Senior Agricultural Chemist - Soil & Water Analytics

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 92,000 - 151,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Agricultural Chemist to join a laboratory team in Queenstown. The role focuses on soil, water and plant tissue analysis, delivering accurate results and practical nutrient recommendations to agricultural producers.

You will lead advanced chemical analyses (ICP-OES, AAS, GC, HPLC), develop and validate methods, mentor staff, ensure QC/QA compliance, and communicate findings to clients and agronomists in a hybrid lab/desk environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agricultural Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Soil Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years hands-on experience in an agricultural laboratory setting.
• Experience with ICP-OES, AAS, GC, HPLC, and spectrophotometers.
• Strong QC/QA knowledge and report-writing skills.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced chemical analyses on soil, water, and plant tissue samples usingICP-OES, AAS, GC, HPLC, and spectrophotometry.
• Develop, validate, and implement new analytical methods for agricultural testing.
• Interpret analytical results and provide nutrient management recommendations.
• Oversee calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Manage laboratory operations including QC/QA protocols and data management.
• Train and mentor junior staff; ensure safety compliance.
• Collaborate with agronomists and clients to understand analytical needs.
• Prepare detailed technical reports of findings and recommendations.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Soil science

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Agricultural Chemistry or related field

Tools

ICP-OES

AAS

GC

HPLC

Spectrophotometry

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Agricultural Chemist to join a laboratory team in Queenstown. The role focuses on soil, water and plant tissue analysis, delivering accurate results and practical nutrient recommendations to agricultural producers.

You will lead advanced chemical analyses (ICP-OES, AAS, GC, HPLC), develop and validate methods, mentor staff, ensure QC/QA compliance, and communicate findings to clients and agronomists in a hybrid lab/desk environment.