Vacancy Information
Skilled Tractor Driver/General Farm Operative
ApplyLocation: Kent
Closing date: 21 Feb 2025
Reference number: SV/A1309-01
Job details
Location: East Malling, ME19 6BJ
Start date: As soon as possible
Salary: £27,000 to £29,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Contract: Permanent
Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday with overtime flexibility when required
ABOUT THE ROLE
Looking for a new challenge? Want to learn new skills and grow your career? Join us at Niab East Malling, where science meets farming!
At Niab East Malling, you’ll work alongside a dedicated group of people who bring the farm, glasshouses, and science labs together to support groundbreaking agricultural research. Whether it’s collaborating on projects in the field or catching up at the on-site social club on a Friday night, you’ll be part of a supportive and friendly team that’s committed to making a difference.
This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to grow, learn new skills, and contribute to innovative science. Even if you don’t yet have all the qualifications, we’ll provide training to help you succeed, including pesticide certification and more.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
As a Skilled Tractor Driver/General Farm Operative, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting our science projects and maintaining our farm and estate. Your responsibilities will include:
• Operating a tractor for various tasks throughout the growing season.
• Preparing and applying agrochemicals (training and certification provided if needed).
• Carrying out mowing, pulverising, pruning, and general estate maintenance.
• Maintaining and repairing farm machinery to ensure smooth operations.
• Managing stock levels, updating records, and planning tasks effectively.
• You’ll work outdoors year-round, often in glasshouses and polytunnels, contributing to a vibrant team that values teamwork and innovation.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for someone who is:
• Proactive and enthusiastic about learning and contributing to a team.
• Knowledgeable in basic horticulture or arable farming (desirable but not essential).
• Organised and communicative, with strong verbal and written skills.
• Eager to learn new skills, including pesticide application (training provided).
• Experienced with horticultural machinery (desirable, but not required).
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated, capable of working independently or as part of a team.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to handle varied tasks and challenges.
• Certified in forklift operation (advantageous but not essential).
• In possession of a valid driving Licence
See full Job Description on our website for more details.
LOCATION
The role is based at East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ. East Malling is three miles from junction four of the M20, with plenty of free on-site parking. Niab East Malling can easily be accessed by the London Victoria to Dover (via Ashford International) rail route via West Malling station. Alternatively, exit the train at the East Malling station and take the short walk onto site.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Niab, we’re committed to supporting your personal and professional growth. Here’s what you can look forward to:
• Full training opportunities, including certifications in pesticide application and machinery operation.
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including 25 days’ holiday (plus public holidays) and an extra 3 days off over Christmas.
• A generous pension scheme, income protection, and life assurance.
• Free on-site parking and flexible working options.
• A welcoming team environment, with access to our on-site social club for relaxing after a week of making a difference in plant science.
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 to apply directly. Any questions? Email [email protected] or call Human Resources on 01732 523797. 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 indepentently held immigration permission would be considered.
Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Luis Da Rocha Felgueiras, Farm Manager, [email protected]