Summer Intern

DLF Seeds Australia - Careers; West Melton; On-site; NZD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly rate

Overtime pay

Job summary

PGG Wrightson Seeds, part of the DLF Group, invites expressions of interest for Summer Interns to join our Kimihia Research Centre team in Lincoln, Canterbury during the peak harvest season.

These roles are ideal for university students or anyone seeking practical work experience in farming, plant breeding, lab work, or agricultural research—working alongside leaders in the field. Most roles are field-based and include paid overtime during peak harvest.

Qualifications

• Currently studying agriculture, science, agronomy or related discipline.
• Interest in farming, agricultural research or plant science.
• Hands-on practical experience on farm or with plants/fruits/harvesting.
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Good communication skills and team focus.
• Current full NZ driver’s license (manual preferred).

Responsibilities

• Field-based duties including planting, mowing, fertilising, spraying, rogueing and harvesting.
• Post-harvest processing support as needed.
• Opportunities to join Plant Breeding teams for data collection and research projects.
• Roles run 37.5 or 40 hours per week with paid overtime during peak harvest.

Skills

Agriculture studies

Field work experience

Outdoor work

Driver's license

Team player

Education

University student in agriculture/science

Job description

PGG Wrightson Seeds is the largest proprietary seed company in the Southern Hemisphere and part of the global seed company DLF, headquartered in Denmark. We service both New Zealand and global markets, covering every stage of the seed journey - from research and development through to seed production, supply, and on-farm support.

We invite expressions of interest for Summer Interns to join our Kimihia Research Centre team in Lincoln, Canterbury during the peak harvest season.

These roles are ideal for university students or anyone looking to gain practical work experience in farming, plant breeding, lab work, or agricultural research - working alongside people recognised internationally as leaders in their field.

About The Roles

Full-time positions (37.5 or 40 hours) run from late November to February/March, with some paid overtime (including weekends) during peak harvest.

Most roles are field-based, covering planting, mowing, fertilising, spraying, rogueing, harvesting, and post-harvest processing. Opportunities are also available in Plant Breeding teams, supporting trial data collection and research projects.

Please note: these roles involve working in a high-pollen environment and do not suit hay fever sufferers.

What We’re Looking For

• Studying agriculture, science, agronomy, or related discipline, or relevant experience
• Keen interest in farming, agricultural research, or plant science
• Previous hands on practical experience on farm or with plants / fruit / harvesting
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Good communication skills and team focus
• Current full NZ driver’s licence (manual preferred)

Why join us?

• Gain hands‑on industry experience in agricultural research and production
• Learn from leading industry experts
• Work on projects that support sustainable farming and innovative seed solutions
• Competitive hourly rate + overtime pay

At PGG Wrightson Seeds, part of the DLF Group, our purpose is enrich land, life, and people through seeds and science. Guided by our "Connecting to Grow" strategy, we’re committed to fostering great careers for great people.

You must have current working rights for New Zealand.