Join Southern Cross Horticulture as an Orchard Cadet, working at world-class kiwifruit orchards, leading teams from all over the world and great opportunities to grow.

About the Role

This is a developmental entry role into orchard management. As an Orchard Cadet, you will work closely with the Orchard Manager, learning the ropes of orchard planning, team coordination, and seasonal vine management. The Cadet role is designed to prepare you for future progression into supervisory positions such as Vine Manager.

 

We are looking for 3 Orchard Cadets.

This is a full-time, permanent role. The pay rate will be $29.66 – $34.00 per hour depending on experience. You will work 5 days a week between the hours of 8am and 5pm, hours and days of the week may vary from time to time. You will work a minimum of 30 hours each week and average around 45 hours each week. This role will be in the Bay of Plenty.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Support Orchard Manager with operational planning and execution.
  • Train and lead small teams in orchard tasks and vine management.
  • Assist with monitoring productivity, cost control, and quality outcomes.
  • Ensure health, safety, and site compliance is maintained.
  • Contribute to maintaining orchard hygiene and equipment use.
  • Day to day operational management of all aspects of the orchard/ site in line with company policies, quality standards, site cleanliness.
  • Understanding budgets with Orchard Manager, tracking productivity, and optimising resource use.
  • Effectively manage relationships with internal and external key stakeholders to ensure the orchard operates smoothly and resolve any issues/ conflict that may arise
  • Manage, identify and monitor orchard resource requirements including allocation of work activities to labour teams, adequate supplies and all orchard equipment/ tools in good working order – ready to issue before start of day commences
  • Management of all daily requirements on site, including ablution facilities, designated parking zones, site safety protocols eg. fire extinguishers / H&S signage, site visitors, lone workers, site deliveries
  • Management of orchard team member performance including site induction & start of day process, end of day process, team engagement, training of tasks including coaching and mentoring orchard teams to achieve set specifications with productivity outputs. Tracks labour costs, productivity, and efficiency to ensure targets and budget expectations are met.
  • External Contractor management – including triangular employment risk, site inductions, PPE worn at all times, Onside reporting completion and SCH company values are being applied on site eg. site waste removal 

What We’re Looking For

  • Some experience in horticulture or agriculture (kiwifruit preferred).
  • Strong willingness to learn and develop leadership skills.
  • Good level of physical fitness for outdoor work.
  • Positive attitude, resilience, and team focus.
  • Current driver licence and willingness to learn to operate machinery.
  • At SCH we look for cultural fit, someone who wants to learn and grow not just “be”.

Minimum Requirements

  • At least 3 years’ practical general horticulture experience.

Why Join SCH?

  • Career growth in New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry.
  • Supportive, multicultural team environment.
  • Work in the beautiful Bay of Plenty.

How to Apply
Send your CV and a brief cover letter to this advert.

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