L3 Laboratory Technician - Waitoa

Fonterra; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fair pay

Health and well-being programs

Work-life balance options

Employee recognition

Community involvement and cultural 연결

Job summary

Fonterra is seeking a Lab Technician at the Waitoa Specialty Chemistry Laboratory to process, prepare, and test samples across dairy products. You will ensure results meet quality standards in an accredited lab and work with modern equipment within a skilled team.

The role includes data entry in SAP/LIMs/Microsoft, troubleshooting equipment, and maintaining records. A science background and strong computer literacy help you succeed in a collaborative, safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• A laboratory background and passion for lab work.
• A food science or science-based qualification would be useful.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• A high level of computer literacy and experience.

Responsibilities

• Preparing samples and completing testing for a wide range of dairy products.
• Meeting the quality requirements of working in an accredited laboratory.
• Managing/troubleshooting specialised laboratory equipment.
• Data entry and use of SAP, LIMs, and Microsoft systems.
• General laboratory tasks – consumable management, reagent preparation, housekeeping, maintaining records.
• Always working safely within the laboratory.
• Working with a cross functional laboratory team to problem solve and drive improvement.
• Rostered shift pattern of 4 days on and 4 days off; occasional heavy lifting (10–25 kg).

Skills

laboratory background

communication skills

computer literacy

problem-solving

time management

team collaboration

Education

Food science or science-based qualification

Tools

SAP

LIMS

Microsoft

Job description

At Fonterra Te Mātāpuna, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.

Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.

Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.

We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming whānau. We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world.

About the Opportunity | Mō tēnei tūranga

“We will be the benchmark for dairy testing, delivering exceptional quality, service and technical expertise”

It is our mission to be the world’s most trusted source of dairy nutrition and as our Lab Technician you will be the key to helping us achieve that.

We have four opportunities available at our Waitoa Specialty Chemistry Laboratory - 1 x permanent and 3 fixed term opportunities.

Working with modern equipment and a talented team, you will be processing, preparing, and testing samples across a variety of dairy products. This role is all about attention to detail to ensure the test results we produce are of the highest quality.

We will supply on-going training and development, great flexibility with a rotating day roster, and you will bring your motivation and willingness to learn. A great opportunity to work in a passionate team with room for career progression if that is what you are seeking.

You will be responsible for:

Preparing samples and completing testing for a wide range of dairy products.

Meeting the quality requirements of working in an accredited laboratory

Managing/troubleshooting specialised laboratory equipment

Data entry and use of various computer systems (SAP, LIMs, Microsoft)

General laboratory tasks – consumable management, reagent preparation, housekeeping, maintaining records.

Always working safely within the laboratory

Working with a cross functional laboratory team to problem solve, ensure laboratory compliance, and drive improvement opportunities.

This role operates on a rostered shift pattern of 4 days on and 4 days off. The position occasionally involves lifting items weighing between 10 and 25kg, so a good level of physical fitness is required.

With a high level of accuracy, you will be rigid in following processes and procedures and be able to use your initiative. We are looking for a passionate individual who has:

You will ideally have a laboratory background and a passion for lab work.

A food science or science-based qualification would be useful, but it is preferred that you have an interest in science and want to build on that.

Effective communication skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively when required.

A quality focused and demonstrated problem-solving ability.

Excellent time management and attention to detail

A willingness to learn new skills.

A high level of computer literacy and experience.

Come and be a part of our team and contribute to our vision to be a premium dairy operation delivering future long-term solutions and a future we and our communities can be proud of.

At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz

We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:

Fair and equitable pay

Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)

Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)

Employee recognition

Support for community involvement and cultural connection

A Career of Opportunities | Ngā Mahi

At Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.

Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.

Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion | He Wāhi mō te Katoa

Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.

If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.

Applications close at midnight on 03 September 2026.