We are recruiting! Agricultural Field Trials Officer

We are recruiting! Agricultural Field Trials Officer

Scottish Agronomy is Scotland’s leading agronomy advice service devoted to the provision of unbiased advice to arable farmers. We are dedicated to finding evidence-based solutions for our grower and trade associate members.

In our extensive state-of-the-art field trials programme, our objective is to produce, gather, interpret and disseminate technical information. Successful agronomy depends on continual production of new information, and the research function of the company is key to providing a technical advantage to the membership.

We are proud to be the largest supplier of data to AHDB for the Recommended List Variety Trials in Scotland. We’re always on the lookout for new technologies and approaches, from satellite-guided drills to bio-controls.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our established Trials team. Working as part of a small team, the successful applicant would be involved in all aspects of arable field trials. The work requires a high degree of self-motivation and initiative, with a measure of flexibility to meet seasonal workload. This role would be particularly suited to an applicant graduating in Summer 2022.

Purpose of the Job

To assist in the delivery of an annual programme of field trials from the planning and execution phases through to the reporting of trial results.  Developing personal skills and professional experience of agricultural research. Full training will be given as required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Trials preparation – seed weighing, assisting with administration, checking protocols, field application sheet creation and quality control, fertiliser weighing, and maintenance of equipment.
• Field operations – backpack and tractor-mounted sprayer use, chemical handling, fertiliser application by hand and machine, combine harvesting (operating and sampling) and drilling (driving and seed handling). Machinery skills are desirable but not essential. Full training will be given in all roles, with the emphasis on developing the individual’s skillset to match their role.
• Field assessments – disease and crop physiology.
• Quantitative analysis – plant populations and weed counts.
• Record keeping – equipment
• Data analysis – data entry and statistical analysis.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be a “hands on” individual, with an enthusiasm and passion for Scottish agriculture.

• Prior fields trials experience is desirable, but not essential.
• An appropriate agricultural or land-based qualification to diploma level is desirable, but is not essential
• Good communication and organisation skills.
• Hands-on experience working with arable farms.
• High attention to detail.
• Flexible work ethic and strong team working skills.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Full, clean driver’s license.