Disease Management & Stringing Team Member

Are you hands-on, reliable, and ready to work outdoors in a team that values growth, integrity, and collaboration? McLean Orchards is looking for motivated and adaptable team members to join us for the upcoming winter season.

This is a seasonal fixed-term role involving a wide range of orchard tasks focused on winter pruning, tree training, and disease management. We’re looking for practical individuals who can work well independently and as part of a team, communicate effectively, and are willing to support our orchard operations during the busy winter season.

6 x Roles: Disease Management - what you’ll be doing:

• Assisting with disease (canker) management and other seasonal orchard tasks
• Inspecting trees and identifying potential disease or orchard health issues – good eyesight and ability to stay focused is required!
• Using grinders and pruning tools safely and efficiently, including secateurs, loppers, and handsaws. This is physically demanding work that requires practical hands-on skills, confidence operating grinders safely, and the ability to regularly climb ladders throughout the day
• Following all health and safety procedures while working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Supporting supervisors and working collaboratively with the wider orchard team

4 x Roles: Stringing (tree training) – what you will be doing

• Assisting with stringing and tree training, including tying and positioning branches to support healthy tree structure, while regularly climbing ladders throughout the day
• Following all health and safety procedures while working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Supporting supervisors and working collaboratively with the wider orchard team

What we’re looking for:

• Previous orchard or pruning experience is preferred but not essential — full training will be provided
• Physically fit and comfortable with repetitive manual outdoor work
• Positive “can-do” attitude, strong work ethic, punctual, and reliable
• Own reliable transport
• Applicants must be New Zealand residents or citizens and legally entitled to work in New Zealand

Contract details:

This is a seasonal fixed-term position running from approximately 2 June 2026 through to end of September 2026, depending on seasonal conditions.

Why join us?

We’re more than just an orchard — we’re a team committed to building a values-led culture. At McLean Orchards, we’re focused on teamwork, continuous improvement, and personal development.

We’re passionate about supporting locals — whether you’re starting your horticulture career or looking to build on existing experience, we’ll back you with opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

How to Apply 

You MUST apply via our form: https://forms.office.com/r/95nwQjypaA

No other forms of application will be accepted.

Face-to-face interviews will begin immediately.

Applicants must be NZ citizens/residents or hold a valid work visa.

Must be physically fit and have good eye-sight