Senior Laboratory Technician in Rolleston, Canterbury at Ravensdown

About the role

The Senior Laboratory Technician prepares and analyses samples, materials, reagents and solutions, reviews analytical outputs against documented quality-control requirements, and provides operational cover for designated Laboratory Analyst activities.

You will undertake analytical work in supervised and unsupervised situations, operate designated technical instrumentation, evaluate quality-control results, initiate repeat testing when requirements are not met, and complete assigned maintenance and calibration activities. You will also maintain competency across several technical instruments and provide practical coaching and competency assessment for Laboratory Technicians.

What you'll do

• Prepare batches, samples, reagents, standardisations and standard solutions in accordance with ARL procedures and agreed turnaround targets.
• Carry out sample analysis in line with documented guidelines and standard operating procedures, reviewing results against strict quality-control requirements.
• Initiate repeat testing when quality requirements are not met and promptly escalate delays, faults, non-conformances and risks.
• Plan and prioritise work across laboratory areas to make effective use of instrumentation and support other areas when required.
• Complete assigned instrument maintenance and calibration tasks, maintain accurate logbooks and keep equipment clean, safe and functional.
• Monitor instrument consumables and chemical stock levels and request required resources in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate procedures, training records and quality documentation, including document acknowledgements, e-learning and non-conforming work records.
• Maintain competency across several analytical instruments to provide planned operational cover for the Laboratory Analyst team.
• Provide practical technical coaching to Laboratory Technicians, assess competency against approved requirements and escalate capability gaps.
• Contribute to a safe, collaborative workplace and identify opportunities to improve laboratory processes, methods and resource use.

About you

You are an experienced laboratory professional who can work independently within approved procedures and apply sound technical judgement. You are organised, accurate and confident prioritising work across laboratory areas while maintaining quality, safety and turnaround requirements.

You communicate clearly, build positive working relationships and willingly share your knowledge with others. You bring strong documentation, numerical reasoning and troubleshooting skills, along with a practical commitment to continuous improvement.

Ideal skills & experience

Essential

• A minimum NZQA Level 5, or equivalent, qualification in science or laboratory skills.
• Four years’ experience in a laboratory.
• An understanding of technical, analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent and thorough documentation and recording skills.
• Excellent logical and numerical reasoning skills.
• A high degree of computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Desirable

• A strong interest in safety and wellbeing.
• Experience in a high-throughput laboratory.
• An understanding of IANZ requirements, such as GLP or ISO 17025.
• An understanding of laboratory statistical measurements.

Benefits

In return for your skills, we offer a very competitive package that includes an array of insurances, and company clothing allowance, plus excellent training opportunities in a supportive cooperative environment.

How to apply: Create a profile and submit your CV and Cover letter.

Applications Close: 25 November 2026

About the company

Agnition builds on Ravensdown’s more than 40-year legacy of enabling smarter farming for a better New Zealand. Its nutrients, fertiliser, expertise and technology help more than 15,000 farmers reduce environmental impacts and optimise value from the land in a truly integrated way.

Finding, building and investing in high-potential opportunities to solve real world challenges in the ag sector.

Food production is becoming increasingly complex and its future less certain due to environmental, regulatory, financial and societal obligations. To ensure our farmers and growers are here for the long term, we need to bring smart, tested, practical solutions to market faster.

Agnition believes that with knowledge, creativity and partnership we can solve these challenges and secure a sustainable future for our farmers, growers, their communities and our motu.

Ravensdown is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.