Orchard Programmes Assistant

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?

Reporting to the Orchard Productivity and Extension Manager and based in Saint Paul lès Dax, the Orchard Programmes Assistant supports extension programmes for Zespri varieties, primarily Gold3, in France. Responsibilities include delivering field days, workshops, grower support, trial management, and coordinating grower communications. Collaboration with ZGS Europe colleagues and industry stakeholders is essential.

Please take note that this is 12 months fixed term opportunity.

Key Accountabilities

Extension Programme
- Support the design and delivery of annual extension programmes tailored to regional needs.
- Build strong relationships with growers, technicians, and industry partners.
- Support understanding and performance of Gold3 production in the Adour region.
- Deliver field days, workshops, orchard events, and grower support activities.
- Contribute to annual trial planning and identify opportunities from France and other growing regions.
- Manage trials from setup through reporting
- Maintain accurate online records of protocols and reports.
- Collaborate with European teams to share insights and support extension activities.

Communication
- Develop and manage communication tools
- Deliver extension communications according to schedule.
- Ensure new knowledge and learnings are effectively transferred to growers.

Grower Services
- Support audits for new growers and orchard sites.
- Maintain grower and stakeholder email and phone contact databases.

Teamwork and Industry Engagement
- Work closely with Orchard Productivity colleagues across Europe.
- Share relevant global orchard productivity insights and challenges.
- Provide updates to the wider industry through presentations, articles, blogs, and monthly activity reports.
- Support other European teams and provide extension expertise when required.

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

We are looking for a strong team player who has sound knowledge of fruit production systems and practices. You will fulfill the following criteria:

• Degree in Science, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field, or equivalent experience in extension services, communications, or technical resource development.
• Fluent in Italian and English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in a technical or scientific environment, ideally within horticulture or agriculture.
• Ability to collect, manage, analyse, and interpret data.
• Flexible to work extended hours during peak seasons (March to June and September to October).
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally for training, extension activities, and other business needs.

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 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 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. Please note that individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies, performance and work location.
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Two additional paid leave days for you to proactively support the moments that genuinely boost your mental, physical, emotional, and social wellbeing (Boost Days).

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 28 September 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 by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@zespri.com.

Agency

Zespri will not accept applications or contact from any temporary staffing agency, placement service or professional recruiter for this vacancy (“Agency”).

Where Zespri requires the support of an agency to fulfil a vacancy, we will proactively seek this support from our network of Agencies.  We respectfully ask that you do not contact Zespri or any of its affiliates/employees regarding vacancies, and reserve the right not to reply.

Zespri will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions or other payments related to such unsolicited resumes.