Vineyard Operator – Awatere Valley Vineyards And Developments

winejobsonline.com; Marlborough; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

KiwiSaver employer contributions

A day off for your birthday

Generous wellness and wine allowances

Long service benefits

Fully funded EAP support

Inclusive, supportive team environment

Job summary

Whitehaven Wine Company in Marlborough is seeking an experienced Vineyard Operator to join our small, friendly Awatere Valley team in a full‑time, permanent role. You will handle tractor and machinery, assist with sprays, trellis maintenance, and general grounds work while working safely and sustainably.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of vineyard experience, a can‑do attitude, and a full driver’s license, and is ready to contribute to quality wine production in all weather.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a vineyard operator.
• Strong safety focus and ability to follow procedures.
• Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather.
• Full driver’s license.
• Good communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Tractor and machinery operations
• Spray applications
• Trellis and irrigation maintenance
• Trimming, mowing and leaf plucking
• General grounds keeping

Skills

Machinery operation

Safety awareness

Team player

Communication skills

Problem solving

Flexible hours

Driver's license

Job description

Join Whitehaven’s small and friendly Awatere Valley team as an experienced Vineyard Operator. In this hands‑on, permanent role, you’ll use your machinery and vineyard skills across a wide range of seasonal operations, helping us produce quality Marlborough wine while working safely, sustainably, and with pride.

About Whitehaven Wine Company

Founded in 1994, we are a family‑owned winery based in sunny Marlborough producing an award‑winning collection of 100% Marlborough wines from accredited sustainable vineyards from across the region.

Over the past three decades, we’ve grown steadily and established strong markets and reputation both in New Zealand and overseas. Our growth has been driven by strong market demand – and we’ve done it without compromising our standards or the quality of our wines.

We’re looking for an experienced vineyard operator to join our small and friendly team at our vineyards and developments in the Awatere Valley.

About The Role

This is a full‑time permanent position reporting to the Vineyard Manager.

Key Tasks Will Include

• Tractor and machinery operations
• Spray applications
• Trellis and irrigation maintenance
• Trimming, mowing and leaf plucking
• General grounds keeping

About You

You will be physically fit and have a love for working outdoors in all weather conditions.

You will be competent in all aspects of vineyard operations and will be/have:

• a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a vineyard operator
• a positive “can‑do” attitude
• ability to work flexible hours
• the ability to solve problems, using your initiative
• great communication skills
• a strong focus on safety
• a team player with a great sense of humour!
• a full driver’s license

Why join Whitehaven?

At Whitehaven, our values guide how we work, how we support our people, and how we encourage a healthy work‑life balance.

We Offer

• Competitive hourly rate
• 4.5% KiwiSaver employer contributions on top of your pay, for KiwiSaver members
• A day off for your birthday
• Generous wellness and wine allowances
• Long service benefits
• Fully funded EAP support
• An inclusive, supportive team environment where people feel they belong

We’d love to hear from you if you think you have what we’re looking for.

Please note that you must have the legal right to work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

Be part of our journey to be the global benchmark for Marlborough wine – known for quality, craft, and sustainability!

Whitehaven is committed to improving workplace diversity and inclusion.