Science Data Analyst

Join the team shaping the future of dairy farming

Dairy Trust Taranaki is looking for a motivated and curious Science Data Analyst to support our research programmes across four commercial dairy research and demonstration farms.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of science, data and practical farming. You'll help ensure the information we collect is accurate, well-managed and transformed into meaningful insights that support scientific research and everyday farming decisions.

We're looking for someone who enjoys working with data, improving systems and finding better ways to turn complex information into something people can understand and use.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Science, you'll work closely with our science and farm operations teams to support research delivery, strengthen data management systems and make our research findings more accessible and valuable.

 Your responsibilities will include:

• Data collection and management: Develop, maintain and improve efficient data collection, storage and analysis systems, ensuring consistency, accuracy and accessibility.
• Data analysis and interpretation: Analyse research and farm data, identify trends, anomalies and opportunities, and communicate findings in clear and practical ways.
• Data quality and assurance: Develop and maintain quality assurance processes, including data validation, testing, calibration, verification and appropriate data security.
• Research support: Assist with trial design, statistical analysis, technical reports, research publications and the interpretation of scientific findings.
• Systems improvement and automation: Identify opportunities to simplify data collection, reduce duplicate entry, integrate information from different sources and automate processes where practical.
• Reporting and communication: Produce clear visualisations, dashboards and summaries that translate complex scientific information into practical insights for farmers, researchers and industry stakeholders.
• Collaboration and continuous improvement: Maintain effective communication with science and farm teams, identify information gaps and contribute to improving the quality and usefulness of Dairy Trust Taranaki's data.
• Field and research activities: Support field measurements, sampling, laboratory activities and other research work when required.
• Digital engagement: Assist with analysing website and social media performance to help understand the reach and impact of Dairy Trust Taranaki's research communications.

About you:

We're looking for someone with strong analytical skills, attention to detail and a practical approach to problem-solving. Ideally you'll bring:

• A qualification in Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field or relevant practical experience.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Experience managing and interpreting complex datasets.

• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to data quality.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Good organisational skills, initiative and willingness to learn.

• You will be a preferred candidate if you have experience with:

  • R, Python, SQL, Power BI, GIS or other data analysis and visualisation tools.
  • Data automation, database management or integrating information from multiple systems.
  • Agricultural research, statistical analysis or scientific reporting.

About us:

Dairy Trust Taranaki is a not-for-profit, science-led dairy farming organisation operating four research and demonstration farms in Taranaki.

Our work brings together commercial farming, scientific research and practical demonstration to develop and share knowledge that benefits New Zealand dairy farmers.

We believe good science should not only produce reliable research outcomes but also deliver information that farmers can understand and apply in their businesses.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary package.
• Paid professional development opportunities.
• Access to conferences, training and industry events.
• Wellbeing programme.
• Opportunities to work across diverse dairy research and demonstration projects with key industry stakeholders.
• A supportive environment where your ideas and improvements can make a difference.
• The opportunity to help shape how research data is managed, communicated and used in practical farming.

For the right candidate, flexible working arrangements may be considered.

Apply now

If you’re passionate about agriculture, science and making a positive contribution to New Zealand dairy farming, we’d love to hear from you.

Please apply through SEEK with your CV and a cover letter outlining why you’d like to join Dairy Trust Taranaki.