Market Gardener/Manager

This is a permanent full-time position requiring a hands-on leader who can effectively manage production activities, workforce resources and machinery. Key Responsibilities

• Manage crop production planning and management from land preparation through to harvest and delivery to the packhouse.
• Plan and oversee planting, fertiliser application, irrigation and harvest programmes.
• Monitor crop performance, seasonal conditions, pests, diseases and quality control.
• Plan and coordinate crop protection and agrichemical application programmes.
• Lead seasonal employees, including workforce planning, work allocation, performance monitoring and training.
• Procurement, inventory and financial management. Ensure adequate stocks of seeds, fertiliser agrichemicals, machinery are available to meet operational requirements
• Provide operational budget oversight for crop production, monitor expenditure on labour, and all other related costs
• Manage RSE recruitment, workforce planning and deployment activities.
• Oversee the maintenance and operational readiness of machinery, equipment, irrigation systems, fencing and farm infrastructure.
• Support health and safety, food safety, environmental and compliance programmes.

Skills, Experience and CompetenciesThe successful applicant will have:

• A minimum of two years' relevant experience in market gardening, vegetable production or horticulture management.
• Experience leading and supervising staff.
• Knowledge of crop production, irrigation, harvest management and agrichemical programmes.
• The ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple priorities.

Desirable Skills and ExperienceThe ideal applicant will demonstrate experience and competency in the following areas:

• Operation and maintenance of bulldozers, excavators of at least 23 tonnes, loaders, tractors and other farm machinery.
• Fencing construction, maintenance and water reticulation installation.
• Trenching and field tile drainage installation.
• Infrastructure construction and maintenance.
• Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, including lines, tubing and sprinklers.
• Operation of agricultural spray equipment and harvesting machinery.
• General farm infrastructure maintenance and development.

Licences and EndorsementsThe following would be advantageous:

• Current New Zealand Driver Licence.
• Forklift endorsement.

Employment Details

• Permanent full-time position.
• Minimum 30 hours per week and maximum 60 hours per week, depending on seasonal demands and operational requirements.
• Hourly rate: $35–$37 per hour, depending on skills, experience and suitability.

Additional Information

• The ability to communicate in Bislama would be an advantage when supporting seasonal workforces.
• The role involves working outdoors in a range of weather conditions and requires a good level of physical fitness.
• Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain the appropriate work visa. Visa support will be provided for the ideal candidate.

Pay: $35.00 – $37.00 per hourWork Location: In person