Arable Research Technician

ADAS, the UK’s largest provider of expert solutions and policy advice on agricultural and environmental issues, is seeking to recruit Arable Research Technicians at ADAS Rosemaund, Herefordshire. The positions are full time and permanent.

You will be working as a member of the team setting up and undertaking field and plot experiments as part of the ADAS R&D agricultural, horticultural and agri-environmental programmes. Duties will involve a wide range of practical tasks, such as sampling, plant disease assessments and other scientific work.

Key Responsibilities will include: 
• Contribute to the delivery of a number of research projects.
• Carrying out observations/assessments, such as monitoring and identifying diseases and weeds.
• Collection, preparation and processing of plant, soil and water samples.
• Marking out and preparation of study sites to protocol requirements
• Carry out work as described in SOPs and protocols such as treatment applications, agronomic and crop damage scores.
• Collection and inputting of data onto computer systems
• Tabulation of results from analysis
• Liaising with host farmers and growers when undertaking research projects, or collecting plant samples
• Maintaining designated experimental facilities and maintenance and calibration of equipment
• Delivery of project work such as harvesting of plots, compilation and collation of results.

Personal Qualities, Skills and Experience:
• Ability to follow procedures and instructions meticulously.
• Experience of plant pathology is desirable.
• Spray certificate desirable (PA1 and PA6)
• Preferably educated to “A” level standard or equivalent.
• Good knowledge of agriculture and/or horticulture, including experience of operating tractors and machinery is desirable.
• Laboratory or field experience.
• Good interpersonal skills - team player, able to communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
• A flexible approach to work.
• Ability to organise work – able to prioritise tasks to ensure deadlines are met.
• Good numerical ability and accuracy.
• Experience of data handling and inputting.
• A full driving licence is essential and be able to supply proof of eligibility to work in the UK. 
• Keyboard skills – knowledge of basic word processing and data entry in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Email Experience and knowledge of using the internet.
• Desire to learn new and varied skills.
• Desire to progress within the company

Hours

Normal hours of work are 37 per week net of meal breaks. Normal office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. A flexible approach to work is needed as there will be a requirement to work overtime (evenings and weekends) during busy periods.

Salary: The posts are offered within the ADAS Scientific Support Staff job family (salary range £13,998 to £27,876) with opportunities for promotion. The salary for this post is £15,544 - £17,271.

Location: ADAS Rosemaund, Preston Wynne, Hereford, HR1 3PG.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter to Lisa.Hallington@adas.co.uk or by post to Lisa Hallington ADAS UK Ltd, Gleadthorpe, Meden Vale, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG20 9PD. The closing date for applications is Friday 16th December 2011.