Open To Work
Heath McLean
Sovereign Palms,Kaiapoi
Summary
I am a positive and enthusiastic individual who consistently strives to excel in all endeavors.
Throughout my working life, I have been an practical, customer focused professional and have gained extensive experience communicating with clients, planning work to deadlines, and delivering consistent results in high-pressure environments.
I am known for my clear, professional communication, building robust business relationships and proactively identifying customer needs to ensure repeat business and satisfaction.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Agricultural Spraying Specialist
Gilchrist Brothers Limted
, North Canterbury
06.2016 - Current
- Operated tractors, combines and other agricultural equipment to complete spraying and fieldwork safely, accurately and on schedule for customers.
- Planned and coordinated planting, harvesting and irrigation schedules around customer requirements, weather windows and equipment availability.
- Worked with customers to set practical crop and spraying plans (rates, timing and coverage) to protect yield while controlling cost.
- Inspected fields regularly to identify weeds, pests, crop stress or access issues early, then reported findings and recommended next steps to customers.
- Developed training materials for new team members at Gilchrist Brothers Limited.
- Managed inventory systems to maintain optimal stock levels and reduce waste.
- Followed strict safety procedures when operating machinery and working around staff, livestock and infrastructure to protect customers’ property and maintain compliance.
- Applied herbicides, fungicides and pesticides safely and accurately (mixing, calibration and drift control), with clear records to support customer assurance and audit requirements.
Bindery Operator
Maxim Print/The Print Shop
, Christchurch
07.2014 - 01.2017
- Set up, operated and maintained bindery equipment (folder, collator, stitcher/trimmer and guillotine) to deliver customer jobs accurately and on deadline.
- Checked output against customer specifications (trim, fold, collation and finish) and adjusted machines quickly to minimise rework and delays.
- Completed routine maintenance (cleaning, lubrication, blade checks and basic troubleshooting) to keep equipment reliable and jobs moving.
- Packed and labelled finished products to match customer order requirements, checking quantities and print accuracy before dispatch.
- Operated bindery machinery safely (guards, lock-out and safe handling) to protect staff and prevent downtime that could impact deadlines.
- Worked closely with pre-press, printing and dispatch teams to prioritise urgent jobs, remove bottlenecks and keep production on critical timelines.
Trainee Excavator Operator
Hansens Drainage
, North Canterbury
04.2014 - 07.2014
- Completed daily safety checks and prepared equipment so drainage and excavation work could start on time and run safely on sites.
- Carried out daily excavator checks (fluids, hoses, belts and filters) and reported issues early to prevent breakdowns and delays.
- Used GPS guidance to grade surfaces accurately to specification, reducing rework and helping projects hand over cleanly to the customer.
- Coordinated closely with crew members and spotters while operating machinery to maintain a safe work zone and keep site progress steady.
Bindery Supervisor
Wyatt & Wilson Print
, Christchurch
01.1998 - 04.2014
- Led the bindery team and day-to-day quality control to deliver customer print jobs to specification, on time and with consistent finishing standards.
- Inspected finished products for accuracy and adherence to quality standards.
- Coordinated with vendors regarding delivery of materials or equipment as needed.
- Trained staff on bindery equipment and safety protocols to enhance productivity.
Skills
Customer relationship management (CRM)
Able to plan and schedule work to meet customer needs
Ability to adjust priorities to handle changing needs
Co-ordinate with other teams to deliver smooth and on time outcomes
Work safely and correctly to protect customers, staff and operations
Manage time effectively and efficiently to meet service commitments
Troubleshoot issues and make practical decisions to minimise disruption
Heavy machinery operation and maintenance
Use GPS/Agri software to deliver accurate results
Timeline
Senior Agricultural Spraying Specialist
Gilchrist Brothers Limted
06.2016 - Current
Bindery Operator
Maxim Print/The Print Shop
07.2014 - 01.2017
Trainee Excavator Operator
Hansens Drainage
04.2014 - 07.2014
Bindery Supervisor
Wyatt & Wilson Print
01.1998 - 04.2014
Skills For Industry - CV Building
Talent International Institute
NCEA Level 1, 2 and 3 -
Kaiapoi High School
Licences & Training
- Agricultural Sprayer of the year 2025
- Licenses-Class 1,2,3,4,5,8 & Forklift Endorsement 06/2024
- Growsafe Course 06/2023
- Bold Consultancy Leadership Skills Programme 06/2023
- Advanced Chemical Handler 06/2022
Interests
- Hunting and fishing
- Outdoor activities
- Travel
- Family and friends