Senior Entomology Technician for Biosecurity Diagnostics

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI); Auckland; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Additional MPI leave days

Career development and internal opport

MPI Mentoring program

Job summary

Senior Technician (Entomology) with MPI in Auckland (Tamaki) will support diagnostic services, surveillance programmes, and investigations for biosecurity. You will handle specimens, maintain labs, enter data, and contribute to field surveys across NZ.

You’ll work with scientists and technicians to provide accurate diagnoses and develop entomology expertise, ensuring high-quality lab practices and compliance with ISO standards.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification or relevant technical experience in entomology.
• Knowledge of plant health laboratories and diagnostic methods.
• Knowledge of major plant and environmental pest groups.
• Strong planning, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to produce accurate work while priorities change.
• Experience with LIMS and PPIN data entry for Entomology.

Responsibilities

• Process specimens and support routine identification work.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, records, and reference collections.
• Enter and manage accurate diagnostic information.
• Contribute to field surveys and biosecurity investigations.
• Support quality systems and laboratory procedures.
• Share technical knowledge and laboratory practices with others.
• Support diagnostic, surveillance, and response activities across New Zealand's biosecurity system.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in entomology

Tools

LIMS

PPIN data entry

Job description

Senior Technician (Entomology) with MPI in Auckland (Tamaki) will support diagnostic services, surveillance programmes, and investigations for biosecurity. You will handle specimens, maintain labs, enter data, and contribute to field surveys across NZ.

You’ll work with scientists and technicians to provide accurate diagnoses and develop entomology expertise, ensuring high-quality lab practices and compliance with ISO standards.