Trainee 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

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.

Do you enjoy practical, working with machinery and seeing the results of your work in the field?

Carrfields is looking for a capable and practical Trainee Research Agronomist to join our arable research team.

This is a varied role working across Carrfields’ research farm and associated trial sites. You’ll be involved in everything from plant establishment, irrigation and crop protection through to trial work and harvest. The role helps ensure our crops and research trials are completed safely, accurately and on time.

You’ll work with farm machinery, sprayers, implements and specialist trial equipment, alongside the detailed field work and record keeping needed to maintain the integrity of our research.

Working closely with the Research Manager – Arable and wider research team, you'll be part of one farm team. Weather, crops and trials don't always follow the plan, so you'll need to be practical, adaptable and comfortable adjusting priorities when conditions change.

What we're looking for

You’ll be someone who enjoys being outdoors, takes pride in looking after machinery and crops, and understands that the small details matter.

You’re comfortable working independently when required, but equally happy pitching in with the wider team during busy periods. Most importantly, you’ll have a strong safety mindset, good practical judgement and the confidence to ask questions when something isn't clear.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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 carrying out basic maintenance as required.
• 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 emerging 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 a 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.

Preferred (but not essential)

• New Zealand Degree/Certificate in Agriculture (or similar); relevant trade or machinery qualification, or equivalent practical experience.
• Current Growsafe certificate or equivalent agrichemical application training – or willingness to obtain it.
• Experience with GPS guidance, autosteer, precision agriculture, mapping or mobile farm data systems.
• Experience operating plot drills, small-plot harvesters, combines, seed cleaning equipment or specialist research machinery.
• First Aid, forklift, Wheels, Tracks and Rollers, Class 2 licence or other relevant endorsements or certificates.

Why Work For Us

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares about customers, about each other, and about doing things right. We’re a family business with real roots in rural New Zealand, which means your work matters and your contribution is noticed. We back our people with strong values, a supportive culture, and the opportunity to grow alongside a business built to last.

About the Company

Carrfields is a New Zealand family‑owned agribusiness with over 50 years of experience in the field. From machinery and seed to livestock and finance, we’re a trusted partner helping rural businesses thrive. With teams across New Zealand and beyond, we combine deep local knowledge with national scale, guided by our values of integrity, innovation, responsibility, and authenticity.

You must be eligible to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this position. Our pre‑employment process is to carry out a Medical, Drug test and Criminal Conviction history check.