Cropping Operator

Southern Fresh Foods; Tamahere; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development opportunities

Modern machinery and equipment

Consistent hours

Job summary

Southern Fresh Foods in Tamahere, North Island is seeking an experienced tractor operator for day-to-day cropping tasks across production areas. You will operate tractors, assist soil preparation, planting, spraying (where qualified), crop monitoring, and data recording in farm management systems.

The role requires proven tractor experience, comfort working outdoors in all weather, and a strong work ethic. Training and development opportunities are available, with stable full-time hours in a

Qualifications

• Proven tractor operating experience (essential).
• Cropping, horticulture, or agricultural experience preferred.
• Spraying experience and Growsafe certificate are an advantage.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather.
• Reasonable computer skills and attention to detail.
• A dependable team player with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors and cropping machinery across production areas.
• Perform soil preparation, planting, and seeding tasks.
• Apply sprays and fertilisers where qualified.
• Monitor crops and support irrigation needs.
• Carry out basic machinery care and routine maintenance.
• Record planting, spraying, and operations data in farm systems.
• Work safely and follow health and safety procedures.

Skills

Tractor operation

Outdoor work

Attention to detail

Team player

Tools

Farm management systems

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.

Southern Fresh Foods - Tamahere, North Island

Southern Fresh is a leading provider of specialty produce including salads, herbs, and baby vegetables. Owned by the Dunn family, Southern Fresh is an exciting and rewarding business to work for, with every day bringing new challenges and possibilities. Everything we grow is handled with skill and care so that our customers receive 100% quality every time - quality grown within.

Our produce is in high demand, and we are constantly growing, exploring new markets, and launching new products. We value reliability, professionalism, and a strong safety culture.

About the Role

You will be involved in day-to-day cropping tasks across our production areas, including:

• Operating tractors and other cropping machinery
• Soil preparation, planting, and seeding
• Spraying and fertiliser application (where qualified)
• Crop monitoring and irrigation support
• Basic machinery care and routine maintenance
• Recording planting, spraying, and operational data using farm management systems
• Working safely and following health and safety procedures at all times

What We’re Looking For

• Proven tractor operating experience (essential)
• Cropping, horticulture, or agricultural experience preferred
• Spraying experience and Growsafe certificate are an advantage
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather
• Reasonable computer skills and attention to detail
• A dependable team player with a strong work ethic and willingness to learn

What We Offer

• Stable, full-time employment in an essential industry
• Competitive pay based on skills and experience
• Training and development opportunities
• Modern machinery and well-maintained equipment
• Supportive team environment with consistent hours

If you’re an experienced tractor operator looking for a practical cropping role with variety and responsibility, we’d like to hear from you.

Please note only candidates with current New Zealand working rights will be considered for this role.