Horticultural Nursery Assistant

HORSHAM DOWNS FRUIT OCHARDS LIMITEDOrchard WorkerHamilton, Waikato3w ago

About the Role

The Horticultural Nursery Assistant will support the propagation, cultivation, maintenance and harvesting of strawberries and other fruit crops.

This is a hands-on position that requires applicants to be comfortable undertaking physical work in nursery, orchard and outdoor growing environments.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful applicant will be responsible for duties including:

• Assisting with propagating, planting, cultivating and harvesting strawberries and other fruit crops.

• Preparing soil, potting mixes, growing areas and seedbeds.

• Planting seeds, seedlings and young plants.

• Watering, weeding and feeding growing plants and seedlings.

• Assisting with fertilising and general plant maintenance.

• Monitoring plants and reporting signs of pests, diseases or other crop problems to the supervisor.

• Removing weeds, damaged plants and unwanted vegetation.

• Assisting with picking and harvesting strawberries and other fruits.

• Sorting, grading and packing harvested fruit and other produce.

• Preparing plants and produce for dispatch, transport or sale.

• Packing and loading plants, fruit and other produce.

• Loading and unloading horticultural materials and supplies.

• Cleaning and maintaining growing, harvesting, nursery and packing areas.

• Using basic horticultural tools and equipment safely and appropriately.

• Following workplace health and safety, food hygiene and biosecurity procedures.

• Carrying out other reasonable horticultural duties associated with the position.

Skills and Requirements

Applicants should:

• Have an NZQF Level 1 qualification, equivalent qualification or basic secondary school education, where applicable.

• Have an interest in horticulture, nursery operations, strawberry growing or fruit production.

• Be physically capable of undertaking horticultural work, including standing, walking, bending, lifting and repetitive tasks.

• Be willing and able to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.

• Be reliable, punctual and able to follow instructions.

• Have good attention to detail when handling plants and fruit.

• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.

• Have a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

• Follow all workplace health and safety, hygiene and operational requirements.

Previous experience in horticulture, strawberry production, fruit growing, nursery work, harvesting or agricultural work would be advantageous but is not essential.

Hours and Remuneration

HORSHAM DOWNS FRUIT OCHARDS LIMITED is offering:

Hourly Rate: NZD $26.00 gross per hour

Guaranteed Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week

Minimum Weekly Gross Earnings: NZD $780.00 based on 30 hours per week

Additional hours may be available depending on seasonal and operational requirements.

All employment conditions, holiday entitlements and other minimum employment rights will be provided in accordance with applicable New Zealand employment legislation.

What We Offer

• Minimum guaranteed hours of employment.

• Practical on-the-job training.

• Supportive working environment.

• Opportunity to develop practical horticultural and fruit-production skills.

• Experience working within New Zealand's horticulture industry.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their current CV together with a brief cover letter outlining their experience, availability and suitability for the position.

Applications Close: 20th September 2026

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