61225 Technical Assistant - Berryfruit x2 (Fixed-Term 4months) - Plant & Food Research

AgResearch; Motueka; Remote; NZD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao in Motueka, New Zealand, seeks a Technical Assistant for Berryfruit duties. This fixed-term role involves harvesting blueberries and raspberries, collecting data, maintaining plants and trial sites, and supporting cultivar development.

You will work with experienced researchers in a collaborative outdoor environment. Minimum qualifications include physical outdoor work, a NZ driver licence, strong attention to detail, and practical horticultural

Qualifications

• 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.
• Practical horticulture, plant-care, harvesting, nursery, farming, or related experience.
• Able to work additional hours during the harvest season as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with berryfruit harvesting and post-harvest assessments, including accurate data collection.
• Support plant maintenance activities such as potting, propagation, transplanting, watering and weeding.
• Help maintain trial plants and plots while following plant identification, hygiene and biosecurity procedures.

Skills

Outdoor work

Full NZ driver licence

Attention to detail

Horticulture experience

Overtime flexibility

Job description

61225 Technical Assistant - Berryfruit x2 (Fixed-Term 4months) - Plant & Food Research

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.

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

• Opportunity to learn from experienced scientists and technicians.
• A supportive team environment in Motueka.
• Valuable practical experience for a career in horticulture or science.

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.

Applications close: Sunday 29 November 2026 at 11:00pm