Pathways Assistant Orchard Manager

Join a Growing Industry Leader: Orchard Manager Opportunity with Prospa

Do you love working outdoors and want an exciting career that challenges and develops you?

Prospa,EastPack's Orchard Management division, is on the lookout for an enthusiastic Assistant Orchard Manager to join our thriving team in the Waikato.  This role isn't just a job—it's the start of an exciting planned out career pathway with one of the largest and fastest growing orchard management companies in the kiwifruit industry.

Why Choose Prospa?

At Prospa, we don't just manage orchards; we cultivate success. As a key part of EastPack, we offer comprehensive orchard management services across eight regions: Gisborne, Opotiki, Edgecumbe, Te Puke, Tauranga, Katikati, Coromandel, and Waikato. Our reputation is built on achieving outstanding results from a foundation of technical excellence, strong operational support, and outstanding leadership. We strive to deliver top quality orchard management in every region, by providing our team with highly relevant technical and operational support and effective leadership.

When you join Prospa, you become part of a team that values your growth. We offer:

• Clear Career Pathway: Be part of our Prospa Career Pathways Programme, designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress your career with Prospa. We are passionate about supporting you to reach your full potential.
• Supportive Work Environment: Work alongside industry leaders who are committed to mentoring and guiding you.
• Diverse Opportunities: Gain hands-on experience across various orchard operations and management activities.
• Competitive Remuneration Package: Based on skills and experience, that grows as you grow. A company vehicle, mobile phone and laptop are provided for work purposes, and the remuneration package includes private health insurance.

About the Role

As an Assistant Orchard Manager, you'll play a crucial role in supporting the Orchard Manager with daily operations. Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting in the management of orchard activities to optimise productivity and quality
• Leading and motivating orchard teams to achieve outstanding results
• Planning and executing key tasks such as pruning, orchard maintenance, fruit thinning, and machinery operations
• Supporting relationship management with key stakeholders, including clients (growers)
• Ensuring health and safety standard are met.

What We're Looking For

If you are passionate about pursuing quality and have a drive to succeed, this role is for you.

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will have:

• A strong interest in horticulture and eagerness to learn all aspects of orchard management
• Ideally, some demonstrated experience with on orchard tasks
• Mechanical aptitude with a good understanding of tool and machinery operations
• Proven leadership or supervision skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team
• Strong problem-solving skills and a positive attitude
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• The ability to take initiative and work independently when needed
• Physical fitness and a love for working outdoors in all conditions
• Knowledge of H&S compliance and understanding of its importance
• Be highly self-motivated, with strong initiative and personal accountability
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including weekends, during peak seasons
• A full, clean New Zealand driver's license.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand.

Grow with Us

At Prospa, we believe in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. Aside from horticulture industry experience, what is most important to us is great character and work ethic, the rest we can train. With Prospa, you'll gain valuable skills and experience, receive continuous support, and have a pathway to develop and advance your career within our organisation.

Ready to Cultivate Your Future?

If you pride yourself on delivering exceptional results and you're ready to take the next step in your career, with a company that values your potential, we'd love to hear from you. So, don't wait - APPLY NOW to join the Prospa team and start your journey towards becoming a future leader in orchard management with us.

Prospa – Growing Orchards, Growing Careers, Growing Futures.

Applications close on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and will be reviewed as received, therefore may closer earlier if suitable candidate is found.

You must provide an up-to-date CV AND a cover letter explaining why you're who we are looking for.