Start from home. Work with a mate. Get outdoors. See the region.
January to June 2027
Looking for something different this kiwifruit season, or already know your way around an orchard?
Verified Lab Services (VLS) is looking for reliable and capable people to join our 2027 kiwifruit sampling team across the Northland region.
Your day will involve travelling between orchards, walking through orchard blocks to collect kiwifruit samples, carrying sample bags and recording information on a smartphone. You may work independently or alongside another Field Technician, with a dedicated Field Operations Support team available throughout the day.
Whether bringing previous sampling experience or learning the role for the first time, there is a place within the team for people who enjoy working outdoors and take pride in doing the job well.
What you will do
- Walk kiwifruit orchards collecting fruit samples for maturity testing
- Drive between orchards across your local region
- Work independently or alongside another field technician
- Use a company phone and mobile technology to navigate and record your work
- Deliver samples to a VLS laboratory or fruit courier for timely testing
Experienced sampler?
Previous maturity sampling experience is highly valued, and experienced samplers are encouraged to apply.
VLS has an established field team, with many seasonal staff returning each year. You will be working alongside people who understand the demands of maturity sampling and the importance of getting the job right.
New to sampling?
No previous sampling experience is required. Full training is provided, with new samplers starting in the field alongside an experienced team member who will guide you through the role and help build your confidence.
What we are looking for
- Reliable, safety-minded people who enjoy working outdoors in all weather
- Confidence using smartphones and mobile applications
- Confidence driving long distances and working independently or in a pair
- Comfortable walking across orchards and varied terrain and carrying sample bags weighing up to 16 kg
- Flexibility to work across a six-day operating week, generally between 6:30 am and 3:30 pm
- A full, clean driver's licence
- Applicants should have access to a presentable, warranted and registered vehicle suitable for regular travel to orchards. A limited number of company vehicles are available and may be provided to the right candidate.
What we
provide
- A company smartphone, printer and all required sampling equipment
- Full training, starting alongside an experienced buddy
- Ongoing support from our experienced Field Operations team
- The ability to start and finish from home once cleared to work independently
- Opportunities to return for future seasons
Applying with a friend or partner? Much of our sampling is completed in pairs, so let us know in your application. Where possible, we will look to roster you together.
Season: January to approximately June 2027, depending on seasonal demand
Employment: Fixed Term Seasonal
Eligibility: NZ residents and eligible working-holiday visa holders welcome
Make a season of it.
Start from home, spend the day outdoors and see more of the region while doing practical work that matters to the kiwifruit industry.
Experienced or completely new to sampling, if this sounds like the right fit, we would like to hear from you
Apply now.