Cherry Orchard Workers

Orchard Work

We are looking for people who are keen to work on our large cherry orchard helping us undertake tasks in prepartion for summer's upcoming harvest. 

The role involves a variety of general orchard and pre-harvest tasks, with duties changing according to operational requirements, weather conditions and the stage of the orchard programme.

This is a hands-on outdoor role suited to someone who is physically capable, reliable and comfortable working independently. 

Key Responsibilities

Duties may vary from day to day and may include:

• Tree preparation and general tree maintenance
• Assisting with pruning and associated orchard work
• Irrigation work, including checking and maintaining irrigation systems
• Pre-harvest orchard preparation
• Preparing orchard areas and equipment for the upcoming harvest
• General orchard maintenance and tidy-up work
• Moving equipment, materials and supplies around the orchard
• Assisting permanent orchard staff with seasonal and operational tasks
• Other reasonable orchard duties associated with preparing the orchards for harvest

Skills and Attributes

The successful person will:

• Be reliable, punctual and willing to work
• Be comfortable working outdoors during winter and in cold or variable weather conditions
• Be physically capable of undertaking manual orchard work, including tasks involving bending, reaching, lifting and working on uneven ground
• Be comfortable undertaking repetitive physical tasks when required
• Be able to follow instructions and complete tasks to the required standard
• Be able to work relatively independently once a task has been explained
• Be willing to undertake a variety of jobs rather than being assigned to one particular type of orchard work
• Have a practical attitude and be prepared to help wherever required
• Work well as part of a small orchard team

Essential Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have their own reliable transport to and from the orchard
• Have their own accommodation
• Have the legal right to work in New Zealand, including a current and valid work visa where required
• Be able to undertake the physical requirements of the position safely

Fixed-Term Employment

This is a fixed-term position required to provide additional labour while the orchard completes its pre-harvest work programme.

Employment will commence on the agreed start date and will end when the specified pre-harvest work for which the employee has been engaged has been completed.

The expected duration of the role will be discussed with the employee before employment commences. The actual completion date may be affected by factors such as weather, orchard conditions and the progress of the pre-harvest work programme.