NZ Ministry for Primary Industries Looking for Technical Assistant at Upper Hutt, Wellington Full Time

Location: Wellington, Upper Hutt

Fixed Term: Until March 2023

Kōrero mō te tūranga – About the Role

Do you want to work in an organisation that is “Growing and protecting New Zealand” and focussed on the success of the primary industries for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

The Ministry for Primary Industries has an exciting opportunity for a fixed-term full-time (1.0FTE) Technical Assistant to join the Assurance, Biosafety and Containment Team at MPI’s Animal Health Laboratory through until the end of March 2023.

The Animal Health Laboratory located in Upper Hutt is New Zealand’s reference centre for exotic, new and emerging terrestrial and aquatic animal diseases and contains both PC2 and PC3+ laboratory facilities. The Assurance, Biosafety and Containment Team is a multi-disciplinary team responsible for a range of operational systems that ensure a safe operating environment and compliance to the required regulations and standards.

We are seeking a Technical Assistant to join our multi-disciplinary team to provide laboratory support. Main duties include:

• Cleaning of PC3+ laboratory areas
• Autoclaving of PC3+ waste
• Sterilising of laboratory equipment and utensils
• Managing stocks of sterilised equipment, consumables and utensils
• Supply and laundry of PC3+ clothing and linen.

The role will also involve providing other laboratory support tasks. The role would suit applicants with experience of working in a laboratory environment, strong focus and attention to detail. You will be an excellent team player, a highly effective communicator, adaptable and calm under pressure.

The salary range for this role is H, from 53k to 63k based on skills, capabilities, and experience.

Mōu – About You

The role offers unique opportunities to develop your skills within a large and dynamic organisation. Our ideal candidate would have:

• NCEA level 2 or equivalent qualifications
• Experience of complying with Health and Safety regulations
• Experience working within and across teams
• Effective communication (verbal and written)
• Strong attention to detail and quality focus
• Ability to work within the constraints of, and follow the procedures used in a PC3+ containment laboratory
• Capacity to plan work in line with priorities and coordinate work activities with others

Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua – About MPI

The Ministry for Primary Industries is helping to seize export opportunities for our primary industries, improve sector productivity, ensure the food we produce is safe, increase sustainable resource use, and protect New Zealand from biological risk.

See the benefits of working at MPI

Wā Mahi Ngāwari – Flexible Working

If you’re interested we are open to discussing flexible working options with you. This can take many forms such as (but not limited to) reduced hours, remote working, flexible start and finish times, compressed hours or term-time work. Please feel free to talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need and we will explore what’s possible for the role.

Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru – Security checks

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a NZ citizen, who has resided continuously in NZ for at least the last five (5) years, OR
• is a citizen of, and/or has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
• click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

To join a diverse and interesting organisation that offers a wide range of career opportunities click on our link below!

Me pēhea te tuku tono – How to Apply

To view the position description and/or apply for the role please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. For tracking and reporting purposes, all applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

To apply for this role you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it – click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.

The closing date is Sunday, 31 July 2022.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Conrad Cheung at [email protected] who will point you in the right direction.

The Ministry for Primary Industries is committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values inclusion and diversity. Your unique talents and experience will help us deliver exceptional services to our communities in Aotearoa. In return you’ll enjoy an inclusive and flexible working environment in a diverse team of people while you’re growing your career here in NZ and internationally. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so that we can assist you through the recruitment process.