Fixed Term: December 2024 – February 2025Location: Plant and Food Research, Cronin Road, RD1 Pukekohe 2676Horticulture Executive Services Ltd is looking for a student researcher to support the Te Ahikawariki – VICE (Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence) project in Pukekohe, NZ.The VICE project's main goal is the development of a vegetable industry centre of excellence, including a cutting-edge research facility, to support NZ vegetable growers and protect the natural environment.The research farm will run a number of trials which will be managed by the Research, Development and Extension Manager.The student researcher will support these vegetable research projects and help run extension events throughout the summer period.About VICETe Ahikawariki - VICE is a collaboration between Mana whenua and vegetable growers to accelerate the sustainable growth of the sector.VICE has received $2m seed funding from the government awarded through the Pukekohe Integrated Catchment Plan. The research farm will be located at the Cronin Road site in Pukekohe and build upon an existing 4Ha demonstration block.VICE aims to fill the gaps in current research capabilities by providing expertise and a risk-free, neutral commercial farm for research and collaboration to support the entire sector.Role SummaryThe Student Researcher will provide hands-on trial work as well as administrative support to ensure the successful delivery of projects and initiatives within the VICE research farm. Training will be provided across relevant crops and research protocols.Roles and TasksResearch Project ManagementManage at least 1 research project from start to finishManage and contribute to trial design, collect data, and analyse resultsPlan extension for resultsOther Research Management SupportSupport management and collecting data for other projectsEvent SupportSupport wider team to run extension eventsSupport on the dayResearch Farm Site SupportSupport with site improvementsSupport with site biosecurityGeneral upkeepStakeholder ManagementEngage with vegetable groups and other stakeholders to enable researchApplicant AttributesPursuing a degree in relevant field (Preferably second or third-year student finalising studies)OrganisedConfidentProactiveTechnically mindedTrustworthyTeam PlayerA requirement for a full driver's licenseAdvantage if have worked on farm and with farm machinery (tractor, sprayer, etc)Student Project: In-field Biodiversity SurveyThe student will lead an in-field biodiversity survey which feeds into a larger Integrated Pest Management project located on-site. Integrated Pest Management is an important tool in crop protection as both regulation around the use of broad-spectrum insecticides and insecticide resistance increases. The existing project has utilised annual floral strips and moveable insectaries to increase on-farm biodiversity and introduce beneficial insects as a mitigation strategy for harmful pests.The student researcher will progress this project by assessing the arthropod population via several techniques including sweep netting and trapping. Outcomes of the project will include creation of a fact sheet, feeding into a larger report written by Plant and Food Research, and dissemination at grower events.Important:Applicants for this position should have NZ residency/citizenship or valid NZ work visa.Remote based job in PukekoheApplicants must have full driver's licenseLast date for submitting application is on 30 November 2024 however we reserve the right to close the advertisement early if we receive enough applicants for the role.Contact Kazi Talaska at ****** for more information on the role
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