Orchard Maintenance & Machinery Team Leader
Trinity Lands Limited – Paengaroa, Bay of Plenty
Reports to: General Manager, Kiwifruit
At Trinity Lands, we believe productive land can create meaningful impact for people and communities. Through our horticultural operations, we help fund community-led programmes that support people facing challenges across Aotearoa.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Orchard Maintenance & Machinery Team Leader to join our kiwifruit operation in Paengaroa.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will work alongside your team day-to-day while leading orchard machinery operations, maintenance activities, spray application programmes, and infrastructure upkeep across our orchards.
You’ll lead a small team of Orchard Machinery Operators and Maintenance Specialists, helping create a safe, productive, and positive working environment while ensuring our orchards and equipment are maintained to a high standard.
At Trinity Lands, we value stewardship, excellence, service, integrity, and teamwork — caring well for our land, equipment, people, and community.
About the Role
Reporting to the General Manager, Kiwifruit, you will be responsible for coordinating and supporting orchard maintenance and machinery operations across the business.
This role combines practical orchard work with team leadership and is ideal for someone who enjoys being out in the field, leading by example, and developing others.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support Orchard Machinery Operators and Maintenance Specialists in daily orchard operations
- Work hands-on alongside the team operating and maintaining orchard machinery and spray equipment
- Coordinate orchard maintenance activities including machinery servicing, repairs, and infrastructure upkeep
- Operate tractors, sprayers, mowers, utility vehicles, and associated orchard equipment
- Oversee crop spraying programmes and support pest management activities
- Ensure all machinery and equipment are maintained to high operational and safety standards
- Monitor and prioritise maintenance tasks to support orchard productivity
- Train and mentor team members to ensure safe and competent equipment operation
- Maintain accurate service and maintenance records
- Promote strong health, safety, environmental, and compliance practices across the team
- Support wider orchard operations as required throughout the season
What We’re Looking For
You’ll be a practical leader who enjoys working alongside your team and takes pride in maintaining high standards across orchard operations.
Preferred skills and experience:
- Proven experience in orchard machinery operation and maintenance
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving ability
- Experience leading or supervising operational teams
- Knowledge of horticultural spraying, fertigation, and irrigation systems
- Confidence operating tractors, sprayers, and orchard equipment
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- A proactive, reliable, and team-focused approach
- Commitment to developing others and fostering a positive team culture
- A strong sense of stewardship — caring for equipment, people, and land
Qualifications and licences preferred:
- Growsafe certification
- Forklift licence
- Heavy vehicle licence (Class 4 preferred)
- Experience in horticultural spraying operations
Apply Now
If you’re an experienced orchard operator and people leader looking to join a values-led organisation making a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you.
