CROP ASSISTANT & MACHINE OPERATOR
About The Role
Based in Gisborne, this is a permanent, full-time opportunity to join our farming team and support the business through our key growing seasons.
As a Machine Operator, you’ll play a hands-on role across a range of farming activities, from harvesting and planting to irrigation and crop maintenance. This is a physical role, suited to someone who enjoys being outdoors and working as part of a close-knit team.
You’ll be responsible for safely and efficiently operating LeaderBrand vehicles and machinery, while working alongside Crop Managers, Operations Managers, Supervisors/Team Leaders, and your teammates to keep things running smoothly.
We’re looking for someone with a great attitude who’s willing to get stuck in, take pride in their work, and contribute positively to the team. Health and safety is a top priority in everything we do, and you’ll play an important part in keeping yourself and others safe on the job.
In this role, you will:
- Support harvesting across a range of crops, ensuring quality and food safety standards are met
- Assist with planting operations, maintaining accuracy and consistency in the field
- Carry out crop maintenance tasks, including irrigation setup and general crop care
- Operate and maintain machinery safely and efficiently, following all company and legal requirements
- Contribute to a strong health and safety culture
- Build positive working relationships across the wider farming team
This is a varied and fast-paced role that offers a great opportunity to be part of New Zealand’s fresh produce industry and help deliver high-quality food from our farms to Kiwi tables.
About You
You’re someone who enjoys hands-on, outdoor work and takes pride in doing a job well. You bring a positive attitude, work well in a team, and aren’t afraid to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.
You understand the importance of doing things safely and consistently, and you’re committed to following processes that protect both people and product.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- A full NZ driver’s licence
- Good physical fitness and the ability to handle outdoor farm work
- A strong commitment to health & safety, including safe driving practices and adherence to NZ traffic laws
- An understanding of food safety and personal hygiene requirements
It would be an advantage if you also have:
- Experience in harvesting, planting, or general crop maintenance
- Machinery operating experience
- Knowledge of irrigation systems
Most importantly, you’re a team player with a great attitude who’s keen to learn, contribute, and be part of a hardworking crew.
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.
