Summer Field Research Assistant

Pasture First Ltd; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Pasture First Ltd. is seeking a Summer Research Assistant to join the Pasture First Research team in Palmerston North.

The role focuses on hands-on field trials across forage crops, with duties spanning harvesting, sampling, plant assessments, and quality checks, contributing to ongoing trials in the Lower North Island. The ideal candidate will have an interest in agriculture/horticulture, experience on farms or in research trials, and comfort working outdoors in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• Interest in Agriculture/Horticulture and field trials/research.
• Experience working on farms or research trials.
• Willing to work outdoors in a range of conditions.

Responsibilities

• Harvesting forage and seed field trials.
• Forage sample collection for laboratory analysis.
• Plant establishment and vigour assessments.
• Sugar Beet/Fodder Beet quality and control.
• Insect and disease assessments.
• Weed identification and control assessments.
• Soil sampling.

Skills

Agri/Hort interest

Field trials experience

Outdoor work ability

Education

NZ tertiary study in Science/Tech/Eng/Design/Business

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available to join the Pasture First Research team over the summer as a Research Assistant.

Pasture First Research is a leading independent contract research company, providing scientific and high-quality field research studies to the seed, crop protection and fertiliser industries. Our field trials are run in a range of forage crops including pasture, cereals, fodder beet, lucerne, maize etc. This is your chance to gain hands on experience and skills in the field research sector while contributing to the success of our field trials throughout the Lower North Island.

Duties and Responsibilities - The Assistance in:

Harvesting forage and seed field trials

Forage sample collection for laboratory analysis

Plant establishment and vigour assessments

Sugar Beet/Fodder Beet quality and control

Insect and disease assessments

Weed identification and control assessments

Soil sampling

Desirable Skills and Experience:

A keen interest in Agriculture/Horticulture and field trials/research

Experience in working on farms or on research trials

Happy to work outside in a range of conditions and get your hands dirty!

Specific Requirements:

(a) Has studied or is studying Science, Technology, Engineering, Design or Business at a New Zealand tertiary

education institution (Note: students who have completed study overseas are not eligible); and

(b) Has studied or is studying at NZQA level 6-10; or

(c) if study has been completed, then the Student must have been studying towards one of the qualification types

listed in clause (b) and the closing date of the last semester must be less than 12 months ago; and

(d) has the appropriate immigration status to work in New Zealand

Or has recently completed a Masters or PhD in New Zealand.