Vacancy Information

Agronomy Trials Technician (Eastern Region)

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Location: Norfolk
Closing date: 19 Feb 2025
Reference number: SV/A1190

Job details

Location: Morley, Norfolk, NR18 9DF (with occasional travel to other trial sites across the UK)

Closing Date: 19 February 2025 with interviews being held on 4 March 2025 at our offices in Morley
Starting Salary: from £23,088 with paid overtime during peak season
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with overtime during peak times

About the Role:
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Regional Trials Team at our centre in Morley, Norfolk. This exciting opportunity offers hands-on experience in agronomy and/or machinery operation.  You will have the chance to work across a diverse range of crops, gaining valuable insights and skills in crop management.

The role will focus on delivering high-quality field trials and demonstration plots, aimed at evaluating crop varietal performance, soils and nutrition, disease management, and agrochemical efficacy. In addition, you will have the opportunity to operate a variety of specialist trials machinery to ensure efficient and precise delivery of trial protocols.

If you have a passion for agriculture, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to cutting-edge agricultural research. While prior experience in trials, agriculture or machinery operation is desirable, we welcome applications from candidates without this experience, as full training will be provided.

Location
The role is based at our offices in Morley St. Botolph, Norfolk, NR18 9DF, with free on-site parking. 

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 and a comprehensive training program.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Christopher Whyles, Centre Manager ([email protected]).

Main Duties:
• Seed & Drilling: Preparation/organisation of seed and assisting in drilling operation ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Trial Monitoring & Assessing: Undertake regular checks and assessing trials throughout the growing season, noting observations on plant health, growth, and pest/disease activity.
• Spraying & Crop Management: Assist with crop protection tasks, including pesticide and fertiliser applications using both tractor mounted and knapsack sprayers.
• Harvesting & Processing: Assist with combining, data collection and the processing of samples for further analysis.
• Data Recording & Reporting: Accurately record trial data, including agronomic observations, yield data, and any other relevant findings.
• Collaborating across departments: Assisting with research projects across various Niab teams and coordinating with other regional centre’s as part of our national trials programPhysical & Outdoor Work: Engage in outdoor work across varying weather conditions and assist with manual handling tasks (up to 25kg).

Essential Requirements:
• A keen interest in agriculture, research, and crop science.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately record trial data.
• Ability to work efficiently as part of a team, with the flexibility to undertake tasks independently.
• A positive, self-motivated attitude and a proactive approach to tasks.
• A full UK driving license is essential as travelling to our other trial sites across the region and occasionally to our other centres around the UK is required.
• Prepared to work unsociable hours at certain times of the year
• A Level or equivalent

Desirable Requirements:
• Qualifications in science or agricultural subject
• Previous experience in agronomy, crop management, or field trials is advantageous, but not essential.
• Familiarity with using agricultural machinery or trials equipment would be beneficial.
• Forklift, PA1, PA2, PA4 and PA6
• Microsoft office e.g. Word and Excel

See full Job Description for more information.

ABOUT US
Niab is a leading independent UK crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing more than 400 people across the UK, Niab provides scientific research, technical services and practical advice to improve the yield, efficiency and resilience of crop production across the arable, horticulture and top and soft fruit sectors.

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.

TO APPLY
Click the ‘Apply’ button for further details and to apply directly. Any questions? Email [email protected] or call Human Resources on 01223 342282.   Apply soon as we may shortlist prior to the closing date.

Please note that following changes to Immigration Law in April 2024, this role does not qualify for a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.  Candidates with independently held immigration permission would be considered.