Orchard Manager

Role: Orchard Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time (Permanent)

Wages: $30 per hour

Minimum hours per week: 30

Location: Waikato Region

Position Overview

The Orchard Manager is responsible for the overall management and operation of the orchards, ensuring optimal productivity, high-quality fruit output, and compliance with industry regulations. This role oversees all aspects of orchard management, including crop planning, pest control, irrigation, workforce supervision, and financial oversight.

Key Responsibilities

1. Orchard Planning & Operations

Develop and implement annual crop management plans, including pruning, thinning, and harvesting schedules.

Ensure optimal yield forecasting and productivity improvement strategies.

Coordinate with the Agronomist (internal or external) to assess soil health, nutrient requirements, and fertilization schedules.

Oversee the selection and purchase of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other orchard supplies.

Monitor and implement irrigation schedules in collaboration with the Irrigation Technician.

2. Staff Supervision & Workforce Management

Supervise and provide direction to Orchard Supervisors and other relevant personnel in place such as Irrigation Technicians, Pest & Disease Control Specialists, and Quality Control Inspectors.

Ensure that all field staff are trained and working efficiently to meet productivity targets.

Manage workforce allocation for harvesting, maintenance, pruning, and pest control activities.

Work with the Director/Human Resources Manager to oversee seasonal hiring and ensure proper labor distribution.

Conduct regular staff meetings and training programs to enhance knowledge and safety awareness.

3. Pest & Disease Control Management

Oversee the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize losses.

Work closely with the Pest & Disease Control Specialist (internal/external) to ensure proper pesticide application schedules.

Monitor orchards for signs of diseases, fungi, and pests, and take preventative and corrective measures.

4. Irrigation & Water Management

Ensure that the Irrigation Technician (internal/external) properly manages the irrigation system to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.

Develop water conservation strategies to optimize irrigation efficiency and minimize waste.

Monitor weather conditions to adjust irrigation plans accordingly.

5. Quality Control & Compliance

Ensure all operations comply with Zespri Global GAP standards, industry regulations, and safety guidelines.

Supervise the Quality Control Inspector to ensure that fruit meets quality and market standards.

Implement best practices for picking, handling, storage, and transportation of fruit.

6. Budgeting & Financial Oversight

Work closely with the Director/Finance Manager to develop and manage the orchard budget.

Monitor expenses related to labor, equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Provide regular reports on orchard performance, productivity, and financial health to the Director/Operations Manager.

7. Equipment & Infrastructure Management

Ensure that all orchard machinery and equipment are properly maintained and operational.

Work with the Agricultural Machinery Operator to schedule servicing, repairs, and replacements of orchard equipment.

Oversee infrastructure development, including storage facilities, irrigation systems, and fencing.

8. Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

Ensure compliance with WorkSafe New Zealand health and safety regulations.

Work with the Director/Compliance & Safety Officer to develop and enforce safety protocols for field staff.

Monitor workplace hazards and ensure staff use appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Crop Yield – Achieve targeted kiwifruit yield per hectare.

Fruit Quality – Ensure that at least 95% of fruit meets export standards.

Pest & Disease Management – Maintain pest infestation rates below industry threshold levels.

Irrigation Efficiency – Ensure optimal water usage without over- or under-irrigation.

Labor Productivity – Achieve workforce productivity benchmarks as per seasonal requirements.

Cost Control – Keep operating costs within the approved budget.

Regulatory Compliance – Ensure 100% compliance with Global GAP and WorkSafe NZ regulations.

Machinery Downtime – Maintain equipment downtime below 2% annually through proactive maintenance.

Safety Performance – Maintain zero workplace incidents or injuries per season.

Timeliness of Harvest – Complete harvest within the optimal picking window for maximum yield.

Qualifications & Skills

Degree/Diploma in Agriculture/Horticulture/Business/Commerce (or similar), OR a minimum of 2 years Managerial/Supervisory experience (preferably in agriculture/horticulture).

Excellent organizational and time management skills

Strong leadership and team management skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $30.00 per hour