Orchard Technical Support

About Us

Hume Pack-N-Cool is growing, and fast. With over 40 years in the kiwifruit industry, our business is built on trust, connection and care for our people, growers and community.

Our values guide every conversation and decision. We're proud of our journey, and even more excited about what's ahead. That's where you come in.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated, organised and hands-on Orchard Technical Support  to join our Technical team and play a key role in supporting our orchard and laboratory operations.

This is a varied role that combines laboratory leadership, technical fieldwork and seasonal programme coordination. You'll take ownership of our seasonal laboratory operations, ensuring samples are processed accurately, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. You'll also support the delivery of KiwiGreen pest monitoring programmes and provide technical support across orchard operations through monitoring, sampling and data collection activities.

Working closely with the Head of Technical, Orchard Managers and seasonal team members, you'll help deliver accurate technical information that supports orchard management decisions and contributes to the success of our growers.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop broad technical knowledge across laboratory, orchard and kiwifruit production systems while building leadership capability and growing your career within the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Hume's seasonal laboratory operations, ensuring accurate sample processing, quality control and timely reporting of results.
• Supervise and support seasonal laboratory staff, including training, work allocation and day-to-day leadership.
• Coordinate and deliver Hume's KiwiGreen pest monitoring programme in accordance with industry requirements.
• Undertake orchard monitoring, sampling, inspections and technical data collection activities.
• Maintain accurate technical records, reporting and compliance documentation.
• Analyse and communicate technical information to support operational and orchard management decisions.
• Support seasonal planning and coordination of technical programmes and resources.
• Promote a strong culture of health, safety, quality and continuous improvement.

About You

• Previous experience in a laboratory, horticultural, agricultural or technical environment would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, coordinate and prioritise workloads.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work.
• Confident using Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and able to learn new systems quickly.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Comfortable working both in a laboratory environment and out in the orchard.
• Able to work independently while contributing positively as part of a team.
• Experience leading, training or coordinating staff is desirable, or a willingness to develop these skills.
• A proactive approach with a focus on continuous improvement and problem solving.
• A current New Zealand Driver Licence.

Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys a mix of technical, practical and people-focused work, takes ownership of their responsibilities, and is excited about building a career within the kiwifruit industry while contributing to the success of Hume Pack-N-Cool and our growers.