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 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.

We’re looking for a motivated and hands-on Technical Assistant to support the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (KBC) in Italy during the harvest period. Based in Latina, this is a great opportunity to gain practical experience across orchard, laboratory and consumer trial activities, while contributing to the development and delivery of new kiwifruit cultivars and rootstocks for Zespri. Based within Zespri Fresh Produce Italy and strongly connected to Zespri’s Global Supply team, this role will support the evaluation operations team across a variety of seasonal activities.

You’ll be involved in collecting fruit from orchards, preparing and testing samples in the laboratory, supporting sensory and consumer trial activity, and helping ensure data, quality and safety standards are maintained throughout the season. This is a fixed-term contract running from 1 September 2026 to 16 December 2026. Supporting harvest activities, including picking maturity samples, harvesting fruit, grading, packing, sensory activity, following protocols and sorting trays into cool store.

Preparing and completing labelling tasks, including printing, tagging and placing labels on bags and trays. Conducting laboratory measurements accurately and thoroughly, in line with instructions and protocols. Monitoring data inputs and highlighting any irregular, duplicate or inconsistent data.

Keeping workspaces clean,



organised and safe, including warehouse and equipment maintenance. Contributing positively to the wider team by being flexible, collaborative and committed to health, safety and compliance. You’re comfortable working in changing seasonal conditions, can follow protocols accurately, and take pride in doing things properly, safely and on time.

Good interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to communicate directly and constructively in Italian. English would be an advantage. Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks, follow protocols and meet deadlines.

Confidence using Microsoft Excel and a willingness to learn data collection devices and database systems. The physical ability to lift up to 20 kg, carry trays or crates of fruit safely, and work in all weather conditions. A high school diploma and an interest in agriculture and science.

We are a passionate and mighty team of 850+ employees in 23 different locations globally. FlexWELL flexible work ethos; WFH & the office. Applications close 19 August 2026. At Zespri, we understand the importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, and a fair hiring process is the first step to getting there.

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 [email protected] 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 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. #

📌 Service Desk Technician (German & English Speaking) (Cisterna di Latina)
🏢 Zespri Group
📍 Cisterna di Latina