Assistant Orchard Manager

Miro-Meihana Koata LP; Whakatāne; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Jora New Zealand is seeking a hands-on operator for Modern Blueberry Orchard in Bay of Plenty. You will manage fertigation, irrigation, crop monitoring and orchard systems, working closely with the Orchard Manager while gaining experience with Priva and Autogrow technologies.

You will handle fertilisers, spraying, mowing and other orchard tasks, maintain accurate records, and help with harvests and seasonal planning. A practical, detail‑oriented approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Practical horticultural or agricultural experience.
• Good knowledge of irrigation, fertigation and plant growing.
• Strong technology skills and confidence using digital systems, apps and spreadsheets.
• Experience with Priva, Autogrow or similar irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day Priva and Autogrow irrigation and fertigation systems
• Monitor pH, EC, irrigation, nutrient delivery and crop performance
• Mix and apply fertilisers accurately and safely
• Undertake spraying, mowing, mulching, pruning and general orchard work
• Maintain digital chemical, fertiliser and orchard inventories
• Keep growing, spray and compliance records accurate and up to date
• Support daily work planning and supervise staff and contractors as required
• Assist with harvest, logistics and other seasonal orchard activities
• Support GlobalGAP, GRASP, food safety and health and safety requirements

Skills

Horticultural experience

Irrigation & fertigation

Tech-savvy with digital systems

Experience with Priva

Experience with Autogrow

Machinery operation

Fertiliser handling

Problem solving

Tools

Priva

Autogrow

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Modern Blueberry Orchard - This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys growing crops well, working with technology, and getting stuck into orchard operations. You'll work closely with the Orchard Manager, with particular responsibility for fertigation, irrigation, crop monitoring and orchard systems. You'll be as comfortable managing Priva and Autogrow as you are mixing fertiliser, spraying, mowing or troubleshooting an irrigation issue.

Key responsibilities

• Manage day‑to‑day Priva and Autogrow irrigation and fertigation systems
• Monitor pH, EC, irrigation, nutrient delivery and crop performance
• Mix and apply fertilisers accurately and safely
• Undertake spraying, mowing, mulching, pruning and general orchard work
• Maintain digital chemical, fertiliser and orchard inventories
• Keep growing, spray and compliance records accurate and up to date
• Support daily work planning and supervise staff and contractors as required
• Assist with harvest, logistics and other seasonal orchard activities
• Support GlobalGAP, GRASP, food safety and health and safety requirements

About you

• Practical horticultural or agricultural experience
• Good knowledge of irrigation, fertigation and plant growing
• Strong technology skills and confidence using digital systems, apps and spreadsheets
• Experience with Priva, Autogrow or similar irrigation systems
• Experience operating orchard or farm machinery
• Confidence handling fertilisers and agrichemicals
• Good problem‑solving skills and attention to detail