Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator

Job Title :                                   Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator

Employer :                                Darjeeling Management Limited

Contact :                                   | |

Location :                                 Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Employment Type :                  Full-time, Permanent

Wage Rate :                              $29.50 – $32.00 per hour (depending on experience and skills)

Positions :                                 3 Positions

About Us

Darjeeling Management Limited is a business based in the Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s most prominent horticultural regions. We are dedicated to assisting in producing high-quality pip fruit including but not limited to apples, grapes & kiwifruit for both domestic and export markets. Our focus is on sustainable orchard management practices, innovation, and delivering consistent productivity while supporting our team of skilled workers. We offer great pay, maintain a dedicated team focus, and are known as an ethical employer and a locally owned established business.

Job Purpose

We are seeking resolute and experienced Mobile Plant Operator to join our expanding orchard management and maintenance team. This is a permanent role working on multiple orchards, primarily in the greater Hawke’s Bay region. The Mobile Plant Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining of orchard machinery. This role supports all aspects of orchard operations, including land preparation, planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest management, thinning, pruning, and harvesting. It also requires compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards. Adaptability to clients’ needs, a cheerful outlook, and motivation as a collaborator are essential, with a focus on seeking continual improvement in results.

Key Tasks

• Operate tractors, harvesters, loaders, sprayers, and other mobile machinery to prepare land, fertilize, cultivate, and assist with crop management.
• Support irrigation, & pest control.
• Maintain records of machinery use and orchard activities.
• Perform routine machinery maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs.
• Monitor machinery performance and report faults.

Skills and Experience Required

Desirable Skills