Operations Apprentice

Farmhands; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 38,572 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

External training

Internal mentoring and development

Supportive team culture

Exposure to evolving technologies

Job summary

Farmhands in New Zealand is offering a full-time Operations Apprentice position in Hawke's Bay. This role provides hands-on experience in a commercial horticultural business with a focus on leadership development and growth.

As an apprentice, you will engage in a variety of tasks such as harvesting, staff coordination, and compliance while learning alongside experienced professionals. The company values teamwork and offers a supportive environment with modern housing options.

Strong leadership potential and willingness to learn in a rural setting are essential. This opportunity is perfect for those looking to build a long-term career in the primary industry.

Qualifications

• Aspire to a future leadership or management role.
• Enjoy practical, hands-on work and comfortable in outdoor environments.
• Previous horticultural or primary industry experience useful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside harvesting teams and oversee operations.
• Learn forklift operation, load planning, and data entry.
• Coordinate staff and lead teams in various tasks.

Skills

Leadership potential

Ability to work outdoors

Reliability

Willingness to learn

Job description

About the role

• Based in North Canterbury: Claverley Beach and Spotswood
• Full Time, permanent role. 40-55 hours per week
• Modern housing options
• Starting rate: $28-$30 per hour

This is not a traditional apprentice programme. It is a hands‑on opportunity to learn all aspects of a commercial horticultural business. You will work alongside the owner, experienced managers, supervisors and the whole team.

As an Operations Apprentice, you will work in all areas of the business. That will include hand harvesting in the field, overseeing harvest and working with the owner on implementing and improving spreadsheet‑based planting programmes.

We are looking to build on your existing skills, work experience and leadership capabilities. The role provides for genuine opportunities for growth and promotion.

About the tasks

First you will be taught to complete certain tasks. After building competency in these tasks you will then strive for constant process improvement.

• Work alongside and then become a leading hand for harvesting teams of 14+ people
• Learn to work alongside our dispatch supervisor in all areas from forklift operation, load planning and data entry
• Tractor and machinery operation
• Crop planning and forecasting with management
• Agronomy (working alongside our Agronomist on the science of growing crops)
• Staff coordination and leadership. Lead different teams and inspire work
• Business and reporting systems
• Health & Safety and compliance
• Hands on involvement in sales and marketing

About you

• You will aspire to a future leadership or management role
• You will thrive in a rural environment, or have a desire to live in a rural environment
• You will want to build a long‑term primary industry based career
• You will be reliable, adaptable and willing to learn
• You should enjoy practical, hands‑on work. Lifting up to 20kg will be required
• You will be comfortable working in outdoor environments and physically active roles
• You will not be put off by the prospect of working outside at times in all the elements
• You have leadership potential or a desire to lead teams in the future. This means you can communicate and inspire a diverse group of people
• Previous horticultural or primary industry experience is useful, but not essential. The right attitude and willingness to learn are more important

What Scottfresh will provide you

• The chance to learn all aspects of a horticultural operation
• External training, internal mentoring and development
• A supportive and hardworking team culture
• Variety — no two days are the same
• The chance to be part of an expanding business
• The opportunity to be part of a family business
• Exposure to evolving technologies and innovation

Scottfresh is proud of their culture and environment. They value teamwork and team dynamics. They are looking for someone who will contribute positively, align with their values and grow alongside the business long term.

Scottfresh has very real opportunities in both operations and sales; for the right person this program will allow you to be prepared to fill such roles.