard procedures and management directions.
• Allocate daily duties to seasonal and contract workers, coordinate work schedules, and ensure tasks are completed on time.
• Train new and less-experienced workers in appropriate orchard practices, including safe pruning and fruit-picking techniques.
• Review workers’ performance, work standards, and health and safety practices, resolving minor issues or referring them to management.
• Keep the Orchard Manager informed about daily progress, workforce needs, and upcoming operational requirements.
• Inspect pruning, thinning, and harvesting work to confirm compliance with fruit quality and orchard management standards.
• Ensure workers handle tools, ladders, and machinery correctly and follow workplace health and safety procedures.
• Assist with maintaining daily operational records, including staff hours, completed orchard tasks, and crop-management activities.
• Coordinate the preparation of orchard blocks for upcoming planting, maintenance, and seasonal work.
• Check stock levels of essential orchard supplies, including tools, bins, and pruning equipment, and notify management when replenishment is required.
• Assist with orchard maintenance and improvement work, including repairing trellis structures, maintaining irrigation systems, and clearing orchard blocks.

Required to work for a minimum of 30 hours per week, and you will be paid between $25 to $30 per hour.

Other Requirements:

• At least 1 year of relevant work experience or a relevant Level 4 qualification.
• Willingness to work weekends and commence work early when required.
• Strong leadership abilities and sound decision-making skills.
• Good attention to detail, with a commitment to maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Clear communication skills when dealing with staff and management.
• Ability to organise, supervise, and encourage team members to achieve work targets.
• Physically capable of performing outdoor orchard duties.
• Positive approach to work and strong interpersonal skills