Horticultural Research Technician

ADAS, the UK’s largest provider of expert solutions and policy advice on agricultural and environmental issues, is seeking to recruit a Horticultural Research Technicians at ADAS Boxworth, Cambridgeshire. 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 and disease monitoring of plants 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:

• Experience of plant pathology is desirable
• Good knowledge of agriculture and horticulture, including experience of operating tractors and machinery is desirable.
• Spray certificate desirable (PA1 and PA6)
• Laboratory or field experience
• Preferably educated to “A” level standard or equivalent.
• 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
• Ability to follow procedures and instructions meticulously
• 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

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: £15,544 - £17,271, Prospect of Promotion.

Location: ADAS Boxworth, Battlegate Road, Boxworth Cambridge, CB23 4NN.

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.