Site Operations Lead

About The Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (KBC)

Our vision at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre is to deliver the world’s most irresistible, healthy fruit. For Good. Through accelerated research, better fruit and better outcomes - for our people, our regions, our planet.

The Kiwifruit Breeding Centre is a 50/50 joint venture between The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited and Zespri International. We work together to drive greater innovation in kiwifruit breeding and to create healthier, better tasting and more sustainability-focused varieties to create more value for Aotearoa, New Zealand.

At KBC, we encourage the team to live by our K.I.W.I Values

• Be Keen – be positive, be proud and bring your best.
• Take the Initiative – have courage, get stuck in and enjoy your work.
• One Waka – pull together, achieve more, faster and trust and be trusted.
• Act with Integrity – respect each other, be open and honest and speak up.

About this role

The Site Operations Lead is responsible for providing technical input for KBC funded kiwifruit research projects and programmes. The role conducts and supervises research in the laboratory and in the field. This includes planning the technical elements of the research process, co-ordinating resources and equipment, collecting data, providing preliminary analysis, and reporting results. It normally involves operation and maintenance of complex equipment and the supervision of other staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and conducting the data collection from field trials and laboratory-based fruit testing.
• Supervising and assisting technicians, fixed term/casual workers and contractors both in the field and lab
• Liaising with contracted orchard managers and ensuring quality of work & timeliness of tasks achieved
• General facility management of the site/building; comprised of a laboratory, packing room, cool stores, staff room/kitchenette and bathrooms
• Providing technical observations and comments and communicating any problems, errors, and key observations to relevant project leaders
• Maintaining effective relationships with leaders based at other sites to facilitate research projects and assist with formal reporting
• Oral presentations at industry and scientific meetings or conferences
• Contribute to data analysis and industry reporting
• Always acting to enhance KBC’s scientific and industry reputation, particularly when interacting with clients and the local community.
• Understanding and following all appropriate workplace protocols

About You

• At least 5 years' practical experience in the kiwifruit industry, including experience in orchard operations, horticultural research programmes, cultivar development, field trials or closely related activities.
• A background in plant physiology or horticultural science will be an advantage.
• Practical experience with laboratory and field research including experimental design, data analysis, sampling, good laboratory practice.
• An interest in plant husbandry and commercial horticultural growing systems with ability to provide technical support for research projects with a particular focus on vine/tree growth and fruit development.
• Experience in using label printers & associated software will be an advantage
• Sound computer skills with experience in the collection and processing of data from laboratory experiments and field trials. Data logging and basic electronics and programming experience would be an advantage.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• An ability to conduct work independently without direct supervision.
• Able to supervise other technical and seasonal staff/students.
• Fit and able to perform physical duties such as conducting technical work in orchards, collecting samples, pruning vines and trees, and lifting crates containing up to 15 kg of fruit.
• A current full driver’s licence and willingness to travel overnight to other locations.
• A current Growsafe Certificate would be an advantage.
• Able to work within the required health and safety standards to ensure personal and team safety.
• A willingness to work with laboratory chemicals and agrichemicals including mixing and application of agrichemicals to plants as part of experiments, using appropriate personal protective equipment.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a world-class team shaping the future of kiwifruit breeding.
• Support projects that drive real change in horticultural science.
• Develop your skills in a supportive, values-driven environment.
• KBC benefits included are five weeks annual leave, Health and Life Insurance and up to 6 percent superannuation contribution

How to Apply
Apply now with your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and motivation for joining KBC. Applications will be reviewed as they are received so we recommend applying as early as possible. Applications close: 1 October 2026 at 5:00pm

This is a permanent full-time position of 38 hours per week. The salary range is $85,000- $95,000 per annum depending on skills and experience. You can request a copy of the Position Description from: [email protected]