Laboratory Technician

What does a typical day in your role look like?

As a seasonal Laboratory Technician, my day involves performing a range of tests on kiwifruit samples to assess their maturity. These include weighing individual fruit, checking firmness, colour testing (for gold and red varieties), and measuring dry matter and brix levels to evaluate sweetness and flavour. These results help determine if the fruit is ready for harvest, meets export standards, tastes good, and stores well.

In addition to testing, I help with other lab operations like packing fruit into trays, running trays through a commercial washer, disposing of used samples, and cleaning work areas once testing is complete.

How did you get into this role?

During the Covid lockdown, I decided to explore a new career path after 30+ years in sales and selling our kiwifruit orchard. I started with orchard work—bud thinning, fruit thinning, and pruning. While working in the field, I saw a job ad for a Lab Technician at Verified Lab Services.

Having been a grower, I was familiar with lab results and was keen to be part of the testing process. I started as a seasonal Lab Technician five years ago and continued working in the industry during the off-season. Over time, I progressed to a seasonal Supervisor role and am now permanently employed as Laboratory Supervisor – Team Lead at VLS.

Did you need to study for this role, if so, what did you study?

No formal study was required. I learned everything through on-the-job training, and the team provides great support when you’re starting out. Being open to learning and asking questions helped me succeed and move into a leadership role.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy the variety of tests we perform—it keeps the work interesting and fast-paced. The flexible shift options are a bonus, and I love working with people of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds from New Zealand and around the world.

What’s something unique, surprising, or fun about your role or team?

Our team is incredibly diverse. We work with people from all over the world, and it’s fun learning about different cultures while working together toward a shared goal. It makes the workplace vibrant and engaging.

What advice would you give someone interested in your role or career path?

Stay curious, be willing to learn, and take every opportunity to get hands-on experience. Starting in a seasonal role is a great way to get your foot in the door and understand the industry. Show initiative and reliability—progression will follow.

Anything else that you would like to add?

If you’re not sure what you want to do yet, that’s totally okay. Try different things, ask questions, and see what you enjoy. You might discover a job you didn’t even know existed—just like I did.