Laboratory and Sampling Technician - Water Testing

Thriving together - mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata.

Our environment and our people go hand-in-hand.

We are seeking a Laboratory and Sampling Technician to play a vital role in our IANZ-accredited water laboratory, based in Whakatāne. You will join a small, professional team responsible for water analysis and sampling that directly supports national science programmes, public health, and regulatory compliance.

This role will suit someone who not only has an interest in science, but who cares about how work is done, understands the importance of quality systems, and takes pride in the contribution they make to an accredited laboratory. This role is based in our laboratory.

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga | About the role

Reporting to the Laboratory Team Leader, you will carry out laboratory analysis within accredited quality systems and contribute to the accurate, efficient, and defensible testing of water samples for our customers.

• Carrying out microbiological and general chemistry water testing in accordance with approved methods and IANZ requirements
• Collecting, handling, and analysing samples using defined standards, procedures, and traceability requirements
• Supporting quality assurance systems to meet accreditation requirements, including method performance and continuous improvement
• Assisting with the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of accredited methods where required
• Maintaining high standards of laboratory cleanliness, preparation, and organisation
• Participating in an out-of-hours on-call roster as required
• Liaising with Council teams and responding to internal and external customer enquiries to provide a consistent, reliable laboratory service

Ō pūmanawa | Your skills and experience

We are looking for someone who brings the right mindset as well as technical capability.

• A degree or qualification in a scientific discipline (microbiology preferred), or relevant laboratory experience
• Experience in, or a strong interest in, water microbiology and water testing
• An understanding of working within an IANZ-accredited laboratory to ISO/IEC 17025 standards (desirable)
• A careful, methodical approach to laboratory work with strong attention to detail
• The ability to manage changing workloads while maintaining quality and accuracy
• The ability to apply logical thinking under pressure
• Confidence in analysing results, recognising when something doesn’t look right, and seeking guidance when needed
• The physical capability to undertake field sampling activities if required

Just as important are your personal attributes:

• You take ownership of your work and understand its impact on others
• You work well as part of a team and contribute positively to shared standards
• You take pride in maintaining a laboratory environment others can rely on
• You value professionalism and understand that laboratory reputation is built on consistency and care
• You are self-motivated, flexible, and willing to learn
• You are able to work within established procedures and quality systems

Graduate applications are welcome where the right attitude and commitment to quality are demonstrated.

Ko wai mātou | Who we are

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is responsible for land, air and water as well as public transport and economic development. A major focus of our work involves looking after the environment. We manage the effects of people's use of freshwater, land, air and coastal water. However, we also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and cultural well-being of the regional community.

We are a values-driven organisation, that really cares about our people. Who you are is important to us and we welcome diversity as an opportunity to grow our teams and are keen to support people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions and abilities. We want Toi Moana to be a place where you bring your whole self to work.

Highlights of working with us include:

• Varied and challenging work.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Flexibility with the way you work.
• A competitive remuneration and leave package, including additional paid leave over Christmas/New Year, employer paid insurance, well-being initiatives.
• A commitment to supporting you grow and develop.

This role is located in Whakatāne.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Click APPLY NOW or contact Adrian Spence on 0800 884 880 for a confidential discussion.

To access a copy of Te Tūranga Mahi (Job Description) please click on the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/3pzt8ztb

NB: To apply for this job, you must have the legal right to be able to work in New Zealand and also a current, valid driver's licence. As this position is designated as being "safety sensitive", the successful candidate will be asked to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol check as part of the recruitment.

Applications close 11pm, Sunday 7 June 2026 and will only be accepted online.