Tractor Operator Viticulture

About Our Client
Our client is an established, owner-operated agricultural and viticulture contracting business based in the Awatere Valley, Marlborough. They provide specialist contracting services across Marlborough’s vineyards and farms, with a strong focus on precision, reliability, safety and quality workmanship.

We are looking for a skilled and reliable Tractor Operator to join the team from last week of September through to the last week of January.

About the Role
This is a varied, hands-on machinery role working across vineyards and agricultural properties throughout the Marlborough region. You’ll be operating modern tractors and specialised equipment to support important seasonal vineyard and farming operations.
Your work may include:
 

• Vineyard mulching and general ground-care operations
• Under-vine weed management
• Automated vine sweeping
• Fertiliser and nutrient application using specialised spreading equipment
• Supporting grape harvest operations and logistics
• Operating tractors between vineyard rows and around headlands
• General agricultural contracting and tractor work as required
• Completing pre-start checks and basic equipment inspections
• Working safely around other machinery, vehicles and people in busy vineyard environments
• Keeping machinery clean and well maintained and reporting any mechanical issues

This role requires excellent tractor operating skills, spatial awareness and precision, particularly when working in confined vineyard spaces. Good peripheral vision and the ability to safely manoeuvre machinery around vines, equipment and other workers are essential.

Peak Season – December & January December and January are the busiest months of the season, and full availability is essential.
This includes the public holidays during that time. Availability throughout December and January is a non-negotiable of the role.

To recognise the additional commitment required during the peak season, additional pay bonuses are offered throughout December and January, giving you the opportunity to maximise your earnings during the busiest part of the season.

What’s On Offer

• Late September – late January
• Additional pay bonuses throughout December and January
• Accommodation/room available
• Farm vehicle available for use
• Modern tractors and specialised agricultural equipment
• Varied work across agriculture and viticulture
• Valuable opportunity to gain Marlborough viticulture experience
• Work in the heart of the world-renowned Marlborough wine region

About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
 

• An experienced and confident tractor operator
• Comfortable operating machinery in tight and confined spaces
• Highly aware of their surroundings with excellent peripheral vision and spatial awareness
• Careful and precise when operating around vines, people and other equipment
• Reliable and committed to the full seasonal period
• Physically fit and comfortable with hands-on outdoor work
• Safety-conscious with a strong work ethic
• Able to work independently and as part of a team

Previous experience in agriculture, viticulture, spreading, harvesting or agricultural contracting will be highly regarded.
A current driver licence is required.

A Great Seasonal Opportunity This role would suit an experienced agricultural operator wanting to experience another part of New Zealand, a local looking for seasonal work, or a Working Holiday Visa holder wanting to gain valuable viticulture experience.

If you’re confident on a tractor, take pride in operating machinery to a high standard and can commit to the busy December and January period, we’d love to hear from you.