Operations Apprentice - Vegetable farm

Farmhands is a Christchurch based recruitment company specialising exclusively in Primary Industry roles.

Our client, Scottfresh, is seeking an Operations Apprentice. Scottfresh is an expanding horticultural business based in North Canterbury. Scottfresh produces supermarket ready vegetables and salad crops for the New Zealand market. 

About the role 

• Based in North Canterbury: Claverley Beach and Spotswood 
• Full Time, permanent role. 40-55 hours per week.
• Modern housing options.
• Starting rate: $28-$30 per hour. 

Apply online here: https://form.jotform.com/231976924023055

This is not a traditional apprentice programme. It is a hands-on opportunity to learn all aspects of a commercial horticultural business. You will work alongside the owner, experienced managers, supervisors and the whole team. 

As an Operations Apprentice, you will work in all areas of the business. That will include hand harvesting in the field, overseeing harvest and working with the owner on implementing and improving spreadsheet based planting programs. 

We are looking to build on your existing skills, work experience and leadership capabilities. The role provides for genuine opportunities for growth and promotion.

About the tasks 

First you will be taught to complete certain tasks. After building competency in these tasks you will then strive for constant process improvement.

• Work alongside and then become a leading hand for harvesting teams of 14+ people
• Learn to work alongside our dispatch supervisor in all areas from forklift operation, load planning and data entry.
• Tractor and machinery operation.  
• Crop planning and forecasting with management.
• Agronomy (working alongside our Agronomist on the science of growing crops). 
• Staff coordination and leadership. Lead different teams and inspire work.
• Business and reporting systems.
• Health & Safety and compliance.
• Hands on involvement in sales and marketing

About you:

• You will aspire to a future leadership or management role.
• You will thrive in a rural environment, or have a desire to live in rural environment 
• You will want to build a long-term primary industry based career 
• You will be reliable, adaptable and willing to learn.
• You should enjoy practical, hands-on work. Lifting up to 20kg will be required.
• You will be comfortable working in outdoor environments and physically active roles. 

Although not a central part of any future role, you will not be put off by the prospect of working outside at times in all the elements.

You have leadership potential or a desire to lead teams in the future. This means you can communicate and inspire a diverse group of people.

Previous horticultural or primary industry experience is useful, but not essential. The right attitude and willingness to learn are more important.

What Scottfresh will provide you

• The chance to learn all aspects of a horticultural operation.
• External training, internal mentoring and development.
• A supportive and hardworking team culture.
• Variety — no two days are the same
• The chance to be part of an expanding business
• The opportunity to be part of a family business 
• Exposure to evolving  technologies and innovation.

Scottfresh is proud of their culture and environment. They value teamwork and team dynamics. They are looking for someone who will contribute positively, align with their values and grow alongside the business long term. 

Scottfresh has very real opportunities in both operations and sales, for the right person this program will allow you to be prepared to fill such roles.