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 below to apply for the position (copy the link and paste in your web browser to apply and to view the position description for the role)
- 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 reach out to us via email at [email protected]
Applications close 5pm 17 January 2025