Location: Bay of Plenty
Employment type: Permanent, full time
Hours: Guaranteed minimum 30 hours per week. Hours may vary seasonally, typically between 30 and 45 hours per week.
Work schedule: Work is generally performed between 7:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday, depending on seasonal requirements.
Pay rate: $30.00 – $38.00 per hour (based on experience)
Pay basis: Hourly, time and attendance

About the role

We are seeking an Orchard Assistant Manager (Practice Manager) to support the day-to-day operations of a kiwifruit orchard in the Bay of Plenty.
This is a hands-on role working closely with the owner to coordinate staff, monitor crop health, and implement seasonal orchard work programmes.

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the owner with planning and coordinating daily orchard tasks

  • Supervise and work alongside orchard staff and contractors

  • Carry out and monitor winter pruning, cane tying, and training

  • Assist with bud rubbing, thinning, and canopy management

  • Monitor irrigation systems and report issues to the owner

  • Support crop monitoring including pest and disease checks

  • Assist with harvest preparation, supervision, and dispatch

  • Maintain orchard records and report progress to the owner

  • Ensure compliance with health & safety procedures

Required skills & experience

  • Minimum 2 years full-time (30+ hours per week) relevant horticulture or orchard experience

  • Experience working in kiwifruit or similar perennial crop production

  • Experience supervising or coordinating small teams

  • Practical knowledge of seasonal orchard tasks and crop monitoring

  • Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions

  • Good communication and record-keeping skills

  • Full driver licence preferred

Desirable

  • Experience in Bay of Plenty kiwifruit operations

  • Experience with irrigation and basic machinery operation

What we offer

  • Permanent full-time employment

  • Ongoing hands-on role working directly with the owner

  • Opportunity to develop further responsibility over time

  • Supportive team environment

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