Agile Administration Superstars

Are you an admin wizard but don’t want to be stuck behind a desk all day? Are you accurate under pressure and possess intermediate (or better) MS Excel skills? We have a variety of roles up for grabs, whether you are just starting out or have experience under your belt. Inventory, dispatch, shipping – our high quality produce goes nowhere without a good crew of people behind the scenes keeping track. You need to be able to keep your head in a fast-paced environment, be a problem solver, and a positive communicator. If that sounds like you, we have strong systems in place to get you up to speed quickly. This role will give you exposure to export and horticulture logistics, and packhouse operations – a great launching pad for a career in a thriving industry.

Product Specialists

Know your onions? Or maybe you speak squash? Brownrigg Agriculture is the largest grower of export squash in the country, and our onion programme is gaining real momentum. We have two senior packhouse roles available – one in onions, one squash – and we need some product superstars to complete our team.

You will be experienced at getting the best out of a team and enjoy the pace and challenge a busy packhouse environment brings. If you have an affinity for plant machinery, even better, but if you haven’t, don’t let that hold you back – we are looking for product champions to help us deliver export quality squash and onions to our markets.

You will have been a leader in a packhouse environment and know what that entails. Be calm under pressure, a great communicator who listens as well as they talk, and be able to relate to people of all backgrounds. You will be comfortable with technology, and spreadsheets won’t intimidate you. You will always be looking for ways to do things better with a mindset focussed on continuous improvement.

But most of all, you will be passionate about the product and delivering quality!

Quality Controller

To succeed in this role your attention to detail will be second to none. You will be confident in deciding what makes the grade – and what doesn’t. You will be comfortable helping to coach the grading team so that product meets our high standards. Onions or squash You will have a positive outlook and good communication skills. This is a big responsibility – we need the right people to fill the boots. Good QCs are in demand throughout the industry – a great career option.

Graders

Do you have the stamina to be on your feet all day? Have attention to detail? Then we need you for our grading team. Get a few mates together and spend your season putting some money in the bank. If you have previous experience grading/sizing squash and onions, your wages will reflect it. If you don’t have experience, but are reliable and have a positive outlook, we have strong systems in place to quickly get you up to speed. We are recruiting for both packhouse and harvester-based roles. You will get a good sense of how a packhouse environment works and get a foot in the door of a progressive company.

Packers & Stackers

Are you energetic and physically strong? Whether it is packing squash into an export bin, or 25kg onion bags on to a pallet – this is a big job that will keep you moving all day. As well as being physically fit, to make this team you need to be reliable and have a positive outlook. Get a few mates together, and spend your season keeping fit and banking some cash. You will get a good sense of how a packhouse environment works and get a foot in the door of a progressive company.

Forklift Operator

Forklift operators keep our packhouses moving. This skilled role is crucial for efficient and safe operations. To lock this role down it is likely you will have had previous forklift experience but we can help you get your forklift ticket through in-house training, so don’t let that hold you back. Alternatively, you may have had other loader experience – but it will need to have been in tight spaces under time pressure. We are looking for the best for this key job – you will be aware of what is going on around you, you will be able to deal with pressure, and you will be able to get on with other people. Your referees will describe you as reliable and steady. We pay good rates for good people

Truck and Tractor Drivers

Harvest kicks off at the end of December – we are on the lookout for handy Class 5 license holders for our field trucking team, and tractor drivers (full, clean Class 1 License as a minimum) to help get our high quality produce from field to the packhouse. This is your opportunity to be part of a well-oiled harvest operation and become a valued member of this team. This role is the gateway to permanent toles in our business.

FAQ

When can I start?

Our squash harvest and packhouse operations can start in late December, and our onion packhouse in mid-late January.

Do you drug test?

Yes, we do pre-employment drug testing plus ongoing random testing throughout the season.

When does the season finish?

Squash operation run through until mid-April – the exact date will depend on the weather. Onion operations run through until mid-June, and potentially longer if the season demands it.

How much will I get paid?

It depends on your experience and role – everyone starts above minimum wage.

Is there work when it rains?

Our onion packhouse operates whatever the weather. Our squash harvest and packhouse operations are weather dependent, and likely to halt if there is significant rainfall.

How often do I get paid?

Weekly – the pay week ends on a Sunday, and the money earned for that week will be in your account on Tuesday.

What are the hours?

The onion packhouse operates on a 6-day roster, with Sunday the usual rostered day off, and the shift starts at 7am and goes through until 6.30pm.

The hours of operation in the squash packhouse are more variable due to the impact of environmental conditions and the need to meet shipping deadlines. Days worked vary significantly to a maximum in peak harvest of 6 days per week. A typical day at the squash packhouse is 7.30am until 6.00pm, although sometimes finishing closer to 5.00pm.

Where are the packhouses?

We are 21km south of the Pakipaki roundabout on State Highway 2 and 23km north of Waipawa.

Do I get breaks?

In the packhouses, there are 15-minute smoko breaks in the morning and afternoon (paid), and a 30-minute lunch break.

What experience do I need?

We have jobs for everyone – for people who are just starting out, right through to people with experience under their belt. We are looking for a positive attitude, a reliable nature, and people who like to be rewarded for their hard work and commitment.

Do I need to provide my own gear?

You are responsible for supplying your own safe and comfortable footwear, but all other safety gear required will be provided.

Is there food available?

We are looking at some options to have food available on site on certain days – this is unconfirmed at this stage so be prepared to bring your food with you.