Pacific Scientist at Ministry for Primary Industries, Auckland MPI Centre

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Job Title: Pacific Scientist

Role type: Fixed term (till September 2026)

Location: Auckland

Salary band & range: $ 74,964  to $ 96,213 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

As a Pacific Regional Scientist in the Pacific Programmes Team, you will provide capability development to the Pacific on diagnostic and advisory services for exotic and emerging pests and diseases affecting plants and the terrestrial environment. You will lead the delivery and coordination of plant health capability training in specific Pacific Island Countries (PICs). This role requires frequent travel to the Pacific Islands.

Your responsibilities will include delivering diagnostics via investigations support, developing new techniques, and providing technical input for specimen identification and programme activities.

You will support PICs response management by offering technical advice, coordinating field sampling and survey work, and responding to new records.

 About You - Mōu

We are looking for a dedicated professional with a tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as entomology.

• You should have 2 to 5 years of laboratory experience in a relevant specialist area, with a solid understanding of the major groups of plant and environmental pests.
• Experience with the identification, biology, and control of high-impact exotic pests is essential.
• Ability to lead projects and tasks without direct supervision and support. You should possess strong project management skills and the ability to manage relationships with both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, there will be multiple stakeholders that you will need to present information too.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Pacific Programme is made up of dedicated animal and plant health specialists committed to strengthening biosecurity systems across the Pacific. Operating from both Auckland and Wellington the small team works close together to co-ordinate initiatives, share expertise, and deliver impactful results.

This is a unique opportunity to supports MPI's and New Zealands role in fostering strong partnerships across the Pacific and advancing regional agricultural prosperity.

 About MPI - Mō te Manatū Ahu Matua

 We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources

Benefits of working at MPI - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Annual Wellness payment

 Security checks - Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

Low level Security Clearance

• most preferably a New Zealand citizen, who has resided continuously in New Zealand 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, New Zealand, 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 New Zealand 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.

Credit check - Tirotiro nama

Please note, given this position is identified as carrying financial risk, the preferred candidate(s) will be required to satisfactorily pass a credit check.

Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

To view the position description and/or apply online, please click “APPLY FOR THIS JOB” or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, 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.

Applications close at midnight on Friday 6th June 2025

If you have any questions about the role, please email cassie.a'uvaa@mpi.govt.nz 

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