Orchard Team Leader – Orchard Maintenance

Are you an experienced horticulturalist with a passion for organic growing? Monavale Blueberries is seeking two skilled and proactive Orchard Team Leaders to join us on a full-time, permanent basis. In this role, you will be at the heart of our operations, ensuring the health of our plants and the quality of our harvests through meticulous care and efficient management. We are looking for two individuals who thrive in a hands-on environment and possesses the leadership skills to guide our seasonal teams.

Liaising with the orchard management team to plan for orchard activities, resource requirements, and seasonal changes Lead day-to-day maintenance, including pruning, weed/scrub management Operations & Safety: Safely operate machinery (tractors, mowers, quad bikes, and forklifts), manage daily work schedules, and maintain rigorous Health & Safety standards, including reporting and risk mitigation Netting Erecting and dissembling tunnels Maintaining detailed records of orchard activities and timesheets Directing harvest staff to their allocated picking areas, ensuring picking quality is maintained, collecting fresh berries from the field and delivering to the packhouse.

New Zealand resident or citizen with at least two years in a similar horticultural role. You will have proven expertise in crop checks, spraying, fertilising, and the full range of orchard maintenance tasks A qualification in Horticulture is highly preferred You must hold a current Full Driver’s Licence. A Forklift Licence is preferred. Strong time management skills, the ability to work independently, and the confidence to lead and coordinate seasonal staff Demonstrated problem-solving skills and a solutions-focused approach A genuine interest in and commitment to organic growing principles is essential to our mission. You must be able to adapt to flexible working hours as required.