Auditor - Horticulture

Job Description

• Auditor - IVA + GAP
• Location: Hasting

Are you passionate about independent verification, food safety, and auditing within the agricultural and horticultural sector? We’re looking for an Auditor to join our team and support robust, credible certification outcomes through high-quality Independent Verification Activities (IVA) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

This role plays a critical part in providing independent, objective assurance that operations and production systems meet certification and regulatory requirements. If you value integrity, consistency, and evidence-based decision-making — and enjoy working closely with growers and producers — we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

As an Auditor, you will carry out audits and verification activities across varying horticultural, seed and forestry (sawmills, timber processors) sites, along with production operations under either NZGAP and / or GlobalGAP programmes, assessing compliance against certification standards and regulations. Your work will directly support confidence in certification outcomes and help ensure alignment with food safety, regulatory, and market access requirements.

You’ll be working hands-on with growers and exporters across Aotearoa’s horticulture sector, supporting them as they take their products to domestic and international markets. This is a great opportunity to see New Zealand while contributing to trusted verification systems.

Regular travel required, with up to two weeks per month away from home during peak season

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct audits of different production systems to verify compliance with certification requirements.
• Review and assess records, processes, and management systems to ensure adherence to regulatory, food safety, and quality standards.
• Apply objective, evidence-based decision-making in line with IVA principles.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and timely audit and verification reports.
• Maintain current technical knowledge of food safety, regulatory frameworks, certification requirements, and auditing methodologies.
• Build and maintain professional, credible relationships with clients and stakeholders while preserving auditor independence.

Technical Skills & Qualifications

• Tertiary diploma (2+ years) in horticulture, agricultural science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ post-study experience in the agricultural industry.
• At least 3 years’ total experience in agriculture-related work.

OR

• Tertiary diploma (2+ years) in sector specific discipline (e.g. field experience relevant to specific products, farm management, including owner operators in relevant products, commercial consultant in relevant products).
• At least 4 years’ experience in farm operations or technical production management.
• HACCP and Food Safety training.

AND

• Lead Auditor training based on ISO/IEC principles (minimum 37 hours).
• At least 10 days of practical auditing experience in management systems (e.g., ISO/IEC 9000, BRCGS Food, or equivalent).

Experience & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the horticulture and agribusiness sectors.
• Experience working within regulated environments, food safety, and certification systems.
• Background in agribusiness operations, compliance, and assurance activities.
• Demonstrated auditing, reporting, and analytical problem-solving skills.

Skills Required

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to objectively assess systems and processes against defined standards.
• Strong time management and planning skills in a field-based auditing environment.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

We are seeking either an already approved Auditor or candidates who meet the technical skills and qualification requirements outlined above. Candidates with GLOBALG.A.P. qualifications or current GLOBALG.A.P. Auditor approval will be highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

• Contribute to activities that support global food safety and sustainable farming.
• National travel opportunities across New Zealand’s horticulture regions.
• Be part of a technically strong, collaborative team.
• Ongoing professional development and auditing career pathways.

Apply Now

If you’re ready to play a key role in trusted certification and independent assurance, apply online today.