Darlings Fruit Ltd

Job Opportunity: Full-Time Orchard Equipment Operator

The Darling family owns and operates over 100ha of orchard in
Roxburgh East and Ettrick.
We grow apricots, apples, pears and plums which we pack and
distribute from our packhouse in Ettrick.
We are on the lookout for a full time Orchard Equipment Operator to
join our team!
Prior and proven experience is preferred but not essential.
A current New Zealand Driver’s Licence is required.
Key Responsibilities
As an Orchard Equipment Operator, you will be responsible for the safe
and efficient operation of orchard machinery. Your daily tasks will
include:
Operating tractors equipped with various implements (mowers,
sprayers, cultivators, and bin trailers).
Carrying out precise orchard spraying and fertilizer applications in
compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Assisting with harvest logistics, including fruit transportation and
bin handling.
Conducting daily pre-start checks, routine maintenance, and basic
mechanical troubleshooting of machinery.
Adhering strictly to health, safety, and biosecurity protocols on the
orchard.
Assisting with other orchard tasks as and when required.

What can we offer you?

Unbeatable team atmosphere with a close knit team
A modern and innovative work environment
Plenty of opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable
experiences
A rewarding role with purpose
Feel appreciated and valued. We always put people first.

What qualities will you need?
A positive attitude
Good communication skills
Honesty and integrity
Self-motivation and the ability to work by yourself or in a team
Ability to adhere to scheduled start and finish times consistently
A willingness to learn
Enthusiasm for new skills and experiences
Good level of physical fitness

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role, and would like to receive an application
form please email Ruby at [email protected]
All enquiries will be treated with complete confidence.
You MUST be a NZ Resident or Citizen to apply for this job.
Applications close 20 September 2026

Position Available: Fruit Quality Inspector.

Darlings Fruit Ltd is a family owned apricot, apple and pear growing, packing and exporting business in the Teviot Valley, Central Otago.

We are on the lookout for a full time Fruit Quality Inspector to join our team!
This is a fixed term role from February to late June.
No prior experience is required and all necessary training will be provided to the successful applicant.

The purpose of this role is to support our packhouse team in sampling and assessing fruit quality and suitability for export and NZ markets.

What can we offer you?

• Unbeatable team atmosphere in small family owned business

• A modern and innovative work environment

• The opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable experiences

• A rewarding role with purpose

• Feel appreciated and valued. We always put people first.

What qualities will you need?

• A positive attitude

• Honesty and integrity

• A willingness to learn

• Enthusiasm for new skills and experiences

• Able to work in a team

If you are interested in this role, and would like to receive an application form and job description, please email Ruby at [email protected]

All enquiries will be treated with complete confidence.

You MUST be a NZ Resident, Citizen or have a relevant work visa to apply for this job.

Immediate start available.

Applications close when we find our successful candidate.

Position Available: Fruit Production Assistant

Are you interested in a career in fruit growing?

The Darling family owns and operates over 100ha of orchard in Roxburgh East and Ettrick.
We grow apricots, apples, pears and plums which we pack and distribute from our packhouse in Ettrick.

We are on the lookout for a full time Fruit Production Assistant to join our team!
No prior experience is required and all necessary training will be provided to the successful applicant.

The purpose of this role is to support our orchard operations team in

· Operating tractors, hydraladas, sprayers and other orchard equipment

· Application of fungicides, herbicides, fertilizer, etc

· Pruning and tree training

· Crop load management

· General orchard tasks

· Supervising and assisting our thinning, harvest and pruning teams



What can we offer you?

· Unbeatable team atmosphere with a close knit team

· A modern and innovative work environment

· Plenty of opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable experiences

· A rewarding role with purpose

· Feel appreciated and valued. We always put people first.

What qualities will you need?

· A positive attitude

· Good communication skills

· Honesty and integrity

· Self-motivation and the ability to work by yourself or in a team

· Ability to adhere to scheduled start and finish times consistently

· A willingness to learn

· Enthusiasm for new skills and experiences

· Good level of physical fitness



If you are interested in this role, and would like to receive an application form and job description, please email Ruby Hobbs (Recruitment Officer) at [email protected]

All enquiries will be treated with complete confidence.

You MUST be a NZ Resident or Citizen to apply for this job.

Applications close when we find the right person :)

First day of apricot thinning 🤠

The start of the Fuji harvest 🤠🍎

Beautiful morning for some spraying 😎

Sunrise in Roxburgh East 🤠

Some photos of frost fighting last night at our Ettrick and Roxburgh East orchards 🥶 Was a long cold night but was necessary to protect the crop. 🤠

Some photos of frost fighting from last week 🥶🤠