Agronomy Trials Technician

Job Title and Location

Agronomy Trials Technician – Callow, Herefordshire, HR2 8DA
(with occasional travel to other trial sites across the UK). Starting salary: from £24,454 with paid overtime during peak season.

Contract:

Permanent.

Working hours:

37 hours per week (Monday to Friday). Closing date: 15 March 2026.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Callow, Herefordshire 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 area. 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 operate a variety of specialist trials machinery to ensure efficient and precise delivery of trial protocols.

• Seed & Drilling:
  Preparation of seed and assist in drilling operations 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 25 kg).

• 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 flexibility to undertake tasks independently.
• A positive, self‑motivated attitude and a proactive approach to tasks.
• A full UK driving licence (required for travel to other trial sites).
• Prepared to work unsociable hours at certain times of the year.

• Qualifications in science or agricultural subject.
• Previous experience in agronomy, crop management, or field trials.
• Familiarity with agricultural machinery or trials equipment.
• Forklift, PA1, PA2, PA4 and PA6 experience;
  Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).

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 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 of experience of technology evaluation and transfer, NIAB spear‑heads the advancement of plant genetic resources through research, technical services and training.

Apply by clicking the Apply button above. Read the Job Description for full details about the role, application process and what to expect.

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, NIAB is 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.

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. 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.