Technical & Quality Leading Hand

Craigmore Horticulture; Ongaonga; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Craigmore Sustainables is seeking a hands-on Orchard Supervisor at Springhill East Orchard in Ongaonga to lead daily operations, quality control, and pest/disease programs for apples.

You will mentor and train staff, coordinate tasks, and ensure safe, efficient practices while promoting premium fruit production. This role suits someone who loves the outdoors and has experience supervising teams in Pip fruit cultivation.

Qualifications

• Confident communicator capable of training and motivating staff.
• Experience supervising and leading a team in a field setting.
• Knowledge of apple growing and tree care.
• Familiar with Pip fruit disease best practices and control methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily orchard operations to maintain high quality and safety standards.
• Train and supervise orchard staff to ensure tasks are completed efficiently.
• Maintain records and plan work sheets for the team.

Skills

Communication

Team leadership

Planning & records

Apple growing

Orchard machinery

Problem solving

Pip fruit disease knowledge

Health & safety

Education

Horticulture Level 4 (advantage)

Job description

In this role, you will support the Technical & Quality and Orchard Management team with all technical and quality aspects of apple growing — from fruit production and maturity management to research projects, pest and disease programs, and fruit quality optimisation. You’ll also take a lead role in daily orchard operations, supervising and training teams to ensure tasks are completed to a high standard of quality, safety, and efficiency.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who loves the outdoors, has a passion for growing premium fruit, and enjoys mentoring others in a team environment.

About the team

Based at our Springhill East Orchard in Ongaonga, you will be joining a diverse and supportive team who are passionate about the work they do. Springhill East Orchard is part of the wider Apples team which sits within Craigmore’s Horticulture sector. We have several apples orchards located across Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti, and are continuing to expand our operations.

About you

What you will bring to the role:

• Confident communicator who can train, motivate and support staff
• Experience supervising and leading a team
• Good with planning, job sheets, and keeping accurate records
• Knowledge of apple growing and tree care
• Comfortable using orchard machinery and tools
• Problem solving mindset and ability to work well under pressure
• Familiar with Pip fruit and disease best practice, identification and control methods
• Strong focus on health and safety
• Horticulture Level 4 qualification is an advantage but not essential

About Craigmore

Craigmore Sustainables is a purpose-led business operating farms, orchards, vineyards and forests across New Zealand. Every day, our people work together to produce premium food and fibre while building sustainable businesses. From sustainable land management to supporting rural communities, we are continually improving the way we work. We invest in great people, practical innovation and strong partnerships that are helping to shape the future of New Zealand's primary industries. Learn more about us at: www.craigmore.com