Field Assistant

About BigSis

BigSis (http://bigsis.tech), a UK start-up, is pioneering a chemical-free solution to agricultural insect pests. This involves releasing sterile male insects into and around the fields of crops that we have been contracted to protect. BigSis has recently launched its first solution, which helps farmers control spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a highly destructive pest of soft fruit crops, such as strawberries and blackberries.

Location: Farm near Wroxham, Norwich

Salary: £12 per hour + holiday + pension

Fixed term contract from May to November, working 10 hours a week over a two day pattern – Mon/Thu or Tue/Fri – starting work at 7am.

You will drive to a specific farm and then walk several kilometres up and down the fields to release insects and swap insect monitoring traps according to instructions provided.

It could work really well if you need a bit of extra income around another job/semi-retirement/other commitments.

Responsibilities will include:

• Reliably visit a specified farm, starting at 7am, on planned dates, twice per week throughout the growing season;
• Releasing sterile male insects at designated release points spread around the farm by walking several kilometres;
• Replacement of insect monitoring traps and posting these to BigSis trap processing centre;
• Recording of key factors in the field such as weather conditions, cropping stage, presence of insect nets, amongst others.

Qualifications and experience:

• Since full training is provided, no experience is required, but previous work on a farm would be an advantage;
• You must be able to follow processes accurately while observing all safety and hygiene rules;
• This job involves a large amount of time working in field conditions, often under polytunnels on a farm. You must be capable of carrying out moderately intense physical work in all weather conditions and be comfortable working with live insects;
• You must hold a full UK driving licence and have your own vehicle (car or van).

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 8 months

Part-time hours: 10 per week, across two work days.

Salary: £12.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• 20% end-of-contract bonus

Schedule:

• Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: One location

Expected start date: 06/05/2024

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months

Pay: £12.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus scheme

Application question(s):

• Do you have a full UK driving licence and your own transport?

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person