Technical Specialist Pre Harvest

Who are we?

Zespri is more than simply the world's single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand's best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

What's the role?

The Technical Specialist Pre Harvest role will develop Zespri’s knowledge of the Chinese kiwifruit industry by working closely with Chinese kiwifruit growers to understand on-orchard growing practices, together with food safety and fruit quality standards throughout the local supply chain. The person in this role must develop a deep understanding of the New Zealand industry and Zespri’s production, fruit quality, food safety, GAP, compliance, and pre and post harvest systems, which will assist with ensuring accurate and relevant information from China is reported back to New Zealand on the current state of the Chinese kiwifruit industry. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Orchard monitoring and assessment - Working with the NZ and global teams to develop the kiwifruit monitoring program around pest and disease monitoring, fruit maturity and quality monitoring program, vine monitoring program and yield estimation, delivering relevant reports and analysis. 
• Kiwifruit Orchard Productivity - Provide orchard management analysis reports through the whole season including winter/summer pruning, bud/flower thinning , pollination program, string system, leader training program, weed control. Implement techniques to improve the fruit productivity and pack-out.
• Fruit Quality and safety - Understand irrigation and drainage management standards for existing orchard management programs. Implement residue, soil, water and leaf testing and align this with the wider team for reporting purposes. Develop food safety/emergency management systems and work with Quality Assurance team, Orchard Extension team to undertake internal and external audits and relevant certifications.
• Develop and maintain a good relationship with the China kiwifruit industry to help Zespri be involved and understand the China kiwifruit industry.

Who are you?

Developing close relationships with Chinese stakeholders in the kiwifruit industry will be key to success in this role - stakeholders include, but not limited to, relevant academic research institutes, food testing laboratories, government agencies and post-harvest facilities. The Technical Specialist Pre Harvest  position will be engaged in a research and R&D projects in addition to specialised technical support and solutions to the Zespri team in Chengdu. We are looking for candidates who have:

• A Bachelors degree in horticulture/agriculture - relevant industry working experiences would be advantage
• Fluent English speaking and reading/writing skills due to the nature of the role
• Good communication and written skills
• Strong research, analytical and report-writing skills
• Organization and prioritization abilities
• Willingness to travel, and work in field
• Support each other proactively and maximize team function as a good team player 
• A C1 driver license and solid driving skills (preferred) 

Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of being personally connected, results-driven, and committed to guardianship. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.

• Competitive overall remuneration package
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits

Apply Now! Applications close 30 May 2024

At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.