Potato Harvest

Potato harvest key roles

South Canterbury Potatoes ltd are industry leaders in large scale potato handling operations. With harvest season approaching we have several fixed term opportunities available to fill key roles based at McCains in Washdyke. Successful applicants for these positions will be part of and help to lead our team of 40 staff on site to store 70,000 tonne of potatoes over approximately 6 weeks from the 12th of March.

Team lead: Working under training and guidance from the day or night shift manager you will lead by example your team of 4 people ensuring samples are taken correctly and a high standard of quality is maintained at all times. Trucks are safely and efficiently guided onto the pups using clear hand and voice signals. Report any damage as it occurs. Ensure the other samplers and pickers get the opportunity for required breaks. Assist with preventative maintenance identifying if something is not right at the earliest opportunity. Motivate your team to align with our company values of being the best at what we do. A current forklift license and osh certificate is preferred for this role as is some basic mechanical aptitude and the ability to clearly communicate and get on well with your colleges. There are vacancies for both day shift (6am to 4pm) and night shift (4pm to 2am).

Piler operator: Operating one of our near new remote controlled Spudnik 780 42 inch pilers, this role will see you piling potatoes into store ensuring no damage and good consistent operation. You will work well under pressure (piling up to 2.5 tonne of potatoes a minute) and be confident working independently. Strong attention to detail is required for this role. Previous experience is preferred but a high level of training will be provided regardless. Current vacancies for Day shift (6am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 6am to 12 noon Saturdays).

Machine (PIV) operator: We operate various machines including x3 modern 3 tonne forklifts with rotators, an old 8 tonne forklift, a 1 year old pivot steer JCB, several class 4 tipper trucks. This role will see you operating one or more of these machines as required to perform duties such as tipping dirt trays and sample bins, transporting and positioning steel ventilation (culvert) pipes, moving and assembling/disassembling pilers/conveyor belts/pups to move equipment out of a store as it fills and set up the next one. These roles require a current forklift license and osh certificate. Wheels endorsement is also preferred. You must also have experience and understanding of moving machinery with both forks and using chains to precisely move gear into/out of place safely without causing damage. As you will not be required to be on the machine all the time you must be happy to assist with sampling/picking/piling etc.

Truck drivers (class 5): Several positions available driving a Volvo truck and trailer V-bin unit. This could include driving one of our series 4 FM Volvos and or one of Kinsman potatoes series 2 or 4 FH units Based in Temuka. Experience with both manual and Ishift transmissions is preferred as is top heavy loads on rural roads. All units operate on 58 tonne hpmv permits and trailer swap each load to minimize loading times. Positions available for just truck driving (full or part time) or truck driving as needed and assist with the above jobs when not needed in a truck. Day (approx. 8am to 3 or 4pm) and night shift (3 or 4pm to between 1 and 4am) vacancy's available. Operating 5 days/nights a week + half a shift on Saturdays. Also after Ashburton based day and a night shift drivers to drive a Kinsman potatoes Globetrotter tractor unit towing Vbin trailers into Talleys (7am to 2am).

Full pre season and ongoing training will be provided for all roles. South Canterbury potatoes runs a high performing team that is proud to be the best. Ideal applicants for all positions are self motivated forward thinkers that enjoy a challenge and don't mind working hard to see results.

If this sounds like you apply via email to sloan@kinsmanpotatoes.co.nz