Senior Technician - Botany

University of Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 81,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Otago in Dunedin seeks a Senior Technician to support teaching and research in the Department of Botany, overseeing the technical team, facilities, and safety.

The role combines lab and field work, requires a graduate qualification with lab management experience and knowledge of NZ biosecurity, and is a full-time fixed-term 12 months.

Qualifications

• Relevant graduate qualification with laboratory management experience.
• Knowledge of botany and NZ biosecurity processes.
• Ability to lead the technical team and manage facilities and safety.

Responsibilities

• Resourcing teaching and research programmes; ensuring appropriate equipment and material availability.
• Compliance management across teaching and research activities.
• Management of the technical team, facilities and security issues.
• Overseeing laboratory and field-based support for research programmes.

Skills

Laboratory management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Diplomacy

Biosecurity knowledge

Education

Graduate qualification in Botany or related field

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

University of Otago – North Dunedin, South Island

The Department of Botany is the only university department in New Zealand specialising in the science of plants and other functionally related organisms which include seaweeds, cyanobacteria, fungi, lichens, and phytoplankton. Research and teaching involve laboratory through to field settings.

The role | Te mahi

In the role of Senior Technician, you will be responsible for the resourcing of teaching and research programmes, compliance management, management of the technical team, management of facilities and security issues.

The position will involve both laboratory and field-based work. The Department of Botany is active in research, and the position will also entail oversight of support for research programmes.

Our ideal candidate will have relevant graduate qualification with experience of laboratory management or an extensive equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. You will have a knowledge and understanding of the field of botany and experience with New Zealand biosecurity processes.

Other skills required:

• Excellent technical knowledge, including knowledge of hazardous substances and their properties, laboratory and field skills.
• Competent with computers and Office software.
• Provision of proactive leadership and direction for the technical team.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain credible and productive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and a high standard of professionalism at all times is essential.
• Commitment to the Department of Botany and its future is essential.
• Results focused; anticipates problems and proactively resolves them in an appropriate manner.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Strong organisational and project management skills; ability to meet timelines and budgets.
• Demonstrates high attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively and diplomatically relate to a diverse range of people.
• Liaise with other parts of the University as required, to meet customer needs.

If you have exceptional technical expertise with an eye for detail and a keenness to provide outstanding support to students and staff, we encourage you to apply for this exciting position.

This is a full time, fixed term (12 month) position, based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The appointment range for this role is $80,749 to $85,649. Top of range $100,776.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.