Orchard Supervisor

S & V Horticulture Limited is seeking Orchard Supervisors to join its team in the Bay of Plenty region. The position involves supervising orchard activities and coordinating daily work. Applicants must demonstrate leadership skills, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively.

The role requires travel within the region, with all work-related travel and fuel costs covered
by the employer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and supervise orchard activities including planting, pruning, thinning, trellising, weeding, and canopy management.

• Oversee fruit-picking operations to ensure quality standards are maintained and crop damage is minimised.

• Monitor irrigation schedules, soil conditions, and overall plant health, and report any concerns to management promptly.

• Support pest and disease control activities in accordance with orchard procedures and management instructions.

• Lead and organise daily work for seasonal and contract workers, ensuring tasks are clearly assigned and completed within required timeframes.

• Provide basic on-the-job training to new or less-experienced workers, particularly in safe and correct pruning and picking methods.

• Monitor productivity, work quality, and health and safety performance, addressing issues or escalating concerns as required.

• Maintain regular communication with the Orchard Manager regarding progress, staffing requirements, and operational priorities.

• Conduct quality checks during pruning, thinning, and harvesting to ensure fruit and plant standards are met.

• Ensure safe and proper use of tools, ladders, and orchard equipment, promoting compliance with workplace health and safety requirements.

• Support accurate completion of daily records, including hours worked, orchard block activities, and crop-management logs.

• Assist with preparation of orchard blocks ahead of seasonal operations.

• Monitor availability of supplies such as tools, bins, and pruning equipment, and report any replenishment needs. 

• Support orchard improvement activities, including trellis repairs, irrigation maintenance, and general block clean-ups.

Required to work for a minimum of 30 hours per week, and you will be paid between $27 to $34 per hour.

Other Requirements:

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant work experience or at least a relevant Level 4 or above qualification.
• Available to work on weekends and start early(If required).
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy.
• Effective communication with staff and management.
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements.
• Able to motivate and manage a team efficiently.
• Physically fit for outdoor orchard tasks.
• Positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills.