Extension Specialist

Kō wai mātou? Who are we?

Zespri is more than simply the world's single-largest marketer of kiwifruit. We like to think of ourselves as fruit on a mission and as rebels with a cause: to help people, communities and the environment around the world thrive through the goodness of kiwifruit. We are proudly the world's largest marketer of kiwifruit, selling kiwifruit in more than 50 countries. We work with around 2,800 New Zealand and 1,500 international growers and post-harvest companies to source the best-quality Zespri Kiwifruit which we supply through our distribution partners to wholesale and retail customers. We are one of New Zealand's best-known international brands, dedicated to creating sustainable long-term value for growers.

He aha te mahi? What's the role?

Zespri is expanding its NZ and offshore production to meet its goal of $4.5B of sales by 2025. Core to successful growth is running effective extension programmes that drive desired practice change across
Zespri’s global production and supply chain to deliver high-quality fruit to the consumer and greater productivity for the grower through sustainable growing practices

Zespri’s Extension teams are responsible for leading the sharing of knowledge across Zespri global grower base that will lead to sustainable practice change.
It achieves this by forming strong working relationships across Zespri teams, growers and key extension related industry stakeholders to assist policy development, drive industry innovation and ensure timely resource development and grower engagement forums.

Other Accountabilities:

• Work with Zespri’s Extension, Innovation team and other relevant teams, in a strong cross functional and collaborative environment, to develop and deliver effective extension programmes
• Be responsible for leading and/or participating in the planning/development/evaluation of modern grower friendly resources
• Be responsible for leading and/or participating in the planning/development/delivery and evaluation of grower friendly events
• Support the Trials & Data Insights team in the data collection and field work as directed by manager
• Maintain and manage strong and effective key industry relationships and networks with key influencers of the kiwifruit growing community (leading growers, industry technical/extension staff, and Zespri)
• Run and/or participate in industry extension and on-orchard technical training activities designed to bring about behaviour change and build industry capability
• Act as a conduit for internal and external stakeholders to identify knowledge gaps or barriers for the industry achieving Zespri agreed strategic initiatives
• Represent the extension team on relevant workshops and working/project groups providing on-orchard technical expertise

Ko wai koe? Who are you?

This NZ based role will work within the workstream teams responsible for inspiring and supporting behaviour changes associated with commercialised varieties.
These workstreams are designed to deliver world class extension programmes that drive rapid and sustainable practice change aligned with Zespri’s NZ strategic initiatives.
The successful candidate will have:

• Preferably a science or management related graduate degree and/or at least three years work experience in kiwifruit
• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Teamwork and networking skills.
• Public speaking
• Horticultural (preferably kiwifruit) technical knowledge.
• Computer skills
• Drivers Licence

He aha e tika ai a Zespri? Why Zespri?

Our people are what makes our culture so irresistible and uniquely Zespri. We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. Working at Zespri is an opportunity to join a fast-paced, culture-driven environment unlike any other. We want people who share our values of being personally connected, results-driven, and committed to guardianship. Join us in shaping our future and be part of a truly unique organisation.

• Competitive overall remuneration package
• FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office.
• Additional paid annual leave day per year (Zespri Day).
• Additional paid volunteer day to volunteer within your community (Volunteer Time).
• Global Life and Permanent Disability Insurance.
• Group Medical Insurance benefits.
• Convenient Mount Maunganui office location, with free onsite parking.
• Your daily dose of Vitamin C with free kiwifruit!

Tono mai inaianei! Apply Now! Applications close 21 June 2024

At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there. We want to attract a diverse range of people and encourage everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to apply. Please let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments to take part in the recruitment and selection process by reaching out to our Talent Acquisition team via email at .

Agency

Zespri will not accept applications or contact from any temporary staffing agency, placement service or professional recruiter for this vacancy (“Agency”).

Where Zespri requires the support of an agency to fulfil a vacancy, we will proactively seek this support from our network of Agencies. We respectfully ask that you do not contact Zespri or any of its affiliates/employees regarding vacancies, and reserve the right not to reply.

Zespri will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any fees, commissions or other payments related to such unsolicited resumes.