The Director DSS is accountable for managing the surveillance and investigation of notifications of suspected exotic pests and diseases that may affect New Zealand's primary industries or aquatic and terrestrial environments.  The Director holds accountability for minimising the impact on our economy, environment and social and cultural values from harmful organisms that have or may establish in New Zealand by ensuring MPI's Readiness and Response Services Director is informed of any potential biosecurity risks to enable effective deployment of robust leadership to any such response event.

The DSS laboratories also provide testing services to meet regulatory requirements for imported and exported animals and plants (and derived products), and for private organisations seeking specialist services. The laboratories operate a quality management system (see link below) accredited to ISO 17025 “General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories”.

 Kōrero mō te tÅ«ranga - About the Role

The Senior Technician - Laboratory Support will provide specimen reception services across PHEL laboratory including accessioning of PHEL Christchurch samples in LIMS. This position also  be responsible for the provision of technical and operational support to the PHEL during business as usual and emergency response work

The response component of this role means that you may be required to work weekends and/or holidays in order to meet operational requirements.

Responsibilities of this position are expected to change over time and the Senior Technician – Laboratory Support will need the flexibility to adapt and develop as the environment evolves and will be required to deliver results in the following areas:

• Specimen Reception
• Quality Systems
• Laboratory Technical Support

 Mōu - About You

To be successful in this role, you'll ideally bring the following:

• Tertiary qualification in science (eg BSc or equivalent)
• Laboratory chemicals management experience
• Proven track record demonstrating initiative, technical aptitude, sound judgement, flexibility, ability to cope under pressure and an ability to work in a team environment
• Good written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Capacity to plan work in line with priorities and coordinate work activities independently
• Intermediate IT skills in data integration, analysis of big data, databases and trend analysis

• Laboratory specific procurement, logistics, supply chain experience