61225 Technical Assistant - Berryfruit x2 (Fixed-Term 4months) - Plant & Food Research
Science New Zealand
What the role involves
- Harvesting berryfruit
- Collecting research data
- Maintaining trial plants
What they ask for
Practical horticulture, plant-care, harvesting, nursery, farming, or related experience; full New Zealand driver licence
- Professional licence or registration
- Driver licence
About the job
Technical Assistant
Berryfruit
Motueka, New Zealand
Vacancy number: 61225
Fixed-Term Part time (4months)
Join our Berryfruit Team in this fixed-term opportunity and play an important role in supporting berryfruit breeding programmes. This hands-on position involves harvesting blueberries and raspberries, collecting research data, maintaining plants and trial sites, and contributing to the development of future berryfruit cultivars. You'll work alongside experienced researchers and technicians in a collaborative outdoor environment.
What you will be doing | Ngā whāinga matua
Assist with berryfruit harvesting, post-harvest assessments, including accurate data collection.
- Support plant maintenance activities including potting, propagation, transplanting, watering, and weeding
- Help maintain trial plants and plots while following plant identification, hygiene, and biosecurity procedures.
What you will bring | Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako
To be successful in this role, the minimum qualifications required are:
- Ability to undertake physical outdoor work and hold a full New Zealand driver licence.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions, plant labels, hygiene, and biosecurity procedures accurately.
- Practical horticulture, plant-care, harvesting, nursery, farming, or related experience.
- Able to work additional hours during the harvest season as required
A copy of the Position Description is available for you to view once you click on the ‘apply’ button.
What you will get | Ngā hua o tēnei tūranga
- Opportunity to learn from experienced scientists and technicians.
- A supportive team environment in Motueka.
- Valuable practical experience for a career in horticulture or science.
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: Sunday 29 November 2026 at 11:00pm
Applying for this job
What to show on your CV
- It needs a professional licence or registration. Put yours near the top, with its number if the profession uses one.
- It asks for a driver licence. Say which class you hold, and whether it's full.
- For the work it describes, like "Harvesting berryfruit", give an example from your own experience, with a result you can talk about at an interview.
Our guides to the New Zealand CV format, cover letters and interview questions cover the rest.