Field Technician

OSPRI; Hastings; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

OSPRI days

Wellbeing leave

Volunteer day

Partner’s leave for birth/adoption

Job summary

OSPRI is seeking a seasonal Field Technician for the Hawke's Bay region, focused on TB testing programs. You will work in the field, collect data, and build strong relationships with farmers while ensuring safe, high-standard work and accurate reporting.

Ideal candidates have farming experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently across diverse on-farm environments, with a valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Relevant farming experience, including liaising with farmers, knowledge of relevant farming practices, and stock behaviour is desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a wider team.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convey information to various audiences.
• Computer literacy, with proficiency in using work-based technology systems and Microsoft applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work without direct supervision.
• Comfortable with frequent travel and working in a variety of on-farm situations, including a variety of hours.
• A full driver's licence.
• An industry qualification in agriculture, veterinary science, or a related discipline is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Carry out on-farm activities, collecting accurate data, and ensuring work is completed safely and to a high standard.
• Represent OSPRI positively on farm, ensuring farmers are kept well informed and data is accurate.
• Travel across the region to perform testing and sampling on cattle.
• Read TB suspect stock and communicate findings on farm.
• Conduct blood sampling and ensure samples are handled per protocols.
• Complete all administrative tasks accurately and efficiently.

Skills

Farming experience

Problem-solving

Independent work

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Work without direct supervision

Travel flexibility

Driver's licence

Industry qualification in agriculture/

Education

Industry qualification in agriculture/veterinary science (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

OSPRI is accepting applications for a seasonal Field Technician based in the Hawke's Bay region.

Ko wai mātou – About us:

At OSPRI, our work is guided by strong values and a clear purpose. We exist to strengthen and protect New Zealand’s livestock industries through excellence in disease management and traceability - supporting farmers, communities and the primary sector to thrive.

Our values shape how we work every day:

• Ārahina e te Aronga | Purpose Led - we stay focused on what matters most and the impact we’re here to create
• Whakamana Tangata | Powered by People - we uplift our people, farmers and partners
• Kotahitanga | Stronger Together - we believe meaningful change happens through shared effort
• Ka Tūtuki ā Mātou Mahi | We Deliver - we are committed to delivering enduring results

As the delivery partner for nationally significant programmes including TBfree, Mycoplasma bovis and NAIT, we work closely with industry and government to deliver real outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the role:

We are looking for a seasonal Field Technician to join our North Island team, based in the Hawke's Bay region until 30 July 2027. This is a hands‑on role where you will spend your time out in the field, working alongside to support the delivery of OSPRI’s TB Testing Programme.

As a Field Technician, you will be responsible for carrying out on-farm activities, collecting accurate data, and ensuring work is completed safely and to a high standard. You will also act as a representative of OSPRI, building positive relationships and providing practical support to farmers and industry partners.

You will work as part of a connected regional team, while also being confident working independently in an outdoor environment and with large animals.

This role reflects WhakamanaTangata | Powered by People, building strong relationships and supporting our communities and KaTūtukiā Mātou Mahi | We Deliver, taking ownership of outcomes and contributing to improved customer and employee experiences.

What success will look like:

• Travel across the region (with possibility to travel outside of region on occasion) and perform testing and sampling on cattle.
• Conduct on-farm risk assessments prior to testing and sampling.
• Represent OSPRI positively on farm, ensuring consistent and correct information/data is provided and collected, and farmers are kept well informed.
• Contact farmers to book upcoming tests.
• Accurately read and identify TB suspect stock and communicate findings on farm.
• Conduct blood sampling and ensure samples are handled in line with laboratory protocols.
• Complete all administrative tasks accurately and efficiently.

Kōrero mōu - About you:

We are looking for someone with a genuine appreciation for New Zealand’s agricultural sector. You will have a natural ability to connect with people, building trust with farmers by explaining processes clearly and handling sensitive situations with care and understanding. Your strong attention to detail will ensure you take pride in delivering accurate and reliable results in a streamlined manner.

You will prioritise health and safety, working diligently to manage farm risks with care, integrity, and adherence to best practices. You will be self-organised and delivery-focused, enabling you to work effectively under pressure and to a high standard.

You naturally align with Ārahina e te Aronga | Purpose Led and Kotahitanga | Stronger Together, understanding the importance of this work for New Zealand’s agricultural sector and collaborating effectively with farmers, colleagues and partners to achieve shared outcomes.

You will bring:

• Relevant farming experience, including liaising with farmers, knowledge of relevant farming practices, and stock behaviour is desirable.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a wider team.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convey information to various audiences.
• Computer literacy, with proficiency in using work-based technology systems and Microsoft applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work without direct supervision.
• Comfortability with frequent travel and working in a variety of on-farm situations, including a variety of hours.
• A full driver's licence.
• An industry qualification in agriculture, veterinary science, or a related discipline is desirable.

In return we offer:

• A purpose-led organisation where values genuinely guide how we work
• A supportive, inclusive and collaborative team environment
• Work that contributes to New Zealand’s biosecurity and farming communities
• Flexible working options
• OSPRI days - paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Wellbeing leave and a paid Volunteer Day
• Partner’s leave for the birth or adoption of a new baby

Applications close at 4pm Wednesday, 30 September 2026.

Please note: Eligibility to work in New Zealand is required. This role is subject to a Ministry of Justice criminal history check and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

OSPRI supports a workplace of diversity, equity and inclusion where our people feel welcomed, valued and supported to do their best work. If you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.