Job Description
NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
Biosafety Officer
Role type: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Wallaceville - Upper Hutt
Salary band & range: General Salary Range D: $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience
About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga
Do you want to work in an organisation that is "Growing and protecting New Zealand" and focussed on the success of the primary industries for the benefit of all New Zealanders?
We currently have a rare and exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent Biosafety Officer to join the Assurance, Biosafety and Containment Team at MPI's state of the art National Biocontainment Laboratory. This laboratory operates at the highest level of biocontainment in New Zealand and has been built to world leading standards for biosafety.
In this role you will:
Lead and manage the laboratory's biological risk management system, ensuring safe, secure, and compliant scientific operations.
Coach staff and foster a strong biosafety culture.
Review laboratory practices, uphold containment standards.
Exercise authority to stop work that may compromise biosafety or physical containment.
Provide expert biosafety advice, operate and train others on key containment equipment.
Lead improvements in biosafety methods and maintain capability to back up the Health and Safety Officer.
About You - Mou
This is a senior role within the laboratory and the incumbent will need to have enough gravitas to utilise the authority that comes with the role.
You will have:
Substantial experience and strong knowledge in biological risk management.
Worked in laboratories handling infectious biological organisms and associated risks.
Highly effective communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
Adaptability and able to remain calm and composed under pressure.
The role offers a great work/life balance, autonomy, variety and unique opportunities to develop your skills within a large and dynamic organisation.
You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.
About the Team - Mo to matou Ropu
The National Biocontainment Laboratory located in Upper Hutt is New Zealand's reference centre for exotic, new and emerging terrestrial and aquatic animal diseases and contains both PC2 and PC3+ laboratory facilities. The Assurance, Biosafety and Containment Team is a multi-disciplinary team responsible for a range of operational systems that ensure a safe operating environment and compliance to the required regulations and standards.
About MPI - Mo te Manatu Ahu Matua
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.
To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.
Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua
Additional MPI leave days
Annual Wellness payment
Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
Security checks - Nga Taki Whakahaumaru
Low level Security Clearance
most preferably a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a New Zealand residence-class visa, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.
If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.
Drug and ******* Screening - Whakamatau Whakapoauau me te Waipiro
Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and ******* pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.
Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.
We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.
In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.
To view the position description and/or apply online, please click "Apply" or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.
Applications close at midnight on Monday 13 April 2026.
If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected]
Follow MPI here - Whaia nga tuhononga ki MPI i konei
Links to Facebook, MPI Careers,
Biosafety Officer
Role type: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Wallaceville - Upper Hutt
Salary band & range: General Salary Range D: $100,934 to $118,005 depending on skills and experience
About the Role - Korero mo te Turanga
Do you want to work in an organisation that is "Growing and protecting New Zealand" and focussed on the success of the primary industries for the benefit of all New Zealanders?
We currently have a rare and exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent Biosafety Officer to join the Assurance, Biosafety and Containment Team at MPI's state of the art National Biocontainment Laboratory. This laboratory operates at the highest level of biocontainment in New Zealand and has been built to world leading standards for biosafety.
In this role you will:
Lead and manage the laboratory's biological risk management system, ensuring safe, secure, and compliant scientific operations.
Coach staff and foster a strong biosafety culture.
Review laboratory practices, uphold containment standards.
Exercise authority to stop work that may compromise biosafety or physical containment.
Provide expert biosafety advice, operate and train others on key containment equipment.
Lead improvements in biosafety methods and maintain capability to back up the Health and Safety Officer.
About You - Mou
This is a senior role within the laboratory and the incumbent will need to have enough gravitas to utilise the authority that comes with the role.
You will have:
Substantial experience and strong knowledge in biological risk management.
Worked in laboratories handling infectious biological organisms and associated risks.
Highly effective communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
Adaptability and able to remain calm and composed under pressure.
The role offers a great work/life balance, autonomy, variety and unique opportunities to develop your skills within a large and dynamic organisation.
You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.
About the Team - Mo to matou Ropu
The National Biocontainment Laboratory located in Upper Hutt is New Zealand's reference centre for exotic, new and emerging terrestrial and aquatic animal diseases and contains both PC2 and PC3+ laboratory facilities. The Assurance, Biosafety and Containment Team is a multi-disciplinary team responsible for a range of operational systems that ensure a safe operating environment and compliance to the required regulations and standards.
About MPI - Mo te Manatu Ahu Matua
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) partners with New Zealand's food and fibre sector to be the world's most trusted provider of high-value food and fibre products.
To find out more about the Ministry and what we do please click here.
Benefits of working at MPI - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Ahu Matua
Additional MPI leave days
Annual Wellness payment
Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames
Security checks - Nga Taki Whakahaumaru
Low level Security Clearance
most preferably a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a New Zealand residence-class visa, who has resided continuously in New Zealand for at least the last five (5) years, OR
has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last five (5) years: either Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA); and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at this level.
click here to find out more about the national security vetting process and access the eligibility self-check tool.
If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.
Drug and ******* Screening - Whakamatau Whakapoauau me te Waipiro
Please note, given this position is safety sensitive the preferred applicant/s for the position will be required to undergo a drug and ******* pre-employment screening test. Further information on this process can be found on our careers site, here.
Are you ready to make a difference? - Kua rite koe mo tenei mahi whaitake?
We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapu, whanau and hapori.
We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.
In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.
To view the position description and/or apply online, please click "Apply" or visit the MPI Careers Site. To apply, you must hold the right to work in New Zealand or be eligible to obtain it - click here to find out more about work visa eligibility and options.
Applications close at midnight on Monday 13 April 2026.
If you have any questions about the role, please email [email protected]
Follow MPI here - Whaia nga tuhononga ki MPI i konei
Links to Facebook, MPI Careers,
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Biosafety officer position is now open for candidates interested in the Office Assistant Jobs sector. This role in Bideford offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Office Assistant Jobs is a plus.
