Whitehall Fruitpackers Ltd is hiring an Orchard Hand in Cambridge, Waikato, New Zealand. This is a full-time position offering $26 to $34 per hour, with opportunities to gain practical experience across the complete kiwifruit growing cycle. The successful candidates will assist with seasonal orchard activities, including vine training, grafting, thinning, artificial pollination and harvesting.
This opportunity is suitable for individuals who enjoy practical outdoor work and want to develop their skills in horticulture. Full on-the-job training is provided, allowing employees to gain hands-on experience from nursery establishment through to harvest. Candidates may also have the opportunity to complete a Primary ITO cadetship to support their professional development in the horticulture industry.
Job Details
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Orchard Hand |
| Employer | Whitehall Fruitpackers Ltd |
| Location | Cambridge, Waikato, New Zealand |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Salary | $26–$34 per hour |
| Work Schedule | Seasonal orchard activities throughout the year |
| Experience | Horticulture experience preferred; willingness to learn essential |
| Training | Full on-the-job training |
| Key Skills | Orchard maintenance, pollination, harvesting, teamwork and health and safety |
| Industry | Horticulture and Agriculture |
| Workplace | On-site, orchards and packhouse |
| Driver Licence | Current, valid New Zealand driver licence required |
| Pre-employment Checks | Drug testing required |
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Key Responsibilities
The successful candidates will support the care and production of kiwifruit crops across Whitehall Fruitpackers’ orchards and associated growing operations. Duties include:
- Supporting kiwifruit vines throughout the growing cycle, from nursery establishment to harvest.
- Training young vines and carrying out grafting, thinning and other seasonal orchard tasks.
- Working in the pollen mill and assisting with artificial pollination to promote effective fruit development.
- Performing general orchard maintenance and horticultural activities as required.
- Assisting with harvesting operations, including picking and handling fruit carefully.
- Working in the orchard or packhouse during harvest, depending on operational requirements.
- Helping ensure kiwifruit is picked, handled and prepared efficiently.
- Following company health and safety policies, procedures and site rules.
- Complying with hygiene requirements and applicable food safety standards.
- Maintaining high standards of workmanship and attention to detail.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.
- Completing assigned tasks safely, efficiently and within required timeframes.
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Requirements
Candidates interested in this opportunity should meet the following requirements.
Skills and Experience
- A genuine willingness to learn and develop practical orchard skills through on-the-job training.
- Knowledge of horticulture or previous experience in orchard work is beneficial.
- A strong interest in developing a career in horticulture or agriculture.
- Ability to follow instructions and carry out tasks carefully and responsibly.
- Strong communication skills and a positive, professional attitude.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Good attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality crops.
- A reliable, flexible and practical approach to work.
- Ability to work effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
- Willingness to undertake different seasonal duties as operational needs change.
Licence and Pre-employment Requirements
- A current, valid New Zealand driver’s licence.
- Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug test.
- Willingness to comply with company health, safety, hygiene and food safety requirements.
- Legal entitlement to work in New Zealand.
What the Employer Offers
Whitehall Fruitpackers provides employees with opportunities to develop their practical skills while contributing to the production of quality kiwifruit crops. Benefits include:
- Competitive hourly pay of $26 to $34.
- Full-time employment.
- Comprehensive on-the-job training.
- Hands-on experience across the entire kiwifruit growing cycle.
- Exposure to nursery work, vine management, pollination and harvesting.
- The opportunity to work across orchard and packhouse operations.
- Potential to complete a Primary ITO cadetship.
- Opportunities to develop horticultural knowledge and practical skills.
- Experience working with an established Waikato horticultural business.
- The chance to contribute to operations with a strong organic kiwifruit production focus.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official job advertisement on SEEK.
Apply online: Orchard Hand – Whitehall Fruitpackers Ltd on SEEK