Senior Technician | Wellington - Wallaceville

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Technician

Role type: Fixed-term until 30 June 2028, full-time

Location: Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

Salary Range: GSR G $66,331 - $84,949

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We're seeking a Senior Technician with expertise in Bacteriology and Mycology at New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory.

You'll play a key role in enhancing MPI's sequencing capabilities, working in a dynamic environment where flexibility is essential. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to New Zealand's biosecurity while growing your scientific expertise.

About You - Mōu

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with hands-on technical experience in bacterial culture.
Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• BSc or postgraduate qualification in a relevant scientific field
• Expertise in molecular techniques especially PCR and real time PCR
• Experience working in microbiological laboratories
• Strong planning, coordination, organising, and teamwork/leadership capabilities
• Familiarity with quality assurance systems
• Knowledge of relevant standards and regulations (e.g., ISO:17025, AS/NZS 2243.3, animal ethics, HSNO)
• Excellent written communication: ability to produce clearly presented documentation

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

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

This position is based in the Bacteriology and Mycology team within Biosecurity New Zealand's National Animal Health Laboratory. Biosecurity NZ works closely with industries to maximise opportunities for export, improve sector productivity and sustainability of resources and to protect from biological risks.

About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

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.

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, whanau 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 a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values, your whakapapa; 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.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday 10th July 2025

If you have any questions about the role, please email cassie.a'uvaa@mpi.govt.nz