Field Trials Assistant and machinery operator.

We are a vegetable plant breeding company based in the heart of Surrey. We develop new and improved vegetable varieties and supply seed to our global customer base of professional growers.

We are looking for field trials assistants to join our team assisting with all aspects of vegetable trials and seed production. The role would suit candidates who enjoy variety and have a desire to take part in all aspects of trials work including machinery and manual crop work.

Background

The focus of the trials assistant and machinery operator role is to carry out all operations required to grow vegetable crops in the open field. You will be based at our sites in Ripley and Cobham in Surrey and occasionally be required to travel to external trial sites in the UK. Flexibility and a willingness to apply yourself to a wide range of crop management tasks is essential for this role.

The role includes a wide range of activities supporting the cultivation of vegetable field trials and seed crops including but not limited to:

• Operating tractors and mounted equipment


• Pest and disease control including pesticide application


• Planting and sowing


• Irrigation


• Weeding


• Harvesting and cleaning seed


• General crop husbandry


• Assisting with basic repair and maintenance to poly tunnels/glass houses and general site/grounds maintenance

Candidate Profile:

• An interest in Agriculture or Horticulture or previous work experience in this or a related field is desirable


• Shows passion for accuracy, efficiency, and high output


• Self-motivated, works well as part of a team and alone


• Can carry out physical work in all weathers


• Has a high regard for health and safety

Candidate requirements:

• Must have full clean driving license


• Must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship or Visa


• Must have a good level of spoken English


• Experienced operating agricultural/grounds machinery


• Familiar with operating irrigation systems, drip, sprinkler and overhead


• Must be willing to work overtime during busy periods and carry out weekend watering on rotation


• PA1, PA2 & PA6 sprayer operator licenses desirable


• Basic IT skills, Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel

Job type Seasonal and full-time applicants are welcome.

Remuneration & Benefits:

• Remuneration commensurate with experience


• On site accommodation


• Essential work wear provided


• Free Car parking


• Living Wage Employer