Senior Technician Laboratory Support

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

MPI leave days

Wellness payment

Healthcare discounts

Job summary

New Zealand Government is seeking a Senior Technician Laboratory Support to join the Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) in Tamaki, Auckland. This fixed-term, full-time role supports specimen reception, laboratory records, equipment and consumables management, and quality activities to ensure smooth operations.

You'll work as part of a collaborative team, maintain accurate records in LIMS, manage competing priorities and contribute to process improvements.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in science (e.g. BSc) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience working in a laboratory, technical or operational environment.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience using computer systems and maintaining accurate records.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively as part of a team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and improving ways of working.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Receive, accession and distribute laboratory samples in accordance with procedures.
• Maintain records in LIMS and related laboratory systems.
• Support sample logistics, transfers, permits and subcontracted testing.
• Manage laboratory consumables and assist with procurement.
• Support equipment servicing, calibration and maintenance.
• Assist with quality, accreditation, document control, biosafety and health and safety requirements.
• Provide support to staff on specimen reception processes and laboratory systems.
• Build positive working relationships with staff, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Contribute to improving laboratory processes and systems.
• Provide operational support during biosecurity responses and emergencies.

Skills

Lab experience

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

BSc or equivalent

Tools

LIMS

Job description

Job Title: Senior Technician Laboratory Support Role type: Fixed-Term, Full-time (Parental Leave Backfill until December 2027) Location: Tamaki, Auckland Salary band & range: General Salary Range, G: $69,011 - $80,346 depending on skills and experience

About the Role

Kōrero mō te Tūranga Join the Plant Health and Environment Laboratory (PHEL) group within the Diagnostics Readiness & Surveillance Directorate of Biosecurity New Zealand. As a Senior Technician Laboratory Support, you will provide specimen reception and laboratory support services that help ensure the smooth operation of PHEL laboratories. Working as part of a collaborative team, you will be responsible for receiving and accessioning samples, maintaining laboratory records and systems, supporting laboratory equipment and consumables management, and assisting with quality and compliance activities. You will also contribute to identifying opportunities to improve laboratory processes and ways of working. As part of this role, you will:

• Receive, accession and distribute laboratory samples in accordance with laboratory procedures and service requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and information within LIMS and associated laboratory systems.
• Support sample logistics, including transfers, permits and subcontracted testing requirements.
• Manage laboratory consumables and assist with procurement activities.
• Support laboratory equipment servicing, calibration and maintenance activities.
• Assist with quality, accreditation, document control, biosafety and health and safety requirements.
• Provide support and advice to laboratory staff on specimen reception processes and laboratory systems.
• Build positive working relationships with laboratory staff, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to improving laboratory processes and systems.
• Provide operational support during biosecurity responses and emergency events as required.

This role may be required to provide technical and operational support during emergency response activities, including occasional work outside normal business hours.

About You

Essential

• A tertiary qualification in science (e.g. BSc) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience working in a laboratory, technical or operational environment.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience using computer systems and maintaining accurate records.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively as part of a team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and improving ways of working.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Experience with specimen reception, laboratory equipment or laboratory consumables.
• Knowledge of quality management systems or ISO17025 requirements.
• Experience working in a diagnostic, environmental, biosecurity or other laboratory environment.

About the Team

Mō tō mātou Rōpū Reporting to the Manager, Workflow Innovation and Efficiency, you will work as part of a collaborative team supporting the delivery of laboratory services for Biosecurity New Zealand The Diagnostics Readiness and Surveillance Directorate is responsible for delivering the core functions of surveillance, incursion investigation and response. We manage the surveillance and investigation of suspected exotic pests and diseases that may affect New Zealand's primary industries, aquatic and terrestrial environments. The directorate is accountable for minimising the impact on our economy, environment and social and cultural values from harmful organisms that have or may establish in New Zealand. The DRS laboratories also provide testing services to meet regulatory requirements for imported and exported animals and plants (and derived products), and for private organisations seeking specialist services. The laboratories operate a quality management system accredited to ISO 17025 “General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories”.

Drug and Alcohol Screening - Whakamātau Whakapōauau me te Waipiro Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.

About MPI

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua. We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI

Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Annual Wellness payment
• Reduced premiums for Group Healthcare Schemes

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake? We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori. We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 7th October 2026.

If you have any questions about the role, please email [e-mail]