Excavator / Grader Operator

About the role

As an Excavator / Grader Operator, you'll play a key role in maintaining and improving LeaderBrand's farm infrastructure. Operating excavators, graders and other heavy machinery, you'll undertake a variety of work including track maintenance, drainage projects, earthworks, civil works, and farm development activities. This hands-on role will see you working across our farming operations to ensure roads, accessways, drains, culverts, and operational areas are maintained to a high standard. You'll also support weather recovery work, infrastructure improvements, and development projects that contribute to the efficiency and productivity of our farms. Working closely with farm teams, contractors, and maintenance staff, you'll use your machinery expertise and practical problem-solving skills to deliver safe, high-quality outcomes while maintaining equipment and adhering to health and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

Operate excavators, graders and other heavy machinery for track maintenance, drainage projects, earthworks, and civil works

Maintain roads, accessways, drains, culverts, and operational areas to a high standard

Support weather recovery work and infrastructure improvements

Contribute to farm development projects that enhance efficiency and productivity

Work safely in dynamic environments while adhering to health and safety standards

Maintain equipment to a high standard

Work collaboratively with farm teams, contractors, and maintenance staff

About you

Experience in road preparation, compaction, track maintenance, repairs, and reinstatement

Practical experience in civil construction, drainage, earthworks, farm maintenance, contracting, or agricultural/horticultural operations

Minimum 3 years heavy machinery operating experience including excavators and graders and a commitment to maintaining equipment to a high standard

The ability to identify risks, assess site conditions, and work safely in dynamic environments

Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with supervisors, contractors, and operational teams

A proactive, adaptable approach with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

A current New Zealand Driver Licence and WTR endorsement (Class 2 preferred)

Class 4 or 5 licence and truck and trailer experience (advantageous)

Experience operating loaders, rollers, tractors, mowers, trucks, or other heavy machinery (advantageous)

* Knowledge of GPS-guided equipment, laser levels, drainage plans, or civil project documentation (advantageous)

About us

At LeaderBrand, we're passionate about evolving fresh food for a healthier world. As a proud family-owned business, our goal is to be New Zealand's most innovative and consistent fresh food producer. We farm across three key growing regions, process and pack in state-of-the-art post-harvest facilities, and are supported by a nationwide sales team delivering fresh produce to every corner of Aotearoa. Our 400+ people are central to our success. Gisborne is the heart of our business and the place where LeaderBrand was founded more than 50 years ago. We also have farms in Pukekohe and Chertsey. We have a strong vision for the future of our business, our people, and our industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible with a continuous improvement mindset.