We are seeking one competent Orchard Machinery Operator to join our busy horticulture
business located in the Waikato region.
Our orchard operation comprises 30 hectares of kiwifruit across four separate sites in the
greater Waikato area (Te Awamutu and Cambridge).
This is a machinery-focused role. The primary purpose of the position is to operate and
maintain agricultural and horticultural plant and equipment used in orchard production. The majority of duties involve operating tractors and specialised orchard machinery.


Key Responsibilities
 Reading and interpreting spray plans, including calculating chemical quantities and
preparing spray mixtures in accordance with instructions and safety requirements
 Operating tractor-drawn and self-propelled machinery to mow, fertilise, mulch and
spray orchards
 Preparing soil for planting and maintaining accessways and roadsides
 Driving tractors, loaders and forklifts to stack, unstack, move and distribute fruit bins
 Transporting produce, bins, equipment and machinery between orchard sites using
trucks and other authorised vehicles
 Carrying out routine pre-start and safety checks on machinery and vehicles to ensure
safe operation
 Verifying loading documentation where required
 Complying with all health and safety, environmental and industry standards
Occasional transport of workers between orchard sites may be required.
Remuneration


Pay rate: $29.00 – $35.00 per hour, depending on relevant experience and/or qualifications.
A minimum of 30 hours per week is guaranteed, worked Monday to Friday between 7:00am
and 7:00pm. Early starts and occasional weekend work may be required depending on
weather and seasonal demands.


Skills and Experience Required
To be considered for this role, applicants must have:
 At least 3 years’ experience operating agricultural or horticultural machinery in a
commercial orchard, cropping or farming environment
 Proven experience in spray-handling and sprayer operation (essential)
 A full and clean NZ or International Driver Licence with heavy vehicle endorsement
(F endorsement desirable)
 A Grow Safe Certificate (preferred)
 Strong understanding of health and safety requirements in an agricultural environment
 Good attention to detail and ability to follow technical instructions
 A reasonable level of physical fitness

Successful candidates must provide:
 A clear NZ Police report
 A clear drug and alcohol test
Further training may be provided, including forklift operation and advanced spray-handling
training where required.


Applicants must include their CV, work references, relevant licences, and proof of right to
work in New Zealand (e.g. NZ passport, birth certificate, or visa). Only shortlisted candidates
will be contacted.

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