Experienced Arable Operator / Agronomy Lead
Springside, an irrigated mixed cropping operation located in the Waitaki region, is seeking a skilled and motivated Experienced Arable Operator to join the team. There is the opportunity to take on an agronomy lead role. We run an extensive fleet of equipment and infrastructure to produce, mix, and market a diverse range of seed and crops into the trade and directly to other farming operations.
This unique role requires a skilled operator looking to combine machinery operation with crop management, working closely with owners and our technical suppliers to optimise crop yields and quality.
🚜 Key Responsibilities
• Agronomy Lead: Demonstrate competence in crop monitoring, paddock recording collaborating directly with our supplier's technical advisors to implement planting, fertiliser, crop protection, and irrigation programs.
• Machinery Operation: Safely and efficiently operate a fleet of tractors, harvesters, and implements for cultivation, drilling, spraying and harvesting. Provide instruction and oversee operation of equipment by other members of the team as required.
• Irrigation & Infrastructure: Monitor, operate, and maintain on-farm irrigation systems and grain/crop handling infrastructure.
• Crop Processing & Logistics: Assist in mixing and preparing custom seed blends according to client specifications for our direct-to-client market. There is no on-site seed dressing required.
📋 Qualifications & Certifications
Because chemical application forms a core part of this agronomy lead position, the following are highly valued:
• Certified Handler Certificate: Advantageous for application, handling and storing hazardous substances on-farm safely.
• Heavy Vehicle Licensing: A clean, valid New Zealand driver’s license is required, with a Class 2 or higher being a distinct advantage.
🌾 What We Are Looking For
• Arable Experience: Proven, extensive background in arable or mixed cropping operations.
• Agronomy Interest: Strong knowledge of plant health, zodaks, crop protection strategy’s, soil management and a keen desire to step into an agronomy lead position, with professional technical backing.
• Technical Skills: Confident setting, operating and maintaining large-scale, GPS-guided agricultural machinery and irrigation systems.
• Flexibility: Some stockwork is required when the arable workload tapers off. How-ever the primary focus for this role is the arable and direct selling operations.
🏡 What We Offer
• Professional Growth: A clear pathway to step up and lead agronomy decisions with support from external technical suppliers and owners.
• Accommodation: Comfortable, tidy on-farm accommodation is available as part of the employment package.
• Renumeration based on experience. Either Salary or per hour rates are negotiable. Seasonal workloads will dictate hours of operation.
• Family-Friendly Location: A supportive rural community, with a primary school bus route at the front gate.
• Modern Environment: The chance to work with a range of well-maintained machinery in a unique, direct-to-market business model.
📩 To Apply
If you are ready to advance your cropping career and take on a leadership role in a challenging operation, we want to hear from you. Please send your CV, references and a brief cover letter detailing your machinery and crop management experience to springside@xtra.co.nz