Casual Research Technician / Farm Assistant

Casual Research Technician / Farm Assistant

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Newstead Research Farms | Hamilton | Casual, flexible hours

DairyNZ's story

Deliver a positive future for New Zealand dairy farming

Te whakaputa i te anamata kounga m ng pmu kau o Aotearoa

We are full of people who have a passion for delivering great outcomes and creating positive change. We leverage our collective strength by bringing the dairy sector together, helping farmers build more sustainable, profitable, and resilient farm businesses; because a strong dairy sector means a strong New Zealand.

Your opportunity

We're looking for Casual Research Technicians and Casual Farm Assistants to support research and farm operations at our Newstead Research Farms Scott and Lye farm, just 5 - 10 minutes from Hamilton East.

These casual roles supports a range of research and farm activities, offering flexible hours based on operational and seasonal requirements. You will work as part of collaborative research and farm teams, contributing to trials and farm systems that directly benefit New Zealand dairy farmers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting research projects by following trial protocols and assisting with data collection
• Collecting, recording, and maintaining accurate research and farm data
• Animal handling, sampling, and herd testing, in accordance with animal welfare standards
• Providing practical farm support including milking, calf rearing, feeding, stock movements, and seasonal activities
• Operating farm vehicles, machinery, and equipment where trained and authorised
• Working alongside research technicians, scientists, and farm teams
• Following all DairyNZ health, safety, and wellbeing policies and contributing to a safe working environment

About you

We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in farming and animal care, who enjoys practical, hands-on work and is comfortable using basic computer systems. You'll have strong attention to detail, enjoy working as part of a team, and be interested in contributing to the research that supports NZ dairy farming.

We'd love to hear from you if you have:

• Have practical farm experience or an interest in dairy farming and research
• Are reliable, adaptable, and able to work flexible hours
• Have strong attention to detail and can follow set procedures accurately
• Have basic computer skills and are comfortable recording and handling data
• Enjoy working both independently and as part of a team
• Are confident working around animals and in outdoor environments
• Have good communication skills, both written and verbal

Must, hold a current, full New Zealand driver licence, and be eligible to work in New Zealand.

Why you should join us

Make a difference - Together with our farmers, help us drive positive progress for the sector and country we love. Our credible work supports a sustainable future for farmers, the environment and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Bring the whole you - We put people at the heart of what we do. We welcome all that you are and support your wellbeing, so you thrive personally and professionally.

Join a vibrant culture - Be part of a team that truly believes in our values. We have the courage to take bold action and the curiosity to drive innovation. Our credibility shines in our evidence-based work and our connectedness builds meaningful, collaborative relationships.

Empowering you - We succeed when you do, which is why we champion the development and growth of our people. We empower you to do and be at your best through learning opportunities and great benefits.

Sound good to you? Come join our team who together, are making a difference.

Check out the full position descriptions for Research Technician / Farm Assistant to read more detail.