18 May 2026

EXCAVATOR/MACHINE OPERATOR

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About The Role

We’re on the lookout for an experienced Excavator Machine Operator to support our Gisborne farming operations. This is a hands-on role where you’ll spend your time out on farm operating excavators and heavy machinery to keep things running smoothly, from drainage and track repairs to civil works and development projects.

Working closely with the Contracting and Maintenance Supervisor, farm teams and contractors, you’ll play a key role in maintaining safe access, effective water movement and practical infrastructure across the farm. No two days are the same, one day you might be clearing drains, the next working on new development or repairing tracks after a weather event.

You’ll be responsible for completing excavation and earthworks to a high standard, while keeping machinery in top condition through daily checks and basic maintenance. A strong focus on safety, attention to detail and the ability to identify and escalate issues early are essential.

This role suits someone who enjoys being out in the field, takes pride in a job well done and can confidently operate machinery while solving practical, on-the-ground challenges.

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About You

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Practical experience in civil construction, farm maintenance, drainage, earthworks, contracting, heavy machinery operation or agriculture/horticulture operations preferred.
  • 3+ years’ experience operating excavators in civil, drainage, farm maintenance, earthworks or contracting environments preferred.
  • Strong practical skills in excavator operation, drainage work, track repairs, earthworks, site preparation and machinery care.
  • Understanding of environmental, health and safety, food safety and compliance requirements.
  • Current New Zealand driver licence; WTR endorsement required and Class 2 licence preferred.

Core Skills & Competencies:

  • Safe, competent and productive excavator operator with strong machine control, field judgement and attention to finish.
  • Able to identify ground condition, drainage, services, access, slope, stability, traffic and machinery risks early.
  • Practical problem solver with strong resourcefulness and ability to work independently while following supervisor direction.
  • Effective communicator able to work with supervisors, truck drivers, contractors, operators, engineering and farm teams.
  • Disciplined with pre-starts, machine care, records, defect reporting, fuel use, job completion updates and safe work practices.
  • Outcome-driven, using sound judgement to support safe access, reliable infrastructure, project delivery, productivity and business success.
  • Adaptable, hands-on and comfortable managing changing priorities, breakdowns, weather impacts, soil conditions and urgent farm maintenance needs.

Desirable:

  • Class 4 or Class 5 heavy vehicle licence and truck-and-trailer operating experience.
  • Loader, roller, tractor, mower, grader or other heavy machinery competency.
  • Experience with laser levels, GPS-guided equipment, drainage plans, farm maps, survey information or civil project documentation.
  • Traffic management, working around services, confined space or other relevant civil construction training.
  • Competence in basic machinery maintenance, attachment set-up, fault-finding and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with health & safety systems, pre-starts, incident reporting and project risk assessments.
  • First Aid certification.
About LeaderBrand

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. We’re always on the lookout for new talent with energy, passion, and a drive to learn – people excited to help shape the future of fresh food.

Gisborne is the heart of our business and the place where LeaderBrand was founded more than 50 years ago. Over that time, LeaderBrand has become integral to the story of our community, with the next generations of those who started with us returning to shape the future alongside us. We also have farms in Pukekohe and Chertsey.

We have a strong vision for the future of our business, our people, and our industry. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Our continuous improvement mindset grounds us as one of New Zealand’s leading horticultural businesses. We seek, harness, and develop the best people, technology, land, and machinery to shape the future of food.