Irrigation Manager & Crop Production Coordinator

Apatufarms; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Year-round employment

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Apatu Farms in New Zealand is seeking an Irrigation Manager & Crop Production Coordinator to lead our seasonal irrigation operation and support crop production across our vegetable business. This hands-on leadership role suits someone who enjoys outdoor work and developing people.

You’ll manage up to 14 irrigation staff from October to March and collaborate with the Field Operations Manager to support establishment, planting, harvesting, logistics, and broader field activities across diverse

Qualifications

• Experience in irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, or team leadership is an advantage.
• Attitude, capability, and leadership potential are important.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of up to 14 irrigation staff across a large-scale irrigation programme from October to March.
• Support crop establishment, planting, harvesting, logistics, and field operations outside irrigation season across diverse vegetable crops.

Skills

Leadership

Team leadership

Planning

Organisation

Communication

Problem solving

Health & Safety

Continuous improvement

Coordination

Job description

Irrigation Manager & Crop Production Coordinator

Lead people, grow great crops, and help shape the success of our operations.

Lead. Grow. Make an Impact.

At Apatu Farms, we’re passionate about growing great crops and developing great people.

We’re looking for an Irrigation Manager & Crop Production Coordinator to lead our seasonal irrigation operation and play a key role in delivering successful crop production across our vegetable business.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, leading teams, solving problems, and building a long-term career within one of New Zealand’s leading horticultural businesses.

What You’ll Be Doing

From October to March, you’ll lead a team of up to 14 irrigation staff across a large-scale irrigation programme, ensuring crops receive the water they need to thrive.

Outside of irrigation season, you’ll work alongside our Field Operations Manager and wider operations team, supporting crop establishment, planting, harvesting, logistics, and field operations across a diverse range of vegetable crops.

What We’re Looking For

You’re someone who:

• Leads people with confidence and positivity
• Thrives in a fast-paced operational environment
• Enjoys working outdoors and solving practical problems
• Has strong planning, organisation, and communication skills
• Can coordinate people, machinery, and resources effectively
• Is committed to health, safety, and continuous improvement
• Wants to grow into broader operational leadership responsibilities

Experience in irrigation, agriculture, horticulture, or team leadership is an advantage, but attitude, capability, and leadership potential are just as important.

Why Apatu?

• Lead a critical operation that directly impacts crop performance
• Develop your leadership and operational management skills
• Work with modern systems, equipment, and experienced teams
• Be part of a progressive, values-led agribusiness
• Genuine career progression opportunities within the business
• Competitive remuneration and year-round employment

Ready to Grow With Us?

If you’re looking for more than just a job and want to build a career in a business that values people, innovation, and excellence, we’d love to hear from you.