Seasonal Kiwifruit Laboratory Supervisor - Morning Shift

Hill Labs; Mount Maunganui; On-site; NZD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill Labs in Mount Maunganui seeks a Seasonal Kiwifruit Laboratory Supervisor to lead the morning shift during the busy harvest season. This fixed-term role runs January to June and includes supervising lab technicians, overseeing kiwifruit maturity testing, and delivering accurate results.

Training is provided; the ideal candidate brings supervisory experience, strong communication, and a hands-on, collaborative approach to keep operations energised in a high-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising seasonal or casual staff.
• Strong attention to detail and operational awareness.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Collaborative spirit and ability to build relationships across the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of seasonal lab technicians.
• Oversee kiwifruit maturity testing during the harvest season.
• Manage morning shift operations from 5:30am with consistency.
• Ensure smooth operations, accurate results and positive team environment.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Collaborative team player

Resilience under pressure

Job description

Lead the Charge This Kiwifruit Season – Morning Shift Supervisor Wanted!

Are you a natural leader who thrives in fast-paced environments? We’re looking for a Seasonal Kiwifruit Laboratory Supervisor to join our morning shift team at New Zealand’s largest independent laboratory, based in sunny Mount Maunganui.This is a fixed-term role from January to June, where you’ll play a key part in supporting the kiwifruit industry by supervising the testing of fruit maturity samples during the busy harvest season.No lab experience? No problem! We’ll provide full training – what we really need is your supervisory expertise and ability to bring out the best in people.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading and supporting a team of seasonal lab technicians
• Working morning shifts starting at 5:30am and finishing between 10am–12pm, ideally working 5–6 days a week
• Overseeing kiwifruit maturity testing in a high-energy, 7-day operation
• Ensuring smooth operations, accurate results, and a positive team environment

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with an interest in science or horticulture, who enjoys working with people and making a real impact. You'll be well supported by our laboratory section manager and team leader.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Proven supervisory experience – you lead with respect, and your team performs because they trust you
• Strong attention to detail and operational awareness – you see issues before they arise and know how to adapt
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• A collaborative spirit – you work well with others and build strong relationships across the business
• Resilience and drive – you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and deliver under pressure

Advantageous skills/experience

• Experience working with seasonal or casual staff, especially in the kiwifruit or horticulture industry
• A background in science or horticulture
• Previous lab experience or familiarity with kiwifruit maturity testing
• Knowledge of technical, quality, or calibration procedures

ABOUT US

Join a team that’s passionate about what they do and proud to support New Zealand’s thriving kiwifruit industry.At our core, Hill Labs is driven by science. However, the trust we've built with our clients over the past 40 years speaks volumes about our dedication to people - both those we serve and those who work with us. We understand that our success is a direct result of the commitment and expertise of our diverse and forward-thinking team. We are passionate about providing meaningful value to every employee.