CHEMIST (STUDENT PLACEMENT) - FIXED TERM ABOUT THE ROLE An exciting opportunity has opened for a Student Placement with New Zealand’s leading fertiliser manufacturer and distributor, Ballance Agri‑Nutrients. This role is for a fixed term summer placement from November 2025 to February 2026. At Ballance, we have a strong focus on research and development, creating new products that help farmers achieve their goals – from greater productivity and precision to reduced environmental impacts. Based at our Mount Maunganui Corporate Office, you will join the Development and Technical Support Team. You’ll be part of a highly skilled team working across manufacturing process improvement and new product development and improvement, from lab to plant trials and method development. This is a hands‑on role that suits a student with a background in chemistry or chemical engineering. You’ll be applying analytical and critical thinking to manufacturing and testing processes across a range of products and projects. Your responsibilities could include: * Evaluating new products and variations for manufacturing feasibility, storage, and spreadability. * Improving and optimising manufacturing processes to produce higher quality products. * Gathering data and conducting trials, including method development and analysis. What You Will Gain * Be part of a multidisciplinary team, working across chemistry, engineering, and soil science disciplines. * Get exposure to both laboratory and fieldwork, from R&D trials to site manufacturing. * Learn from experienced mentors in an environment that supports your growth. * Contribute to innovative projects shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. Mentorship & Support The Student Placement is matched with an experienced Development Chemist as a mentor, ensuring regular meetings and guidance throughout the project. ABOUT YOU To be considered for this role, you will have the following: * Studying towards (or have) a post‑graduate qualification in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. * Experience in applied process chemistry is highly valued. * Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. * Effective communication and teamwork abilities. * Proactive, innovative mindset with a focus on health, safety, and environmental outcomes. * Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel). * Able to manage projects, work to deadlines, and demonstrate a can‑do attitude. ABOUT US We love New Zealand, and we care about our growth, our land, and our people. We work together to create a future we can all be proud of every day. Our values of Imagination, Bravery, Connections and Honesty mean we look out for each other and stand for what we believe in. We take ownership for growing and developing ourselves and supporting and challenging each other so we can all reach our full potential. Here at Ballance, you have a part to play. You can make your place and are free to make a real difference. Together, we care about our people and our place, about the future of farming and New Zealand and we'd would love for you to join us – “Growing together, caring for people and the land. All in for the future of farming”. Applications close 28 September 2025