Agronomy Trials Technician

ABOUT THE JOB

We wish to appoint a keen, hardworking individual to work as part of our busy trials Southern Regional Trials Team. The role will focus on all aspects of agronomy in the delivery of field trials and demonstration plots across a range of crop species including combinable crops, herbage and forage crops to evaluate varietal performance, disease resistance and agrochemical efficacy.

Main duties will include seed preparation, drilling, monitoring, spraying, harvest, processing and storage of material for future use. You will also be involved in assessing trials during the season and recording information so attention to detail is essential. The majority of the work will be carried out as part of a team based at one of the regional centres but will also involve some off-site work assisting with trials operations at other centres around the UK.

The role can be physically demanding, mostly standing / walking and working outdoors in all weather conditions and involving regular manual handling of items up to 25kg, such as bags of seeds and other produce.

Starting Salary: from £23,088 with paid overtime during peak season

Contract: Permanent

Working Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

ABOUT YOU

Essential Requirements:

• A level or equivalent
• Basic agricultural skills and experience
• Knowledge of the agricultural sector
• Microsoft office e.g. Word and Excel
• Team player with ability to work under pressure
• Prepared to work unsociable hours at certain times of the year

Desirable Requirements:

• Qualifications in science or agricultural subject
• Experience in combining and drilling
• Use of data loggers
• Experience in spraying and trials management
• PA1, PA6, Forklift, PA11 (Seed Treatment), Trailer Licence

A full UK driving licence is essential as travelling to trials our other sites across the region and occasionally to our other centres around the UK is required. Transport can be provided from the regional office to our various sites.

ABOUT US

NIAB is a dynamic, research led and market driven plant bioscience organisation, with an emphasis on innovative applications for end-users in the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors. With almost 90 years’ experience of technology evaluation and transfer, NIAB is spear-heading the advancement of plant genetic resources through research, technical services and training.

NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.

LOCATION

The role will be based at our offices in Newton Abbot (Devon). Devon site: https://www.niab.com/about/locations/regional-centres/newton-abbot-south-west

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive development programme and attractive pay and benefits package.

Benefits include 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme, free on-site parking and great colleagues.

TO APPLY

Click the ‘Apply’ button or visit our website https://www.niab.com/careers for further details and to apply directly. Any questions? Email jobs@niab.com or call Human Resources on 01223 342282.

Closing date: 30 June 2024.

Interview date: 10 July 2024.