Experienced Orchard Hand - permanent role

A Motueka Orchard is looking for a permanent orchard hand to join their team. Key responsibilities will involve undertaking a variety of orchard production roles such as thinning, pruning and picking, machinery/digger operating and tractor driving, including in time operating associated 3 row sprayer units. While previous orchard experience is preferred a background in other primary production settings is of interest, especially if applicants are committed to being part of the company’s future growth with a commitment to safety, quality and productivity standards.

Interpersonal Skills Required: • A self-starter with strong interpersonal skills and enjoy working outdoors. • Must be a collaborative performer in team settings, who can remain mutually accountable for seeing jobs completed fully alongside others. • Requires an ability to lead by example as a seasonal supervisor following training in overseeing harvest work teams. The successful applicant must be good with numbers, have a strong attention to detail and an interest in career progression in time.

Physical Capability Requirements: • Must have a good level of general fitness. • Can lift/carry between 15 to 20kg weights. • Can work around agrichemicals and in outdoor environments. • Must be agile/flexible around orchards with back/arms/neck for carrying, climbing ladders and moving around structures and machinery. • Needs to wear protective clothing (PPE) as required for specific tasks.

Other Attributes Required: • Must have driver’s license and ideally can drive a manual vehicle. • Needs to be reliable as this is a permanent role, Monday to Friday plus weekends and public holidays from time to time.

Important Information: Please note the company also operates Drug and Alcohol testing programmes including pre-employment and post incident testing that potential employees may be subject to.