Current Status of New Zealand’s Vertical Farming Industry
New Zealand’s vertical farming sector is emerging but faces challenges. Greengrower, the country’s first large-scale commercial vertical farm in Hamilton, recently entered voluntary administration in December 2024 despite receiving $3.5 million in government funding. However, the sector continues to develop with various companies and research institutions creating employment opportunities.
Job Categories in New Zealand Vertical Farming
Core Operations Roles
1. Agronomist
- Companies: Greengrower (prior to administration), research institutions
- Responsibilities: Monitor plant growth, optimize growing conditions, manage LED lighting systems
- Skills Required: Horticulture/agriculture degree, controlled environment agriculture experience
- Salary Range: $55,000 – $75,000 NZD annually
2. Farm Operations Manager
- Companies: Vertical farming startups, Greengrower (previously)
- Responsibilities: Oversee daily operations, manage production schedules, quality control
- Skills Required: Agriculture management experience, team leadership, operational planning
- Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 NZD annually
3. Crop Production Specialist
- Companies: Vertical farming operations, research facilities
- Responsibilities: Seed to harvest management, yield optimization, crop planning
- Skills Required: Plant science background, hydroponics experience, data analysis
- Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000 NZD annually
4. Quality Control Technician
- Companies: Commercial vertical farms, food processing facilities
- Responsibilities: Product inspection, food safety compliance, harvest quality assessment
- Skills Required: Food science background, attention to detail, certification in food safety
- Salary Range: $45,000 – $60,000 NZD annually
Technical & Engineering Roles
5. Systems Engineer
- Companies: Vertical farming technology providers, Greengrower (previously)
- Responsibilities: Design and maintain growing systems, troubleshoot equipment, optimize automation
- Skills Required: Engineering degree, automation systems, mechanical/electrical knowledge
- Salary Range: $75,000 – $100,000 NZD annually
6. LED Lighting Specialist
- Companies: Equipment suppliers, vertical farming operations
- Responsibilities: Design lighting systems, optimize light spectra for crop growth, energy efficiency
- Skills Required: Electrical engineering, plant photobiology knowledge, LED technology expertise
- Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000 NZD annually
7. Hydroponics Technician
- Companies: Vertical farms, hydroponics equipment suppliers
- Responsibilities: Maintain nutrient delivery systems, water quality management, equipment maintenance
- Skills Required: Technical certification, hydroponics experience, mechanical aptitude
- Salary Range: $45,000 – $65,000 NZD annually
8. Software Developer (AgTech)
- Companies: WayBeyond, agricultural technology companies
- Responsibilities: Develop farm management software, IoT integration, data analytics platforms
- Skills Required: Programming skills, agricultural technology knowledge, database management
- Salary Range: $80,000 – $120,000 NZD annually
Research & Development Roles
9. Research Scientist – Plant Biology
- Companies: Massey University, Crown Research Institutes, AgResearch
- Responsibilities: Conduct controlled environment agriculture research, crop improvement studies
- Skills Required: PhD in plant sciences, research experience, statistical analysis
- Salary Range: $70,000 – $95,000 NZD annually
10. Agricultural Research Technician
- Companies: Universities, research institutions, government agencies
- Responsibilities: Support research trials, data collection, laboratory analysis
- Skills Required: Science degree, laboratory skills, research methodology
- Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000 NZD annually
11. Crop Development Specialist
- Companies: Seed companies, research institutions
- Responsibilities: Develop new varieties for vertical farming, optimize growing protocols
- Skills Required: Plant breeding background, genetics knowledge, controlled environment experience
- Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000 NZD annually
Business & Consulting Roles
12. Vertical Farming Consultant
- Companies: Independent consultants, Agritecture, agricultural consulting firms
- Responsibilities: Advise on vertical farming projects, feasibility studies, business planning
- Skills Required: Agriculture/business background, project management, industry knowledge
- Salary Range: $60,000 – $90,000 NZD annually (or consulting rates)
13. Business Development Manager
- Companies: Vertical farming equipment suppliers, technology companies
- Responsibilities: Develop new markets, client relationships, sales strategy
- Skills Required: Business development experience, agricultural industry knowledge, sales skills
- Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000 NZD annually + commission
14. Project Manager – Vertical Farm Construction
- Companies: Construction companies, vertical farming developers
- Responsibilities: Manage vertical farm construction projects, coordinate contractors, timeline management
- Skills Required: Project management certification, construction experience, agricultural knowledge
- Salary Range: $75,000 – $105,000 NZD annually
Support & Specialized Roles
15. Food Safety Coordinator
- Companies: Commercial vertical farms, food processing facilities
- Responsibilities: Implement food safety protocols, HACCP compliance, regulatory compliance
- Skills Required: Food safety qualifications, regulatory knowledge, audit experience
- Salary Range: $55,000 – $75,000 NZD annually
16. Maintenance Technician
- Companies: Vertical farming operations, equipment suppliers
- Responsibilities: Equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance programs
- Skills Required: Technical trades background, mechanical/electrical skills, problem-solving
- Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000 NZD annually
17. Data Analyst – Agriculture
- Companies: AgTech companies, research institutions, large farming operations
- Responsibilities: Analyze crop performance data, optimize growing conditions, predictive modeling
- Skills Required: Data science skills, statistical software, agricultural knowledge
- Salary Range: $65,000 – $90,000 NZD annually
Emerging Opportunities & Future Roles
18. Automation Specialist
- Focus: Robotic systems for planting, harvesting, and maintenance
- Growth Driver: Labor cost reduction and precision farming
- Required Skills: Robotics, programming, mechanical engineering
19. Sustainable Energy Coordinator
- Focus: Renewable energy integration, energy efficiency optimization
- Growth Driver: Reducing operational costs and environmental impact
- Required Skills: Renewable energy systems, energy management, sustainability
20. Urban Agriculture Designer
- Focus: Design vertical farms for urban environments
- Growth Driver: Urban food security and space optimization
- Required Skills: Architecture, urban planning, agricultural engineering
Key Employers & Organizations
Active Companies:
- WayBeyond: Technology solutions for controlled environment agriculture
- Agritech Activator: Supporting agritech innovation and development
- Massey University: Research and development in controlled environment agriculture
- AgResearch: Crown Research Institute with CEA programs
Recruiting Agencies:
- Agstaff: Agricultural recruitment specialists
- Primary Sector Recruitment: Farm and agriculture job placements
Research Institutions:
- Massey University: CEA research programs and partnerships
- Plant & Food Research: Crop development and optimization
- AgResearch: Agricultural technology research
Skills in High Demand
Technical Skills:
- Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) experience
- Hydroponics and aeroponics systems
- LED lighting technology and plant photobiology
- Agricultural automation and robotics
- Data analysis and agricultural software
Soft Skills:
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Attention to detail for quality control
- Team collaboration in technical environments
- Continuous learning mindset for emerging technology
Education & Training Pathways
Relevant Degrees:
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Massey University)
- Bachelor of Food Technology (Massey University)
- Engineering degrees with agricultural focus
- Horticulture and Plant Science programs
Certifications:
- Controlled Environment Agriculture certificates
- Food safety and HACCP certification
- Hydroponics system certification
- Agricultural chemical applicator licenses
Professional Development:
- Association for Vertical Farming membership
- Controlled Environment Agriculture conferences
- AgTech industry workshops and seminars
Current Challenges & Opportunities
Industry Challenges:
- High startup costs and energy requirements
- Limited commercial success stories (Greengrower’s recent administration)
- Need for specialized skills and training
- Competition from traditional agriculture
Growth Opportunities:
- Government support for agricultural innovation
- Growing consumer demand for local, pesticide-free produce
- Climate change resilience requirements
- Urban food security concerns
- Export potential for CEA technology
Salary Expectations Summary
Entry Level (0-2 years): $45,000 – $60,000 NZD Mid-Level (2-5 years): $60,000 – $80,000 NZD
Senior Level (5+ years): $80,000 – $120,000 NZD Management/Specialized: $90,000 – $130,000 NZD
Note: Salaries vary based on location, company size, and specific expertise. Wellington and Auckland typically offer 10-15% higher salaries than regional areas.
How to Find Vertical Farming Jobs
Job Boards:
- SEEK.co.nz (search “vertical farming”, “controlled environment agriculture”)
- Indeed.co.nz
- NZ Farming Jobs
- Agstaff.co.nz
Company Websites:
- Monitor agritech company career pages
- Check university research department openings
- Follow agricultural technology companies on LinkedIn
Networking:
- AgriTech New Zealand events
- Controlled Environment Agriculture conferences
- Agricultural innovation meetups
- Professional association memberships
Conclusion
While New Zealand’s vertical farming industry faces challenges, as evidenced by Greengrower’s recent administration, the sector continues to evolve with opportunities in research, technology development, and small-scale operations. The government’s continued interest in agricultural innovation and food security suggests ongoing investment in this emerging field.
Job seekers should focus on developing both traditional agricultural knowledge and modern technology skills to position themselves for opportunities as the industry matures. The intersection of agriculture, technology, and sustainability creates a unique career pathway for those interested in the future of food production.