Trials and Breeding Technician

Selwyn | www.trademe.co.nz |
Due to the continued development of our global grass and clover plant breeding programme, we are seeking a talented person to join our enthusiastic and friendly team, focused on developing new pasture varieties to help farmers address climate change challenges worldwide.

You will be part of a tight knit New Zealand team, working with our Plant Breeding Trials Manager and the R&D team in Aberystwyth University in Wales. Your focus will be on all aspects of plant breeding, cultivar development, trials, and property management.
Being part of this smaller team you will have the opportunity to learn and develop a wide range of skills by being involved in a broad range of tasks.

We are part of an almost 200-year-old global company, Openfolde, which employs over 100 people. Openfolde is investing heavily in expanding our Germinal New Zealand operation, with a significant increase in our research capacity and storage facilities to ensure our future grass and clover varieties will continue to offer superior benefits to New Zealand farmers.

Germinal New Zealand (GNZ) has been active in the New Zealand market for twenty years distributing Aber High Sugar Grass and clover varieties to farmers via our retail distribution customers. See www.germinal.co.nz for more information. We only breed climate-smart grasses and clovers and have been focusing on achieving environmental improvements from our varieties for over 30 years.

This is a full-time permanent position, and applicants must hold the relevant working visa or be a NZ resident. The position requires you to work Monday to Friday, activities can include:

 •  Field work
 •  Plant breeding tasks
 •  Recording data
 •  Property management
 •  Office work
 •  Interaction with customers
 •  Operating machinery

About you:

We need a team player who:
 •  Has an interest in agronomy/plants/agriculture/horticulture.
 •  Is a university graduate with a relevant qualification and/or has previous experience in, land-based or research focused roles.
 •  Has strong attention to detail, a focus on quality outcomes, experience of Excel and the ability to maintain accurate records.
 •  Is physically fit and mechanically minded.
 •  Is flexible with the seasonal nature of this role - you will work outdoors in the summer with some office work during the winter months.
 •  Can undertake a range of practical tasks and is willing to give things a go under the right supervision and support. You are detailed orientated when recording information.
 •  A positive attitude, and a learning mindset.
 •  You have a full driver licence
 •  Ideally has experience working with plants or crops, agricultural machinery, plant science or farming.

We will offer you:
 •  A competitive salary depending on experience.
 •  Kiwisaver employer contribution.
 •  A fully maintained company vehicle for both work and private use within the Canterbury area, laptop, and cell phone.
 •  Modern equipment and machinery including tractor, Haldrup harvester, spraying equipment, mowing equipment and a large drying oven.
 •  A range of on the job learning opportunities.
 •  An annualised average of around 40 hours per week. Our busy time is between spring and autumn, so we encourage you to take most holidays during winter, a relatively quiet period.
 •  The pastoral care that comes from working within a family-owned business with a 200-year-old history of always focusing on our staff members’ mental and physical wellbeing. This includes your ongoing career development plus flexible and family friendly working conditions.

To enquire about this role in strict confidence or to request a position description, please email Fiona at Fiona.foley@germinal.com

Otherwise, send your CV with a covering letter highlighting how your experience is relevant to this role to Fiona by Friday the 10th of May 2024
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