Technical Specialist - Crop Protection

Kō wai mātou? 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.

He aha te mahi? What's the role?

Robust crop protection practices are essential for the safe and sustainable production of kiwifruit for export. The Technical Specialist – Crop Protection is a key member of our dynamic Orchard Quality Services team, championing industry-wide compliance with the Crop Protection Standard. This role ensures the standard is effective, meets all regulatory and customer requirements, and supports Zespri’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

Key accountabilities include:

• Manage the Zespri Electronic Spray Diary application, including administration, user support, and reviewing non-standard entries.
• Monitor and review compliance with the Zespri Crop Protection Programme (ZCPP).
• Communicate crop protection standards through presentations, publications, web-based media, and advisory channels.
• Lead the development and maintenance of Zespri Crop Protection standards, including analysis of agrochemical usage and pest incidence.
• Plan and coordinate projects to address specific crop protection challenges.
• Analyse and report outcomes of crop protection programmes.
• Provide training and support for Crop Protection and Spray Diary users, growers, and industry parties.
• Support the wider Quality Services team, including oversight of the residue monitoring programme.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and process excellence across the Quality Systems team.
• Be available on-call (remotely) after-hours and during weekends/public holidays in the harvest period to manage non-compliances and provide technical support.

This 11 month fixed term maternity cover role is from June 2026-April 2027.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

You’re a proactive, positive team member with a passion for quality and technical excellence in horticulture.

You will meet the following criteria:

• Technical experience or qualification in agricultural, food or biological sciences (or similar).
• Experience in primary production, ideally within the kiwifruit industry.
• Experience working with national and international standards and supporting systems in a production or horticultural environment. 
• Strong technical writing skills.
• Highly developed computer skills. 
• Ability to plan ahead, organise, and execute tasks systematically.
• Clear analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to deliver results and meet customer expectations.
• Effective communicator and presenter, able to network and influence.

He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 900+ 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 making it happen, creating real connections, and leaving a legacy. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation. 

• Competitive overall remuneration package.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH and the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking. 
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Apply Now! Applications close 24 May 2026.

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. You can reach out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com to have a chat to someone directly.