LIFE SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

ZEMOPRODUCELimited; Auckland; On-site; NZD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ZEMO PRODUCE LIMITED, trading as ZEMO FRESH, seeks a Life Science Technician to support mushroom production, laboratory and quality control in Auckland. The role suits a recent graduate or life science background holder and is a full-time position with 35 hours per week.

You will collect samples, perform routine observations and testing, monitor production conditions, maintain records and assist with contamination-control throughout the cultivation process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in biological sciences or closely related field.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate record-keeping.
• Careful handling of biological samples and laboratory materials.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory procedures.
• Awareness of hygiene, safety, biosecurity and contamination control.

Responsibilities

• Collect, prepare, label and maintain mushroom, substrate and environmental samples for routine laboratory observation and testing.
• Assist with routine biological and laboratory tests related to mushroom cultures and production quality.
• Monitor and record environmental conditions affecting cultivation (temperature, humidity, ventilation, cleanliness).
• Observe cultures and production samples for abnormalities or contamination and report findings.
• Support laboratory and production trials related to mushroom cultures and growth conditions.
• Accurately record observations, test results and production data in logs and systems.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory materials, samples and equipment for routine testing and monitoring.
• Support quality-control and contamination-control activities and communicate observations to the team.
• Follow laboratory hygiene, safety, and contamination-control procedures.

Skills

Biological sampling

Laboratory observations

Data recording

Quality control

Environmental monitoring

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

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ZEMOPRODUCELimited – Auckland, North Island

ZEMO PRODUCE LIMITED, trading as ZEMO FRESH, is a New Zealand-based specialist mushroom production company established in 2009. The company focuses on the cultivation, quality control and supply of fresh edible mushrooms to retail groups, wholesale markets and food processing businesses.

Our operations combine modern mushroom cultivation with laboratory support, environmental monitoring, quality control and standardised production processes. We operate dedicated production facilities and laboratory capabilities to support mushroom culture management, environmental monitoring, contamination control, food safety and consistent product quality.

About the Company

ZEMO PRODUCE LIMITED, trading as ZEMO FRESH, is a New Zealand-based specialist mushroom production company established in 2009. The company focuses on the cultivation, quality control and supply of fresh edible mushrooms to retail groups, wholesale markets and food processing businesses.

Our operations combine modern mushroom cultivation with laboratory support, environmental monitoring, quality control and standardised production processes. We operate dedicated production facilities and laboratory capabilities to support mushroom culture management, environmental monitoring, contamination control, food safety and consistent product quality.

About the Role

We are looking for a Life Science Technician to support our mushroom production, laboratory and quality control activities in Auckland.

This role is suitable for a recent graduate or a candidate with a relevant life science background who is interested in developing practical experience in a commercial mushroom production and laboratory environment.

It's a full-time position that requires 35 hours of work per week. The successful candidate will work closely with the production and technical team to collect and prepare samples, conduct routine biological observations and testing, monitor environmental and production conditions, maintain laboratory and production records, and support quality and contamination control throughout the mushroom cultivation process.

Initial training and supervision will be provided to enable the successful candidate to become familiar with our mushroom cultivation processes, laboratory procedures, equipment, quality standards and contamination-control requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, prepare, label and maintain mushroom, substrate and environmental samples for routine laboratory observation and testing.
• Assist with routine biological and laboratory tests relating to mushroom cultures, substrate conditions, contamination and production quality.
• Monitor and record environmental conditions affecting mushroom cultivation, including temperature, humidity, ventilation and cleanliness.
• Observe mushroom cultures and production samples for abnormal growth, contamination or other biological issues and report findings to the technical and production team.
• Assist with laboratory and production trials relating to mushroom cultures, growing conditions and contamination-control methods.
• Accurately record laboratory observations, test results, environmental conditions and other relevant production data.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory materials, samples and equipment required for routine biological testing and monitoring.
• Support quality-control and contamination-control activities and communicate relevant technical observations to the production team.
• Follow laboratory hygiene, biosecurity, food safety, contamination-control and workplace health and safety procedures.

About You

We are looking for someone who has:

• A relevant Bachelor's degree or above in biological science, conservation biology, biotechnology, microbiology, animal or plant science, environmental science, biosecurity, or another closely related life science discipline.
• A good understanding of biological processes and environmental conditions.
• Good attention to detail and accurate record-keeping skills.
• The ability to work carefully with biological samples, laboratory equipment and production materials.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A practical and hands‑on approach to work.
• The ability and willingness to learn new laboratory and technical procedures.
• A strong awareness of hygiene, safety, biosecurity and contamination control.
• Previous experience in laboratory assistance, biological testing, environmental monitoring, agriculture, food production, animal science or plant science would be an advantage but is not essential.