Telehandler Operator

Mills Recruitment; Rakaia; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay based on experience

Seasonal horticulture experience

Potential for ongoing work later in Q1

Job summary

Jora New Zealand is seeking a Telehandler Operator for a seasonal role on a Canterbury cropping farm. You’ll work with a close-knit team and modern machinery, planting seed potatoes and supporting other yard duties during the 6–8 week season from October.

Experience with telehandlers and forklifts is preferred. The role may include some weekend work and requires a practical, safety-conscious approach to farming machinery in outdoor conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience operating telehandlers in an agricultural setting.
• Forklift experience is advantageous.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather.
• Safety conscious and team oriented.
• Reliable and hardworking.

Responsibilities

• Operate telehandler safely in the paddock.
• Tip bins of potato seed into the planter.
• Operate forklift around the yard and move potato bins.
• Assist with general farm duties as required.
• Perform daily machinery checks and routine maintenance.
• Follow health and safety procedures at all times.

Skills

Telehandler experience

Forklift experience

Machinery operation

Safety aware

Team player

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 16th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Join an award-winning Canterbury cropping business well known for its seed and potato production. You’ll be working as part of a close-knit, practical and friendly team on a well-run farm with modern machinery.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced machinery operator, including those on a Working Holiday Visa looking to gain seasonal horticulture experience in New Zealand. The role runs through October and November, with the potential to return for further work later in the season.

About Our Client

Join an award-winning Canterbury cropping business well known for its seed and potato production. You’ll be working as part of a close-knit, practical and friendly team on a well-run farm with modern machinery.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced machinery operator, including those on a Working Holiday Visa looking to gain seasonal horticulture experience in New Zealand. The role runs through October and November, with the potential to return for further work later in the season.

The Role

We’re looking for a confident Telehandler Operator to support the team during potato planting.

Your main role will be operating a telehandler in the paddock, tipping bins of potato seed into the planter being pulled behind a tractor. There may also be some forklift operating around the yard, moving potato bins and assisting with general yard duties.

The planting season is expected to run for approximately 6-8 weeks from October, depending on weather and planting conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Operating a telehandler safely and efficiently in the paddock
• Tipping bins of potato seed into the planter
• Operating a forklift around the yard and moving potato bins
• Working alongside tractor and planting operators
• Carrying out daily machinery checks and basic care
• Following health and safety procedures at all times
• Helping with general farm and yard duties when required

About You

• Previous telehandler experience preferred
• Forklift experience would be an advantage
• Confident operating machinery in an agricultural environment
• Safety conscious and comfortable working around people and equipment
• Reliable, practical and hardworking
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Able to work well as part of a team
• Good attitude and a willingness to get stuck in

Hours

• Monday–Friday, approximately 7.30am-5.30pm
• Hours may vary depending on weather and planting conditions
• Some weekend work may be required when conditions allow planting to continue

What’s on Offer

• October start for approximately 6-8 weeks
• Work with a highly regarded Canterbury potato producer
• Modern, well-maintained machinery
• Friendly and supportive team
• Competitive pay based on experience
• Potential for further forklift work from late February through to the end of May during potato harvest, if you’re interested in returning
• A great opportunity to gain seasonal horticulture experience in New Zealand, which may be relevant to Working Holiday Visa extension requirements. Candidates should check their individual eligibility and requirements directly with Immigration New Zealand.