Genetics Graduate Programme - 2 years

Livestock Improvement Corporation; Otago; On-site; NZD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extra leave days

Flexible working

Insurance discounts

Employee shares scheme

Wellbeing discounts

Onsite parking

EV chargers on site

Hamilton office amenities

Job summary

Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC) is offering a two-year development role in its Genetics business, designed for a recent graduate. You will gain hands-on experience across herd improvement, livestock selection, and the genetics product team, building a strong foundation in both science and commercial application of LIC’s genetics solutions.

You’ll contribute to genomic evaluation, product development, and customer solutions, with a pathway into a permanent role within specialist teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level or higher in agriculture or related field.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capability.
• Clear and confident verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support LIC’s animal evaluation system and genetic evaluation workflows.
• Assist with livestock selection data analysis and bull acquisition activities.
• Collaborate with sales and product teams to support LIC genetics offerings.
• Contribute to extension activities and on-farm decision-support.
• Analyze and report animal data to inform herd improvement strategies.
• Work with cross-functional teams to deliver tools and customer solutions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Agricultural-based tertiary qualification

Job description

Livestock Improvement Corporation - Newstead, North Island

LIC is a farmer-owned co-operative that’s been supporting herd improvement in New Zealand’s dairy sector for more than 115 years. We’re focused on providing superior genetics, reliable testing and diagnostics, integrated on-farm software, and great customer service, all designed to help farmers make smarter decisions every day.

As a proud generational co-operative, we’re here for farmers, their families, and rural communities, not just for today, but for the future. And none of it happens without our people. Whether on farm, in the lab, or behind the scenes, every one of us plays a part in helping New Zealand farmers succeed.

Your Role

This is a unique opportunity to join LIC in a role supporting our Genetics business - the engine behind our industry-leading products. Designed for a recent graduate, this two-year development role will accelerate your career in animal breeding and genetics.

You’ll gain hands-on experience across three key areas: Herd Improvement (Animal Evaluation), Livestock Selection (breeding schemes), and the Genetics Product Team (marketing and product support). This breadth will give you a strong foundation in both the science and commercial application of LIC’s genetics offering.

From genomic evaluation to product development and customer solutions, you’ll contribute to work that directly improves the productivity and profitability of New Zealand dairy farmers. Successful completion of the programme provides a pathway into a permanent role within one of these specialist teams.

LIC offers a dynamic environment where initiative is valued. You’ll work closely with your manager to define outcomes and grow your capability through structured development and real-world experience.

Your Key Focus

• Support the delivery and monitoring of LIC’s animal evaluation system (genetic and genomic), aligned to NZAEL schedules
• Assist with investigation and resolution of animal evaluation queries across LIC and the wider dairy industry
• Extract, analyse, and report animal data to support Herd Improvement insights and decision-making
• Contribute to Livestock Selection activities, including bull acquisition and data analysis within the Sire Proving Scheme
• Support Genetics products by working with sales teams and product groups to deliver tools, programmes, and customer-focused solutions
• Collaborate effectively across teams, contributing to a positive and high-performing environment
• Build strong communication skills to support extension activities and on-farm decision-making
• Grow your technical expertise through on-the-job learning and ongoing development
• Develop a deep understanding of NZ farming systems and how LIC’s genetics solutions drive industry progress

About You

• Agricultural-based tertiary qualification
• Recent graduate or in your final year of study
• Passion for animal breeding and genetics
• Sound understanding of dairy farming systems and the NZ dairy industry
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capability
• Clear and confident verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with people across all levels and disciplines
• Professional approach with the ability to build credibility with farmers, advisors, and industry stakeholders

In Return

In addition to a competitive salary, you’ll receive some great benefits including:

• Extra leave days
• Flexible working options
• Discounted health, life, income and disability insurances
• Access to our employee shares scheme
• Wellbeing discounts
• Free onsite parking
• Free onsite EV Chargers for the LIC team to use
• Our Hamilton office is located in a park-like setting, with tennis court, pool, and onsite café and social club!

The role provides the opportunity to join a progressive and forward-thinking agri-tech organisation, where you’ll play a key role in driving the future of dairy in NZ and around the globe.