Permanent Orchard Assistant/Orchard Operator

Are you looking to work outdoors, grow your horticultural skills, and be part of a passionate orchard team? The thriving Waimea Horticulture business is seeking a reliable and hardworking individual to join them as an Orchard Assistant/Operator. They grow a variety of crops including boysenberries, apples, kiwifruit, and feijoas – and they need enthusiastic people to help them through the seasons. The position will start with winter pruning, and tree training then moving on to thinning and harvesting. a) Experienced within an orchard environment? Great, we would love to hear from you. b) Experienced in another industry that uses heavy machinery or similar primary industries, we would also love to hear from you

Key Responsibilities: You’ll be working across different orchard blocks, assisting with tasks including: Boysenberries: Trellising, pruning, cane tying, harvesting Apples: Thinning, pruning, picking, pest/disease monitoring Kiwifruit: Canopy work, thinning, girdling, picking, vine maintenance Feijoas: Pruning, fruit collection, orchard floor management

We’re looking for individuals with a range of skills. Ideal candidates will have: - A good level of physical fitness (you’ll be on your feet and working outdoors) - A strong work ethic and a positive, can-do attitude - Ability to work in a team and follow instructions - Experience with orchard or horticultural work is an advantage (but not essential – training will be provided) - Flexibility with seasonal hours, including early mornings and some weekends - A current driver’s licence is a must as rural location and need to travel between blocks - Ensure that the highest standards of Health and Safety are maintained - Excellent communication skills - Happy to give any task a go with the right training Criminal Convictions will be considered on a Case-by-Case basis