Are you ready to take the next step in your horticulture career with a leadership role? Do you have hands-on orchard experience and a passion for growing quality apples? If you’re looking for rewarding apple farm worker jobs in New Zealand, this opportunity with Craigmore Sustainables could be the perfect fit for you.
Job Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Apple Farm Worker – Orchard Foreperson |
| Employer | Craigmore Sustainables |
| Location | Patutahi, New Zealand |
| Industry | Agriculture / Horticulture |
| Employment Type | Full-Time, Permanent |
| Job Type | On-Site |
| Work Setting | Apple Orchard |
| Schedule | Year-Round, Full-Time Hours |
| Start Date | As soon as possible |
| Salary | Competitive wage based on experience (40+ hours/week) |
| Vacancies | 1 |
| Join Our Team | Apply via official application portal |
About the Employer
Craigmore Sustainables is a proudly New Zealand-owned company managing more than 38,600 hectares of dairy, grazing, forestry, and horticulture land across the country. Operating 89 farming and horticulture properties with over $1.5 billion in agricultural assets, Craigmore employs more than 350 people who are committed to sustainable farming practices. The company fosters a professional, supportive work culture where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their careers in agriculture.
Key Responsibilities
As an Apple Farm Worker – Orchard Foreperson, your duties may include:
Orchard Operations
- Overseeing daily apple orchard activities to ensure smooth and efficient production
- Coordinating with the management team to implement work plans
- Monitoring orchard performance and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency
Team Leadership
- Supervising and motivating orchard staff to complete tasks to required standards
- Organizing daily work schedules and delegating responsibilities
- Monitoring labour costs and reporting key information to management
Health & Safety
- Ensuring all health and safety standards are followed at all times
- Conducting regular checks to maintain a safe working environment for all staff
Equipment & Quality Control
- Operating and maintaining orchard machinery as required
- Applying knowledge of agrichemicals in line with safety guidelines
- Maintaining high production standards to deliver quality apples to market
Skills & Qualifications
To qualify, you should have:
- Practical experience working in horticulture, particularly in apple orchards
- A National Certificate in Horticulture Level 4, or willingness to obtain this qualification
- Strong hands-on skills with orchard machinery and equipment
- Proven leadership ability and experience managing a team
- Knowledge of agrichemicals and safe handling practices
- The ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
Work Environment
This role involves:
- Working outdoors in an orchard setting across all seasons
- Physically demanding tasks, including standing, walking, and lifting
- Operating machinery and equipment in a farm environment
- Working closely with a team of orchard staff on a daily basis
- Adapting to seasonal workload changes throughout the year
Experience and Specialization
Crop Types
- Apples
Equipment Experience
- Orchard machinery and equipment operation
- Agrichemical application equipment
Tools Used
- Pruning and harvesting tools
- General orchard maintenance equipment
Additional Information
Work Conditions
- Full-time, year-round position
- Outdoor work in varying weather conditions
- Physically active role requiring stamina and mobility
- Based at the Patutahi orchard location
- Some early starts may be required depending on seasonal demands
Benefits
- Competitive wage
- Work-use vehicle provided
- Company mobile phone provided
- Opportunity to build leadership experience within a growing horticulture organization
Personal Suitability
The ideal candidate will be:
- A natural leader who can motivate and guide a diverse team
- Highly organized with strong time-management skills
- Reliable, punctual, and committed to high work standards
- Safety-conscious and attentive to detail
- A proactive problem-solver who thrives in a hands-on environment
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply through the following methods:
- Submit your cover letter and CV through the official application portal
- Contact the company’s recruitment team directly for more information about this position
This is a great opportunity for those seeking apple farm worker jobs, agricultural jobs in New Zealand, or work abroad opportunities in horticulture. With New Zealand job vacancies 2026 opening up across the agricultural sector, now is a great time to apply for jobs in New Zealand. Whether you’re searching for farm labourer jobs or leadership roles, Craigmore Sustainables is hiring now in New Zealand.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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