Senior Assessor / Biosecurity Field Officer

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Senior Assessor – Horticulture, Forestry & Biosecurity at AsureQuality in Gisborne is a versatile, part time role (20 hours weekly) blending horticultural inspections, forestry log checks, export certification, audits, and biosecurity fieldwork across NZ programmes supporting export industries. You’ll switch from export certification inspections to port checks to field surveillance, delivering accurate reports and records. The ideal candidate has experience in horticulture, forestry or biosecurity, superb attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to work independently while juggling competing demands. Requirements include a relevant qualification, audit or compliance experience, NZ driver’s licence, fitness for fieldwork, and a Tool of Trade vehicle. Tailor your application to show phytosanitary knowledge, export certs, data capture, and a customer‑focused approach.

Company Description

Everyday our experienced team of 1,700+ people work alongside farmers, producers, and others throughout the food supply chain to help them uphold what Aotearoa stands for in food - a higher standard of quality and safety. 

We are passionate about our shared role as Kaitiaki Kai, guardians of food, and have a deep responsibility to do the right thing for food and the environments it comes from. 

We are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining great people, and supporting them to be the best they can be.  We know diverse teams are stronger teams and we believe in fairness and opportunity for all.

Job Description

Senior Assessor – Horticulture, Forestry & Biosecurity

• Location: Gisborne
• Part-time: 20 hours per week
• Tool of Trade Vehicle

Looking for a role with variety, purpose, and impact?

We're seeking a versatile and motivated professional to join our team in a unique cross-functional position that combines horticultural assessment, forestry/log inspections, export certification, auditing, and biosecurity monitoring.

This is an opportunity to work across multiple programmes that support New Zealand's export industries and protect our biosecurity system. One day you could be conducting export certification inspections for horticultural products, the next assessing export logs at port, and at other times supporting biosecurity surveillance activities in the field.

About the Role

As a Senior Assessor, you will be responsible for delivering a broad range of inspection, audit, certification, and monitoring services across horticulture, forestry, and biosecurity programmes.

There will be opportunities to work additional hours from time to time, depending on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct phytosanitary inspections of horticultural and forestry products for export certification.
• Complete export certification, verification, and compliance activities in accordance with regulatory and customer requirements.
• Carry out audits and inspections of growers, exporters, suppliers, and MPI-approved organisations.
• Assess compliance with industry quality assurance programmes and identify non-conformances where required.
• Undertake log and forestry product inspections at port to support export certification requirements.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of inspection reports, certification records, and associated documentation.
• Support biosecurity surveillance programmes through trap servicing, specimen collection, electronic data capture, and field monitoring activities.
• Build strong customer relationships and deliver services to agreed specifications and service levels.
• Maintain a strong commitment to health, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

About You

You may come from a horticulture, forestry, agriculture, biosecurity, or wider primary industry background and enjoy a mix of field-based and technical work.

We're looking for someone who has:

• Experience within horticulture, forestry, agriculture, biosecurity, or a related primary sector industry.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to make sound compliance decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence working independently and managing competing priorities.
• Good computer and mobile technology skills.
• A customer-focused approach and commitment to service excellence.
• Physical fitness for field and port-based work and a full New Zealand driver's licence.
• Qualification in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, science, or a related discipline.
• Audit, inspection, certification, or compliance experience.
• Knowledge of export certification, phytosanitary requirements, or biosecurity systems.

Additional Information

Why Join AsureQuality?

At AsureQuality, our work helps support New Zealand's reputation as a trusted exporter while protecting our environment from biosecurity threats. You'll be part of a team that values integrity, collaboration, continuous improvement, and delivering mahi that matters.

If you're looking for a diverse role where you can combine inspection, certification, auditing, and biosecurity work, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help protect and grow New Zealand's primary industries.

Helping Aotearoa shape a better food world - Join us today!