Grader Driver/Machine Operator

Leaderbrand; Gisborne; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

LeaderBrand in Gisborne, New Zealand, is seeking a practical Grader Operator/Machine Operator to support farming operations by operating the grader and other heavy machinery, maintaining tracks, drains and earthworks across our sites. You’ll work with farm teams, contractors, and maintenance staff to deliver reliable, safe, and high-quality work.

You will also contribute to development projects, assist with weather recovery work, and perform preventative maintenance to keep equipment in top

Qualifications

• Experienced and safety-conscious machine operator.
• Experience operating graders or other heavy machinery.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience in road preparation and track maintenance.
• Practical civil/construction or agricultural operating background.

Responsibilities

• Operate the grader and other heavy machinery across farming sites.
• Maintain farm tracks, accessways, drains and culverts.
• Support civil, drainage and earthworks projects and maintenance.
• Assist with recovery work after weather events and safety improvements.

Skills

Grader operation

Heavy machinery

Road maintenance

Safety conscious

Communication

Tools

GPS-guided equipment

Laser levels

Drainage plans

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.

settings About The Role

As a Grader Operator / Machine Operator, you will play a key role in supporting LeaderBrand’s farming operations by maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient farm infrastructure. Operating the grader and other heavy machinery, you will be responsible for a range of civil, drainage, earthworks, and maintenance activities across our farming sites. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll help maintain farm tracks, accessways, drains, culverts, and operational areas to ensure the smooth running of daily farming activities.

You’ll also support development projects, assist with recovery work following weather events, and contribute to improving the overall functionality and presentation of our farms. Working closely with farm teams, contractors, and maintenance staff, you’ll use your practical skills and machinery expertise to deliver quality work that supports productivity, safety, and operational success. From grading and earthworks through to machinery care and preventative maintenance, you’ll take ownership of your work while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

If you enjoy operating machinery, solving practical challenges, and working outdoors in a dynamic farming environment, this is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact within one of New Zealand’s leading horticultural businesses. portrait

About You You are an experienced and safety‑conscious machine operator who enjoys practical, hands‑on work and takes pride in delivering quality results.

You have experience operating graders or other heavy machinery and are confident working independently while contributing positively to a team environment. To be successful, you’ll bring: Experience in road preparation, compaction, track maintenance, repairs, and reinstatement.

Practical experience in civil construction, drainage, earthworks, farm maintenance, contracting, or agricultural/horticultural operations. Strong machinery operating skills and a commitment to maintaining equipment to a high standard. The ability to identify risks, assess site conditions, and work safely in dynamic environments.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with supervisors, contractors, and operational teams. A proactive, adaptable approach with strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail. A current

New Zealand Driver Licence and WTR endorsement (Class 2 preferred). The following would be advantageous: Class 4 or 5 licence and truck and trailer experience.

Experience operating loaders, rollers, tractors, mowers, trucks, or other heavy machinery. Knowledge of GPS‑guided equipment, laser levels, drainage plans, or civil project documentation. Traffic management, confined space, First Aid, or other relevant civil construction training.

Basic mechanical knowledge and machinery troubleshooting experience. About LeaderBrand At LeaderBrand, we’re passionate about evolving fresh food for a healthier world.

As a proud family‑owned business, our goal is to be New Zealand’s most innovative and consistent fresh food producer. We farm across three key growing regions, process and pack in state‑of‑the‑art post‑harvest facilities, and are supported by a nationwide sales team delivering fresh produce to every corner of Aotearoa.

Our 400+ people are central to our success. We’re always on the lookout for new talent with energy, passion, and a drive to learn – people excited to help shape the future of fresh food. Gisborne is the heart of our business and the place where LeaderBrand was founded more than 50 years ago.

Over that time, LeaderBrand has become integral to the story of our community, with the next generations of those who started with us returning to shape the future alongside us. We also have farms in Pukekohe and Chertsey. We have a strong vision for the future of our business, our people, and our industry.

We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our continuous improvement mindset grounds us as one of New Zealand’s leading horticultural businesses.

We seek, harness, and develop the best people, technology, land, and machinery to shape the future of food.