Work for us

Transition Technical Lead - A Lighter Touch

An exciting opportunity has arisen to support plant-based food producers moving from agrichemical reliance to a more agroecological approach to crop protection – sustainable farming that works with nature.

As a Transition Technical Lead of the A Lighter Touch programme you will be a part of a step change in the sector’s approach to pest management across horticulture, viticulture and arable crops.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about bringing positive change to the way growers carry out crop protection in New Zealand.

A Lighter Touch is an industry and Government partnership programme funded until March 2027 with Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) contracted to deliver the programme. HortNZ is a national organisation representing the interests of New Zealand’s 4,500+ commercial fruit and vegetable growers.

About the role

The Transition Technical Lead works with industry groups to help reduce agrichemical reliance by transitioning to lighter chemistries including biological products. This position will work with industry to better understand where the gaps are in the crop protection toolbox and help to fill in these gaps through contracted trials evaluating new products.

The Transition Technical Lead works closely with crop protection organisations, partners and research organisations to develop protocols that will support the needs of growers.

About you

• A self-starter, you’re comfortable working remotely as well as enjoying regular in-person connection with your team and wider stakeholders and colleagues.
• You will have a science background in crop protection with strong networks in the horticulture, arable, viticulture or crop protection industries in New Zealand and internationally.
• You are organised and able to plan, prioritise, manage workload and work autonomously while keeping others informed.
• You are an outstanding communicator with a demonstrated ability to collaborate widely with co-investors and stakeholders.
• You are passionate about bringing positive change to the way growers carry out crop protection in New Zealand.

Skills and experience

• Relevant experience in New Zealand’s horticulture, arable and wine industries, specifically related to crop protection.
• Strong understanding of chemistry used in crop protection in New Zealand and internationally.
• Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework (ACVM and EPA) for crop protection research in New Zealand and internationally. Including trial design and development of data packages and submission of these.
• Ability to develop and critique field trial protocols that will reach outcomes conducive to providing crop protection solutions for growers.
• An understanding of pesticide resistance management and related strategies in New Zealand.
• Excellent project management skills, dealing with high level outcomes as well as details of project planning, implementation and reporting.
• Work at both a strategic and operational level.
• Understand commercial responsibilities of an organisation.

This is a full time (40 hours per week) fixed term role ending 31 of March 2027 – with ability to be located almost anywhere across New Zealand.

To apply 

• To ensure an efficient application process please use our Internal application tracking system, BambooHR, to submit your application
• Click here to apply for the position 
• We will only accept applications through BambooHR 
• Applicants must have New Zealand residency/citizenship or valid New Zealand work visa
• We reserve the right to close the advertisement early. 

If you have any questions, please email livia.esterhazy@a-lighter-touch.co.nz

Applications close 5pm on 17 January 2025

Education Lead

• Career opportunity with diversity and scope 
• Support capability, education and development strategic objectives 

HortNZ is a national organisation representing the interests of New Zealand’s 4,500+ commercial fruit and vegetable growers. Our vision is healthy food for all, forever. 

Our organisation is diverse in the challenges we represent growers in, including labour, access to freshwater, meeting new regulations and responding to climate change and other environmental factors. 

The culture at HortNZ is collegial, positive, and relaxed - you will have the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of passionate, talented, and highly motivated people. 

Primary objectives

We’re proud of our great team and we’re looking to add expertise with a newly created role to support the capability, education and development objectives of our strategy. Whilst we will be relying on your understanding of the issues related to education and employment in the primary sector, we are most excited about your ability to develop, deliver and maintain initiatives that will support the horticulture industry to attract, develop and retain the talent needed to meet our current and future workforce needs. 

Key skills and attributes

• We’re looking for a highly motivated person with excellent written and oral communication skills
• You must be systematic, methodical and work calmly under pressure while maintaining attention to detail
• You will be able to speak easily about your experience in bringing diverse groups of people together towards the achievement of an agreed outcome
• You are not someone who waits to be told, does things the way they have always been done or shy’s away from challenges – you’ll embrace opportunities and enjoy making improvements
• Ideally, you will have experience in the food and fibre industry, education and/or immigration system. 

You do not need to meet all the role requirements to apply. We offer many development and learning opportunities and welcome an application if you think you could be a great fit. 

This is a full-time 40 hour per week role, but we are open to considering part-time options. This is a hands-on, Wellington-based role. We offer flexible working arrangements with the opportunity to work from home one day per week (for full-time employees).  

To apply

Please be advised that to ensure an efficient application process, we request you use our internal application tracking system, BambooHR, to submit your application. 

Click here to access BambooHR to apply and view the position description. 

Please note: 

• We will accept applications only through our internal application tracking system, BambooHR
• Applicants for this position should have New Zealand residency/citizenship or valid New Zealand work visa
• We reserve the right to close the advertisement early.

If you require any further assistance or have any questions regarding the application process, please email kate.longman@hortnz.co.nz

Applications close at midnight on 10 January 2025.