Orchard technician (Fixed Term Fulltime 10 Months)

Orchard Technician
Group: Finance & Operations
Location: Motueka New Zealand
Vacancy number: 61464
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full-Time 10 months
Hours: 38 hours per week

Be Part of Science That Makes a Difference

Love working outdoors and being part of a great team? We're looking for an experienced Orchard Technician to help care for our orchards and support exciting horticultural research. You'll be involved in everything from pruning and irrigation through to harvesting and setting up trial work, with plenty of variety throughout the year. If you enjoy practical, hands-on work and take pride in doing a good job, we'd love to hear from you.

Why you’ll love working here | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga

 At the Bioeconomy Science Institute, we offer excellent employee benefits and flexibility, such as;

• Recharge - Generous additional annual leave and paid parental leave.
• Grow Your Career - Ongoing career development opportunities.
• Health & Wellbeing - Excellent benefit choices in retirement savings, comprehensive wellbeing and health benefits with enhanced sick leave.

What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua

In this role, you will:

• Carry out a range of orchard tasks including planting, pruning, thinning, irrigation, harvesting, pest and disease monitoring and general orchard maintenance.
• Help set up, maintain, and support orchard research trials alongside our science team.
• Support the delivery of seasonal and annual orchard work programmes in line with operational plans and production targets.
• Record orchard and trial information accurately to help track crop performance and research results.
• Work closely with researchers, orchard staff, contractors and seasonal workers to keep orchard activities running smoothly and safely.

What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience working in orchards, horticulture, agriculture, or a similar outdoor environment in a commercial or research setting.
• Good practical knowledge of orchard operations and the safe use of machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Experience supporting or implementing research trials, including attention to detail, data collection and adherence to protocols.
• A positive, team-focused attitude and a commitment to working safely.
• Full NZ Driver’s License.
• Relevant certification for handling of agrichemicals or willingness to obtain

Why join us?

• Work in a unique environment where science and horticulture come together.
• Be part of research that supports the future of New Zealand's horticulture industry.
• Enjoy a varied, hands-on role with opportunities to learn new skills.
• Join a supportive team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.

This role would suit someone who enjoys practical outdoor work, likes variety in their day, and takes pride in producing high-quality results as part of a team.

About us | Ko wai mātou

The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao is New Zealand’s newest public research organisation, formed through the merger of AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Scion, and the New Zealand Food Innovation Network. Our purpose is to drive innovation and commercial outcomes in the bioeconomy, using research and technology to support enduring economic growth and resilience, a healthy environment and beneficial social outcomes for New Zealand.

We are excited about this new chapter and welcome applicants who want to be part of our journey.

Further details about the Bioeconomy Science Institute can be found on our website, watch this Bioeconomy Science Institute short clip.

Ready to Apply? | Kua rite koe ki te tono?

If this opportunity excites you and you believe your skills, experience and perspective would add value to our team, we'd love to hear from you.

**Applications close:**6/10/2026 at 11:55pm

Click Apply Now to submit your application and view the link to the Position Description for this role.