Technical Assistant

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey. The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research – Brooklyn, South Island To provide practical technical support to the berryfruit breeding programmes, with a focus on plant maintenance, fruit harvest and accurate data collection. The role includes potting, propagation, weeding, pruning, transplanting, harvesting and laboratory-based measurements. Accountabilities | Ngā whakaritenga Safely operate tractors, forklifts and other equipment as required. Assist with fruit harvest and post-harvest measurements, including accurate data collection. Move pots, transplant plants and support potting and propagation activities. Weed and maintain potted plants and trial plots. Assist with pruning blueberry and Rubus plants. Maintain accurate plant identification and separation by following labels, spacing requirements and hygiene procedures. Complete other practical tasks as required to support the berryfruit breeding programmes. Follow all health, safety and wellbeing requirements, take reasonable care to prevent harm to yourself and others, and participate in required training. At least two years’ experience in an orchard, nursery, gardening or similar horticultural role. Practical plant-care experience, including watering, planting, potting, propagation, pruning, weeding and recognising signs of poor plant health. Knowledge of plant pests and diseases, plant varieties and biosecurity practices. Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage numerous small plant lots and follow plant labels, spacing requirements, hygiene procedures and work instructions accurately. Confidence using hand tools, chemicals and personal protective equipment safely, together with sound manual-handling practices. Experience operating forklifts and tractors is an advantage. Able and willing to work outdoors in varied weather conditions and undertake physical work for extended periods. A reasonable level of physical fitness, including the ability to stand, bend, carry and lift large pots safely. A full, current New Zealand driver licence. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Availability to work additional hours during the harvest season, when required. Date: August 2026 Ref: Position | Tūranga: Technical Assistant - Berryfruit Team | Tīma: Berry Team Group | Rōpū: Premium Crops and Technologies Portfolio | Aronga: New Cultivar Innovation Responsible to | Tō kaiwhakahaere: Research Technologist, Berry Team Location | Wāhi: Motueka Key Relationships | Ngā hononga matua: Berry Team, Motueka Purpose of the Position | Whāinga o te Tūranga To provide practical technical support to the berryfruit breeding programmes, with a focus on plant maintenance, fruit harvest and accurate data collection. The role includes potting, propagation, weeding, pruning, transplanting, harvesting and laboratory-based measurements. Accountabilities | Ngā whakaritenga Safely operate tractors, forklifts and other equipment as required. Assist with fruit harvest and post-harvest measurements, including accurate data collection. Move pots, transplant plants and support potting and propagation activities. Weed and maintain potted plants and trial plots. Assist with pruning blueberry and Rubus plants. Maintain accurate plant identification and separation by following labels, spacing requirements and hygiene procedures. Complete other practical tasks as required to support the berryfruit breeding programmes. Follow all health, safety and wellbeing requirements, take reasonable care to prevent harm to yourself and others, and participate in required training. Person Specification | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheakoProfessional experience and technical skills At least two years’ experience in an orchard, nursery, gardening or similar horticultural role. Practical plant-care experience, including watering, planting, potting, propagation, pruning, weeding and recognising signs of poor plant health. Knowledge of plant pests and diseases, plant varieties and biosecurity practices. Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage numerous small plant lots and follow plant labels, spacing requirements, hygiene procedures and work instructions accurately. Confidence using hand tools, chemicals and personal protective equipment safely, together with sound manual-handling practices. Experience operating forklifts and tractors is an advantage. Able and willing to work outdoors in varied weather conditions and undertake physical work for extended periods. A reasonable level of physical fitness, including the ability to stand, bend, carry and lift large pots safely. A full, current New Zealand driver licence. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Availability to work additional hours during the harvest season, when required. Personal skills and attributes Teamwork and communication: Works cooperatively with supervisors and colleagues, listens carefully, asks questions when unsure, and promptly reports plant health, pest, equipment, biosecurity or safety concerns. Reliability and time management: Is punctual, dependable and able to complete repetitive tasks efficiently while maintaining quality. Adaptability and initiative: Moves effectively between tasks, responds positively to changing priorities, and shows enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Practical judgement: Identifies routine issues, follows procedures and seeks guidance when a problem is outside their experience or authority. Measures of Performance | Paearu mahi Performance will be reviewed through regular discussions with the immediate manager and, where applicable, through the annual Performance, Planning and Review (PPR) process. #J-18808-Ljbffr