AgFirst Nelson is a horticultural consultancy company based in Motueka, providing high-quality technical advice and solutions to the horticulture sector.

Casual Kiwifruit Laboratory Technicians carry out routine kiwifruit maturity testing on samples on behalf of our client Zespri to determine if samples meet minimum clearance criteria and assess fruit quality.

Our busiest period is mid-March till end of April, therefore you need to be available to work through Easter & Anzac.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that all operations are carried out efficiently, to meet demands as set by the Manager
• Gathering of technical data and/or samples for the following activities making sure both production and quality standards are met at all times in relation to:
o Maturity Monitoring
o Residue sampling
o Maturity Clearance
• Ensure that you are working in a safe and secure environment and that you use best practices of occupational safety and health.
• Maintain all quality systems and report where necessary.
• Recording of hours worked and report any discrepancies in the pay slips within one week from the payment
• Any other duties as reasonably required

Laboratory Tasks include but are not limited to:
o Firmness, colour, brix, dry matter testing
o Fruit weighing
o Defect assessments
o Fruit Disposal
o Housekeeping tasks
o Preparation of fruit for testing, sample reception

-Must have a valid working holiday visa or be entitled to work in NZ
-Must have a reasonable standard of computer literacy
-Willing to work additional hours as required
-Be a Team player, able to create a good working relationship with other staff in the team and across the company
-Self-disciplined with proven ability to follow set procedures and take the initiative when necessary
-A successful applicant must be able to repetitively cut fruit samples using a sharp knife and stand for a long period.
-Uphold Agfirst company values.
-Physically fit; capable of walking and carrying bags of fruit (may be as heavy as 15kgs).
-Must follow hygiene protocols as advised.
-Must read, understand and follow Health & Safety guidelines.
-Accurate and reliable.
-Resilient
-Be available to work through Easter and ANZAC holidays.