At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and motivate a team to ensure orchard success and high-quality apple production.
- Company: Join Mr Apple, a leader in horticulture with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, career growth opportunities, and support for certifications.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with 400 permanent staff across multiple locations.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team using cutting-edge technology in a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in horticulture, strong communication skills, and a passion for learning.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Are you passionate about horticulture and keen to grow your skills? We're looking for an experienced Senior Leading Hand to join our team and help drive orchard success.
In this role, you will support the Orchard Manager in the day-to-day running and maintenance of the orchard to produce a high-quality export crop of apples. You'll help ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and in line with company procedures, while supporting and developing orchard employees to achieve great results. You will play an important role in maintaining orchard performance, developing people, and contributing to the success of the wider team.
Your day-to-day tasks will include but are not limited to:
- Motivate and manage team members to ensure the orchard is optimally profitable
- Support work quality, productivity and day-to-day orchard operations
- Supervise and train seasonal staff
- Utilise technology to access, record and identify information
- Complete general orchard work such as property maintenance, redevelopment, tractor driving, spraying and pruning.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven horticulture experience, including supporting, training or supervising orchard teams
- Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills
- Knowledge of machinery operation and maintenance
- Pest, disease and chemical knowledge
- Comfortable using technology and keen to continue developing your horticultural and operational capability
- A future thinker – you are passionate about learning and owning change
- You must have reliable means of transport to and from work
- You have the right to work in New Zealand and can pass pre-employment checks
What we offer:
- This is an opportunity to develop and grow alongside a team of experts
- Industry leading technology to optimise the work environment
- High health and safety standards
- Teammates who believe we are stronger together
- Competitive pay to match your skills and experience
- Support and encouragement to obtain certification and qualifications
- Clear opportunities for career growth and progression within Mr Apple
Mr Apple have 400 permanent staff across their orchards, post-harvest facilities and business support services departments. With 15 orchard blocks across in Napier, Hastings and Central Hawke’s Bay, we are Future Thinkers working with cutting edge orchard machinery and equipment.
Senior Leading Hand in Hastings employer: Mr Apple
At Mr Apple, we pride ourselves on being more than just a leading apple grower; we are dedicated to nurturing our employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. As a Technical Operations Manager – Orchards, you will enjoy a collaborative work environment that values your expertise and offers ample opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to the future of horticulture in New Zealand. Join us to make a tangible impact on orchard performance and be part of a supportive team that is committed to excellence and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Leading Hand in Hastings
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Mr Apple.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Mr Apple.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Mr Apple; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Leading Hand in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Mr Apple.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Senior Leading Hand.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Mr Apple is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Mr Apple a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mr Apple
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Mr Apple might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
