Irrigation Team Lead

Baygold is seeking an experienced and capable Irrigation Team Lead to oversee irrigation installation and maintenance projects across our orchards and client sites. Reporting to the Infrastructure Project Manager, you will manage daily workloads, lead a small team on ‑ site, and ensure all irrigation, trenching, cabling, and infrastructure work is delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

This is a hands ‑ on leadership role where you ’ ll set the standard for quality, support team development, and contribute directly to building and maintaining high ‑ performing orchards.

Key Responsibilities

Irrigation Installation & Maintenance

• Lead the installation and repair of mains, sub ‑ mains, in ‑ ground pipework, and above ‑ ground laterals.
• Support installation of irrigation systems according to engineering plans, ensuring accuracy and quality.
• Lead repairs and maintenance of irrigation systems to a high standard.
• Provide on ‑ site guidance and support to team members to ensure consistent, high ‑ quality work.
• Ensure sites are kept clean and machinery pre ‑ starts, shutdowns, and cleaning are completed correctly.

Trenching & Cabling

• Operate trenching machinery, skid steers, and tractors with a high level of skill and care.
• Lead trenching, backfilling, and installation of pipes, fibre cabling, and frost probes.
• Ensure equipment is organised, prepared, and ready ahead of scheduled work.

Culvert & Infrastructure Work

• Carry out roading repairs and maintenance for orchard roads and pads.
• Install and maintain drainage systems and oversee remedial work following slips or ground movement.
• Participate in property setup and maintenance activities, ensuring all work meets Baygold’s standards.
• Lead by example in machinery operation and ground preparation tasks.

Task Management & Team Leadership

• Under the direction of the Infrastructure Project Manager, manage team workload and on ‑ site scheduling.
• Allocate tasks, monitor progress, and ensure work is completed on time and to a high standard.
• Hold regular conversations with team members to clarify expectations, build motivation, and support performance.
• Support team members’ learning and development, removing barriers to success and fostering a positive team culture.
• May take on responsibilities as a Baygold Trainer, as agreed.

Health & Safety

• Lead daily toolbox meetings with support from the Infrastructure Project Manager.
• Ensure all Health & Safety procedures are followed and champion a proactive safety culture.
• Ensure workers and contractors understand site risks, rules, and required controls.
• Confirm all workers are trained and competent for the tasks they undertake.
• Promote continuous improvement, wellbeing, and safe work practices.

What you will bring

• Proven experience in infrastructure work, including civil works, drainage, or pipe installation.
• Experience reading and interpreting irrigation plans or site drawings.
• Practical knowledge of irrigation systems, pumps, valves, and troubleshooting.
• HT licence (Class 2 or 4), or willingness to work toward obtaining it.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing workloads and maintaining quality standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to Health & Safety and experience leading safe work practices.
• Ability to train, guide, and support team members.
• Full driver’s licence.

There are so many reasons to join our team!

• Grow your skills and build a successful career in a premium horticulture business.
• Strong values: Care, Inspire, Perform and Grow
• Health insurance, skin mole maps and annual health checks (because we care)!

You must have the legal right to work in New Zealand as we will not be able to provide sponsorship for visas. You must undergo a pre-employment drug & alcohol screening and a criminal history check.