Packhouse
Pick the Packhouse and be our Harvest Hero
A huge thank you to all those seasonal staff who worked with Bostock during the 2023/24 Season.
Applications are now closed, we hope to hear from you as we have started to recruit for the packhouse for season 2025.
Pease note that some may be placed on a waiting list and no person with a SSE visa can work in a Packhouse but we would greatly appreciate if you had to join the Orchard team.
FORKLIFT OPERATOR
January- June (Varies by packhouse) Forklift Operators move full and empty bins around the packhouse, as well as finished packed products. Operators will load/unload trucks and load containers for export. Operators must have a current OSH Forklift Licence and driving experience in a packhouse or similar environment and must drive in a safe manner at all times. Good eyesight is required for this role and operators need to be prepared to carry out daily machine checks. As this is a safety -sensitive role all applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Forklift operators are paid hourly.
Work requirements: Current OSH Forklift Licence, Valid visa or NZ citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number, ability to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
Rates and hours: Rates are based on experience and the role. Work is generally, 5-6 days a week including weekends.
GRADER
January - June (varies by packhouse) Graders make sure that the Squash or Onions coming down the conveyer line match the grade standard for packing and remove any that do not meet this standard. This job involves standing in one place for long periods of time, concentrating on the product coming down the line and making instant and correct decisions on the grading of the squash or onions. Good coordination and good eyesight are required for the position. This role is paid hourly.
Work requirements: Vaild visa or NZ citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number.
Rates and hours : Rates are based on experience/ Work is generally, 5-6 days a week including weekends.
QUALITY CONTROLLER
January - June (varies by packhouse) QCs check that the quality of the packed squash or onions are within the grade standards and record the results. They train and manage the grading team so must have the ability to communicate effectively with people. QCs are required to analyse information and identify trends in quality standards. A good level of computer literacy is essential and proven QC experience is an advantage. This is not an entry-level position however, it is a role that can be recruited throughout the season. Reliable staff who have a good eye for detail and appropriate skills can be promoted to this role. This role is paid hourly.
Work requirements: Valid visa or NZ citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number, good computer literacy.
Rates and hours: Rates are based on experience. Work is generally, 5-6 days a week including weekends.
BIN BUILDER
January - April This role is responsible for building bins for produce across the company. Bins must be built to correct standards depending on use. A high level of accuracy is required for this role as faulty bins can result in injury.
Work requirements: Valid visa or NZ citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number.
Rates and hours: Contract rates apply. Work is generally, 5-6 days a week including weekends.
SHED HANDS/ MACHINE OPERATOR
January - June (varies by packhouse) These valuable team members are the glue that keep the packhouses running. Jobs include operating the onion bulk bag filling machine, Onion and Squash bin filling machine and keeping work areas clean and tidy. This role involves working around forklifts and machinery so safety is key in this role. The ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time and the ability to safely lift 20kgs (when working in the Onion Packhouse) is required in this role. This role is paid hourly.
Work requirements: Valid visa or NZ citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number.
Rates and hours: Rates are based on experience. Work is generally, 5-6 days a week including weekends.
LINE WORKER - SQUASH PACKHOUSE
January – April
Line Workers are responsible for a range of positions in the Squash Packhouse. Duties include stem removal and dump operation as well as general packhouse duties.
Work requirements: Valid visa or NZ citizenship, NZ bank account and IRD number.
Rates and hours: Rates are based on experience. Work is generally, 5-6 days a week including weekends.
Rather work outside? Find out how you can pick the Orchard this summer…
Rather keep cool this summer? Find out how you can pick the Coolstore here…
