Casual Technical Assistant - Breeding, Upper North Island
25/08/2026
21/09/2026
Casual
Kerikeri
Biotechnology & Genetics (Science & Technology)
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 Bioeconomy Research Institute 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.
Job Description
Position purpose
We are looking for people, on a casual basis, to commence work as seasonal Technical Assistants within our Breeding Operations Team. This position enables sound research and operational decision-making through data collection, crop management and monitoring, in pursuit of creating better cultivars, faster for New Zealand Aotearoa & the world. You will provide assistance to the Breeding Operations team across the full range of routine breeding operations, including plant propagation, planting, field evaluation, harvesting, and packing.
Desired Skills and Experience
Qualifications and Experience
Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
Strong communication and organisational skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Ability to be flexible with the highs and lows of seasonal work which may involve working extended hours (including weekends) at times.
For orchard work: be physically fit and flexible - able to lift up to 20kg, bend, and spend periods outdoors.
For orchard work: A Full (or Restricted) clean driver licence
Hours: Generally worked between 8:00am and 4:30pm, Monday - Friday, with the possibility for more hours and some weekend work during peak times so flexibility is required.
Please request a copy of the Position Description from: People@next.kiwi
To Apply…
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, fun, friendly, welcoming environment undertaking rewarding work, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply via our Seek advert.
Applications close at 5:00pm on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Please note: KBC will review resumes on a rolling basis and may invite shortlisted candidates to interview prior to the closing date. We recommend applying as early as possible for consideration.