Trainee Arable Research Agronomist

Carrfields; Ashburton; On-site; NZD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Carrfields is seeking a capable Trainee Research Agronomist to join our arable research team. The role spans field work, trial setup, crop protection, irrigation and harvest, with emphasis on safety and precise record keeping.

You will work with farm machinery and trial equipment, coordinating with the Research Manager – Arable. The position requires practical farming experience and a flexible approach to seasonal peaks in Canterbury, New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Seasonal arable operations experience preferred.
• Current full New Zealand driver’s licence.
• Willingness to operate machinery and follow safety protocols.
• Ability to plan and follow field procedures and plans.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out seasonal arable operations including cultivation, drilling and sowing, fertiliser application, irrigation, crop agronomy and harvest.
• Operating farm machinery, sprayers, implements and other farm and trial equipment safely and efficiently, including calibration, cleaning, servicing and basic maintenance.
• Supporting research trials from layout and establishment through to sampling, assessment, harvest and site clean‑up.
• Safely applying agrichemicals, fertilisers and other crop inputs accurately, maintaining accurate records.
• Monitoring crops, soils and field conditions and reporting issues such as pests, disease, weeds, moisture stress or crop damage.
• Keeping research sites, workshops, chemical stores, seed and sample areas organised, tidy and safe.
• Supporting the wider research and farm team during seasonal peaks.
• The role combines practical farming with the precision required for research trials, maintaining accurate records of field work, machinery use, crop inputs, samples and observations.
• Practical experience in arable farming, seed production, machinery operation or similar field-based role.
• Demonstrated ability to safely and competently operate tractors, implements and farm equipment.
• A sound understanding of crop production, machinery and safe farm work practices.
• Current full New Zealand driver's licence.
• Comfortable undertaking physical outdoor work, including lifting and walking field plots in variable weather and field conditions.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions, plans and procedures accurately.
• Willingness to work flexible hours during seasonal peaks when reasonably required.

Skills

Outdoors orientation

Practical

Safety mindset

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

Agriculture qualification (NZ degree/certificate)

Tools

GPS guidance

Autosteer

Trial equipment

Plot drills equipment

Job description

Carrfields is seeking a capable Trainee Research Agronomist to join our arable research team. The role spans field work, trial setup, crop protection, irrigation and harvest, with emphasis on safety and precise record keeping.

You will work with farm machinery and trial equipment, coordinating with the Research Manager – Arable. The position requires practical farming experience and a flexible approach to seasonal peaks in Canterbury, New Zealand.