Agronomy Trials Technicians

Agronomy Trials Technicians

Callow, Herefordshire HR2 8DA / Headley Hall, Tadcaster, LS24 9NT (with occasional travel to other trial sites across the UK)

Starting from £24,454 with paid overtime during peak season per annum

About the role
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join both our Callow, Herefordshire and Headley Hall, Tadcaster Trials Team. This exciting opportunity offers hands-on experience in agronomy and/or machinery operation, working across a diverse range of crops, primarily in the West and Northern areas.

The role will focus on delivering high-quality field trials, aimed at evaluating crop varietal performance, soils and nutrition, disease management, and agrochemical efficacy. In addition, you will have the opportunity to operate a variety of specialist trials machinery to ensure efficient and precise delivery of trial protocols.

If you have an interest in agriculture, this position offers a unique opportunity to develop your skills while contributing to cutting-edge agricultural research. While prior experience in trials, agriculture or machinery operation is desirable, we welcome applications from candidates without this experience, as full training will be provided.

Contract: Permanent

Working Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Main Duties:

• Seed & Drilling: Preparation of seed and assisting in drilling operation ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Trial Monitoring & Assessing: Undertake regular checks and assessment of trials throughout the growing season, noting observations on plant health, growth, and pest/disease activity.
• Spraying & Crop Management: Assist with crop protection tasks, including pesticide and fertiliser application using both tractor mounted and knapsack sprayers.
• Harvesting & Processing: Assist with combining, data collection and processing of samples for further analysis
• Data Recording & Reporting: Accurately record trial data, including agronomic observations, yield data and any other relevant findings.
• Physical & Outdoor Work: Engage in outdoor work across varying weather conditions and assist with manual handling tasks (up to 25kg).

Essential Requirements:

• An interest in agriculture, research, and crop science.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to accurately record trial data.
• Ability to work efficiently as part of a team, with the flexibility to undertake tasks independently.
• A positive, self-motivated attitude and a proactive approach to tasks.
• A full UK driving licence is essential as travelling to our other trial sites within the region and occasionally to our other centres around the UK is required.
• Prepared to work unsociable hours at certain times of the year.

Desirable Requirements:

• Qualifications in science or agricultural subject.
• Previous experience in agronomy, crop management, or field trials is advantageous, but not essential.
• Familiarity with using agricultural machinery or trials equipment would be beneficial.
• Forklift, PA1, PA2, PA4 and PA6.
• Microsoft office e.g. Word and Excel.

About Us

Niab is a dynamic, research-led and market-driven plant bioscience organisation, with an emphasis on innovative applications for end-users in the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors. With almost 90 years' experience of technology evaluation and transfer, Niab is spear-heading the advancement of plant genetic resources through research, technical services and training.

Benefits

Benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme and a comprehensive training programme.

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.

Application Process

To apply, please select the link below to your preferred location and to learn more about the application process and what to expect along with a link to the Job Description.

SV/A1111 - Agronomy Trials Technician, Callow, Herefordshire

SV/A1389 - Agronomy Trials Technician, Headley Hall, Tadcaster

Closing date: 15 March 2026.

Important Information

• This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process. Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
• Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.

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