Plant Breeding Technician

DLF Seeds; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life & income protection insurance

Training and learning with leading-sc!

Top class research facilities

Job summary

PGG Wrightson Seeds invites applications for two Early Career Plant Breeding Technician positions at the Kimihia Research Centre in Lincoln, NZ. Roles support Ryegrass and Clover & Herbs breeding programs with hands-on field, glasshouse and seed handling tasks.

Ideal candidates are graduates or early-career professionals with passion for agricultural/plant science, practical outdoor work, and ability to perform detailed technical tasks to high standards.

Qualifications

• Strong academic grounding in agriculture, plant science, horticulture, biological sciences or a related field.
• Real interest in how plants perform in the field and curiosity to understand breeding, pasture systems, agronomy or crop science.
• Careful and disciplined observations, samples and data collection methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field trials, including sowing, transplanting, trial maintenance and data collection.
• Support glasshouse, nursery and field-based breeding activities, preparing plant material for crossing programmes.
• Prepare for harvest and assist with seed processing, testing, packeting and seed hygiene.
• Collect, prepare and organise forage and plant samples for analysis.
• Enter breeding, agronomic and trial data into systems and assist with reports and field days.
• Work safely and collaboratively as part of a practical research team across Ryegrass or Clover & Herbs programmes.

Skills

Plant science

Field work

Data collection

Laboratory work

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related field

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Early Career Roles - Plant Breeding Technician(s)

• Ryegrass
• Clover & Herbs
• Kimihia Research Centre, Lincoln | Full-time

PGG Wrightson Seeds is a market leader in the development of proprietary grass, legume and brassica products and is part of the global DLF Group. PGG Wrightson Seeds services both New Zealand and global markets, encompassing all facets of the seed market, from research and development through to seed supply and on-farm support.

We are looking for two motivated early-career professionals with strong potential to join our Research & Development team as Plant Breeding Technicians at Kimihia Research Centre in Lincoln. One role will support our Ryegrass breeding programme, and the other will support our Clover & Herbs breeding programme.

Both roles are hands-on technical positions supporting the development of new forage cultivars. Depending on the programme, you will be involved in a wide range of activities including field trials, plant propagation, seed handling, crossing support, data collection, sample preparation, nursery maintenance and supporting the practical delivery of breeding work.

This opportunity would suit someone who is passionate about agricultural / plant science, enjoys practical outdoor work, and takes pride in carrying out detailed technical tasks to a high standard.

About the role

• Assist with field trials, including sowing, transplanting, trial maintenance, plant assessments and accurate data collection.
• Support glasshouse, nursery and field-based breeding activities, including the preparation and maintenance of plant material for crossing programmes.
• Prepare for harvest and assist with seed processing, testing, packeting, sowing and maintaining high standards of seed hygiene.
• Collect, prepare and organise forage and plant samples for analysis, ensuring work is carried out carefully and consistently.
• Enter breeding, agronomic and trial data accurately into relevant systems and assist with reports, breeding reviews, field days and visitor activities as required.
• Work safely, reliably and collaboratively as part of a practical research team, supporting seasonal priorities across either the Ryegrass or Clover & Herbs programme.

About you

We are looking for people with the spark, discipline and curiosity to become excellent in this field. This would suit a strong graduate or early-career professional who wants more than a first job — someone who is ready to learn quickly, work carefully, think practically and build genuine technical depth in plant breeding and applied agricultural science.

• Strong academic grounding in agriculture, plant science, horticulture, biological sciences or a related field, with the ability to turn learning into practical, high-quality work.
• A real interest in how plants perform in the field, and the curiosity to understand breeding, pasture systems, agronomy, crop science or applied research in depth.
• A careful and disciplined approach to observations, samples and data, with the accuracy needed to support credible research outcomes.
• A self-starter with high personal standards, strong follow-through and the maturity to take responsibility for detailed technical work.
• Practical, resilient and collaborative, with the confidence to ask good questions, learn from experienced people and contribute positively in a seasonal, field-intensive research environment.

What we offer

These are great opportunities to contribute to meaningful research that supports the future of New Zealand farming. You will be part of a knowledgeable and supportive team, working in a practical science-based environment where your contribution helps turn research into real outcomes for growers and farmers.

At PGG Wrightson Seeds, we value people who are curious, reliable, collaborative and committed to doing good work. If you enjoy variety, working with plants, and being part of a team that is focused on practical innovation, we would like to hear from you.

• Benefits include – health, life & income protection insurance, training and learning with leading scientists, a top class research farm /facilities and a great group of colleagues.

PGG Wrightson Seeds is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace where people are encouraged to bring their best.