Machinery Operator and General Hand

Whitehall Fruitpackers Ltd; Cambridge; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitehall Fruitpackers Ltd invites a versatile Seasonal Farm Assistant and Machinery Operator to join our Waikato team. The role involves operating and learning machinery for mowing, spraying, mulching, and other tasks while supporting orchard maintenance and farm infrastructure.

Training will be provided for the right candidate, with a focus on safety and teamwork. You will work alongside a dedicated team in an outdoor environment, with opportunities to develop skills across irrigation, frost

Qualifications

• Experience with operating heavy or agricultural machinery is preferred, but training will be provided.
• Good levels of physical fitness and stamina for outdoor work.
• Ability to plan and prioritise daily tasks in a practical, safe manner.
• Clear communication and teamwork with colleagues in a farm setting.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to changing priorities and seasonal demands.

Responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day orchard and farm operations, including mowing, mulching, spraying, and other machinery-based tasks.
• Support maintenance and development of orchards, farm infrastructure, and structures.
• Assist with irrigation and frost-protection system operation and monitoring as needed.
• Follow health and safety policies to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain hygiene and food-safety standards across all tasks.

Skills

Machinery operation

Physical fitness

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent work

Tools

Agricultural machinery

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to join our orchard and maintenance team. We are looking for a versatile person who can operate—or is willing to learn to operate—machinery for mowing, spraying, mulching, and other general tasks as required. The role also involves maintaining orchard structures and assisting with a variety of other work, so a positive, can-do attitude is essential. Machinery operating experience is preferred; however, full training will be provided for the right candidate. You will work alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable team.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out day-to-day orchard and farm operations, including mowing, mulching, spraying, and a range of other machinery-based tasks.
• Support the ongoing maintenance and development of orchards, farm infrastructure, buildings, and orchard structures.
• Assist with the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of irrigation and frost-protection systems as seasonal conditions require.
• Follow and actively contribute to WFP's health and safety policies, procedures, and site rules, helping to maintain a safe working environment.
• Comply with WFP's health, hygiene, and food-safety requirements, maintaining high standards across all areas of work.

About you

• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise daily tasks.
• A positive, approachable attitude and a willingness to contribute as part of a supportive team.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks, follow processes, and work in a practical and systematic way.
• A good level of physical fitness and the ability to carry out hands‑on work in an outdoor environment.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively and respectfully with others.
• Flexibility and a practical approach to changing priorities, varied tasks, seasonal demands, and new challenges.
• The confidence to work independently when required, while knowing when to ask for guidance or support.
• Good attention to detail and pride in completing work safely and to a high standard.
• Previous experience operating heavy or agricultural machinery would be an advantage, but is not essential, as on‑the‑job training will be provided.
• A valid New Zealand driver licence; a Class 2 licence or higher would be beneficial but is not essential.
• The ability to pass a pre‑employment drug test and participate in random drug testing as required.

About us

Whitehall Fruitpackers is one of the Waikato's leading horticultural businesses, with more than 300 canopy hectares of green, gold and red kiwifruit, including a strong organic production focus. Our operations also extend across dairy farming, dry stock, and apiaries.

Enjoy a varied and versatile role where no two days are the same. You'll work alongside a knowledgeable and supportive team, gain hands‑on experience across a wide range of orchard and maintenance activities, and have plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and grow within the business.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as a machine operator?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• Are you willing to undergo pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening?

Seasonal Farm Assistant and Machinery Operator - Fixed Term