Fruit Monitoring Technician

Zespri Group Limited; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Zespri is seeking a hands-on Fruit Monitoring Technician to join our offshore operations. You will travel aboard vessels from New Zealand to overseas markets, monitor kiwifruit quality and report findings back to the team.

The role requires practical testing, accurate data recording and adherence to safety on board. Ideal candidates have a practical, detail-oriented approach and are able to travel for two to four weeks at a time, with a valid NZ passport and driver's licence.

Qualifications

• Intermediate computer skills; confident using Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Strong communication, problem-solving and record-keeping skills.
• Willingness to travel overseas for two to four weeks at a time.

Responsibilities

• Collecting, testing and assessing kiwifruit throughout the voyage to monitor fruit condition and quality.
• Carrying out measurements including fruit firmness, soluble solids, flesh colour and temperature.
• Releasing ripening gas and collecting atmosphere samples when required.
• Accurately recording test results and reporting information clearly and consistently.
• Maintaining regular communication with Conditioning Technical and Operations teams, vessel captain and crew.
• Working safely within the vessel environment and following health and safety protocols.
• Identifying and reporting equipment issues or unusual data promptly.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Teams

Communication

Problem-solving

Record-keeping

Job description

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Zespri is more than simply the world's single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand's best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

He aha te mahi? What's the role?

The Fruit Monitoring Technician role is a casual offshore position, reporting directly to the Conditioning Operations Team Lead. This is a hands-on role that will see you travelling aboard vessels from New Zealand to overseas markets, monitoring kiwifruit throughout the voyage and providing accurate information back to the team.

You'll be responsible for:

• Collecting, testing and assessing kiwifruit throughout the voyage to monitor fruit condition and quality
• Carrying out a range of technical measurements including fruit firmness, soluble solids, flesh colour and temperature
• Releasing ripening gas and collecting atmosphere samples when required
• Accurately recording test results and ensuring information is reported clearly and consistently
• Maintaining regular communication with the Conditioning Technical and Operations teams, as well as the vessel captain and crew
• Working safely within the vessel environment and following all health and safety and confined-space requirements
• Identifying and reporting equipment issues, unusual results or changes in fruit-quality data promptly

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

With a practical, hands-on approach and strong attention to detail, you'll be comfortable working independently in a unique environment where accurate testing, good judgement and clear communication are important.

You will meet the following selection criteria:

• Hold a current driver's licence and valid New Zealand passport
• Be comfortable travelling overseas for periods of two to four weeks at a time
• Be physically capable of climbing ladders and lifting equipment and fruit samples weighing approximately 20 kg
• Be able to meet the required seafarer medical and physical fitness requirements
• Be confident working independently for extended periods, including in environments with limited internet connectivity
• Have intermediate computer skills and confidence using Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Teams
• Bring strong communication, problem-solving and record-keeping skills, with the ability to follow processes and maintain accurate results

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of making it happen, creating real connections, and leaving a legacy. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.

Applications close Friday 13 November 2026. At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at [e-mail].

Agency

Zespri will not accept applications or contact from any temporary staffing agency, placement service or professional recruiter for this vacancy (“Agency”).

Where Zespri requires the support of an agency to fulfil a vacancy, we will proactively seek this support from our network of Agencies. We respectfully ask that you do not contact Zespri or any of its affiliates/employees regarding vacancies, and reserve the right not to reply.

Zespri will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions or other payments related to such unsolicited resumes.