Farm Labourer / Machinery Operator

JobSpace; Oamaru; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle will be provided

Pathway to permanent full-time

Diverse rural properties across the Ōt

Job summary

Jora New Zealand is seeking a practical, physically fit Farm Labourer / Machinery Operator for the Oamaru area. The role is fixed-term through to December 2026 with potential for a permanent full-time position for the right candidate.

Work mostly in Oamaru with occasional travel to Central Otago and Mid Canterbury. Primary duties include irrigation maintenance, fencing, machinery operation, and general farm support, with time spent working independently and communicating with farm management.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy machinery, especially excavators.
• Current full driver’s licence.
• Willingness to travel occasionally.
• Experience in farming, irrigation, earthworks, fencing or rural contracting.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Operating a 15-tonne excavator
• Operating ATVs and 4x4 vehicles
• Locating and repairing water leaks
• Troubleshooting irrigation and water systems
• Assisting with fencing installation and repairs
• Manual fencing and general farm labouring duties
• Reporting progress and issues daily

Skills

Physically fit

Mechanically minded

Independent worker

Safety aware

Reliable

Problem solving

Tools

Excavator

ATVs

4x4 vehicles

Fencing equipment

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.

Oamaru Based | Fixed-Term with Permanent Potential

Are you practical, physically fit, enjoy working outdoors, and capable of working independently?

We're seeking a reliable and motivated Farm Labourer / Machinery Operator to join a progressive farming operation based in the Oamaru area. This is a fixed-term position through to December 2026, with the potential to become a permanent full-time opportunity for the right person.

While the role is primarily Oamaru-based, there may be occasional travel required to sites within Central Otago and Mid Canterbury.

About the Role

This varied hands-on position involves irrigation maintenance, fencing, machinery operation, and general farm support. You'll spend much of your time working independently while maintaining regular communication with the farm management team.

Key Responsibilities

• Operating a 15-tonne excavator
• Operating ATVs and 4x4 vehicles
• Locating and repairing water leaks
• Troubleshooting minor irrigation and water system issues
• Assisting with fencing installation and repairs
• Operating a fencing attachment on a 15T CAT excavator
• Manual fencing and general farm labouring duties
• Reporting progress and issues daily

What We're Looking For

• Physically fit and capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Practical and mechanically minded
• Experience operating heavy machinery, particularly excavators
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to troubleshoot and undertake basic repairs
• Reliable, self-motivated, and safety conscious
• Current full driver's licence
• Experience in farming, irrigation, earthworks, fencing, or rural contracting would be highly regarded

What's on Offer?

• Fixed-term employment through to December 2026
• Potential pathway to a permanent full-time position
• Variety of work and responsibility
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunity to work across diverse rural properties throughout the region
• Vehicle will be provided

If you enjoy practical outdoor work, have machinery experience, and are looking for a role where no two days are the same, we'd love to hear from you.