Research Agronomist

This is an exciting – and rarely offered - opportunity for an experienced and qualified Research Agronomist with solid research planning and management skills to join this Ashburton based team. This position plays an integral part in providing technical leadership for the development and commercial growth of the Midlands Group.

Established in 1990, Midlands supports and encourages the production and export of arable produce to Europe and Southeast Asia.  Midlands is one of New Zealand’s major producers and marketers of hybrid vegetable seeds, pulses, grains, oilseeds and related value-added food products such as cold-pressed oils and honey.  Innovation is pivotal to Midlands success, which intends to lead the way in the burgeoning Food & Fibre sector.

Key responsibilities for this role:

• Provide science leadership.
• Conduct first class agronomic research to assist in the development of commercially viable seed crops and products with higher yields, improved quality and lower environmental impact.
• Develop field trial proposals and associated supporting documentation in conjunction with the Production and R&D teams.
• Manage Midland Research field trials ensuring that they are effectively undertaken and reflect current commercial practice.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with growers and other collaborators.
• Develop and maintain effective communication channels with agrichemical, fertiliser and other support industries to ensure up to date processes and technologies are evaluated. 
• Communicate results effectively.

Your profile:

• Degree qualified in agricultural plant science with extensive field trial experience – preferably in arable crops. 
• Research planning and management experience in plant science/agronomy. 
• Knowledge of, and experience with, a broad range of agricultural chemicals.
• Professional demeanor and an effective communicator with a track record of interaction with growers and industry personnel.
• Self-motivated and results oriented with a positive outlook.
• Strong planning and time management skills with the flexibility to work outside normal work hours.

If you are looking to take the next challenge in your career and feel that you have the skills and abilities to join our energetic and committed team in Ashburton, then we want to hear from you. 

Applicants for this position MUST have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa prior to commencing work, we are unable to support Visa applications for these roles.

How to apply: To register your interest, please click the “apply for this job” button online via Seek.

Please provide your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and which position you are applying for.

To discuss the role in confidence, please contact Georgie Wade on 027 406 3990 or email: jobs@midlands.co.nz.