Job Description
Trainee Technical Specialist in Crop Characterisation £20,972 to £24,000, depending on experience and qualifications Park Farm, Cambridge CB24 9NZ Ref: SV/A1164 ABOUT THE JOB Are you interested in plants and agriculture? Do you have a good eye for detail and a flexible approach to work? Would you enjoy a varied working environment? We wish to appoint a Trainee Technical Specialist to work at our premises in Histon, Cambridge to assist with delivery of the Seed Certification and DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability) programmes. The role is focused on the assessment and description of plant varieties and involves office, field trial, laboratory and glasshouse work. As a Trainee Technical Specialist, your key duties include: Assessing plots/crops and recording data Assisting with data checking and summarising results Trial set-up and drilling Sample handling and processing Preparation of seeds and materials ready for drilling Protecting crops against birds and insect pests Crop inspecting after suitable training and gaining appropriate Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) licences You will also be trained to become a crop inspector for cereals, pulses, herbage and oilseed crops. Previous experience in agriculture or the seed trade would be advantageous in this role but is not necessary as full training will be provided with a view to becoming a Technical Specialist within the team. The role is physically demanding, mostly standing /walking and working outdoors in all weather conditions, and involving regular manual handling of items up to 20kg, such as bags of seeds and other produce. There is exposure to plant materials, including pollen. Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday – 0800 to 1600 LOCATION The role is based at NIAB Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9NZ, 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. Free on-site parking and linked by cycle ways and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. Close to Junction 32 of A14, with easy access to M11, A10 and A11. Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact Alex Talibudeen, Technical Manager, by email: alex.talibudeen@niab.com Benefits include 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, flexible working hours, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, free on-site parking and great colleagues. ABOUT YOU Essential requirements : A levels or equivalent in biological/science subjects Numeracy and literacy skills Excellent attention to detail IT skills, primarily Microsoft Word and Excel Good colour vision Good communication skills with the ability to work in a team A driving licence or access to independent means of travelling, enabling you to work occasionally at sites across East Anglia and surrounding counties. Transport can be provided Desirable requirements: Degree or other professional qualification in agriculture, agronomy or biological sciences Experience in crop field trials Strong interest in plants and agriculture Familiarity with using data loggers/tablets or similar devices for in-field data collection Current APHA Crop Inspection Licences - training provided UPOV Distance Learning courses - training provided See full Job Description on our website for more details. ABOUT US NIAB – Plant science into practice Come and join an organisation at the forefront of the application of genetics, physiology, soil science, precision agronomy and data science to improve the yield, efficiency, and resilience of crop production across the arable, forage and horticulture 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 or visit 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: 26 March 2023. Interview date: w/c 17 April 2023.