Farm and Field Trials Operator

Farm and Field Trials Operator

Temporary 33000 - 39000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate modern farm machinery and conduct field trials with precision.
  • Company: Established agricultural research organisation known for innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, discounted accommodation, and clear career progression.
  • Other info: Hands-on experience in a dynamic environment with long-term development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Join a respected team and contribute to sustainable farming and cutting-edge research.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, relevant agricultural qualifications, and a full UK driving licence.

The predicted salary is between 33000 - 39000 £ per year.

Location: Harpenden – Fixed term, 3 years. Salary: £33,000 – £39,000.

You will be responsible for delivering field operations to a high scientific and agricultural standard, ensuring all work is carried out accurately and in line with established protocols. This role suits a competent machinery operator with a strong eye for detail and a methodical approach. You will be part of the wider farm team, using modern GPS‑guided equipment across a range of tasks including cultivation, drilling, fertilising, and harvesting, alongside workshop projects and general yard duties. The position offers a clear pathway for long‑term development within agriculture, with opportunities for training and progression.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operate modern farm machinery (including GPS‑guided systems) across all field operations
  • Carry out cultivation, drilling, fertilising, spraying, and harvesting activities
  • Follow trial protocols and instructions with accuracy and attention to detail
  • Maintain high standards of health & safety and safe working practices
  • Undertake routine machinery maintenance and basic workshop tasks
  • Plan and prioritise workloads in line with schedules and seasonal demands
  • Keep accurate and up‑to‑date records of field activities and trials
  • Manage stock control and ordering within agreed budgets
  • Identify and resolve routine operational issues using initiative
  • Support wider farm operations, including general yard duties
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues and respond to work instructions
  • Undertake any other duties reasonably required in line with the role level

About the Company

Our client is a long established UK based agricultural research organisation with a strong reputation for delivering applied science and innovation within the sector. Operating as a charitable body, the organisation undertakes a blend of practical fieldwork and advanced scientific research to support progress in sustainable farming systems and crop production. Based across a large rural research estate, the business integrates commercial scale agricultural operations with specialist laboratory capability, covering areas such as plant science, soil performance and data‑led field experimentation. This is an opportunity to join a highly respected environment offering exposure to both hands on agricultural work and cutting‑edge research activity, alongside long‑term development prospects.

Qualifications
  • Maths and English GCSE or equivalent
  • Certificates of competence: NPTC PA2, PA4, PA6 Telescopic rough terrain handler
  • Agronomy qualifications (FACTS, BASIS)
  • Technical or scientific education in Agriculture or a related subject (HND, HNC, C and G, etc.)
  • Full UK Manual Driving Licence
  • Excellent communication skills, a good team player
  • Legal right to work in the UK or a valid visa permitting employment
Benefits

Salary £33,000 – £39,000 DOE. Discounted accommodation.

Farm and Field Trials Operator employer: Agricultural Recruitment Specialists

Join a highly respected agricultural research organisation in Harpenden, where you will be part of a dedicated team committed to advancing sustainable farming practices. With a focus on employee growth, this role offers clear pathways for development and training opportunities, all within a supportive work culture that values precision and innovation. Enjoy the benefits of competitive salary, discounted accommodation, and the chance to work with modern technology in a vibrant rural setting.
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists

Contact Detail:

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Farm and Field Trials Operator

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to farm operations and machinery. Show off your skills and experience, especially with GPS-guided systems, to stand out from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Farm and Field Trials Operator

Machinery Operation
GPS-guided Systems
Cultivation Techniques
Drilling Techniques
Fertilising Techniques
Spraying Techniques
Harvesting Techniques
Attention to Detail
Health & Safety Standards
Routine Machinery Maintenance
Record Keeping
Stock Control
Problem-Solving Skills
Effective Communication
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Agriculture: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for agriculture shine through! We want to see how your experiences and interests align with the role of Farm and Field Trials Operator. Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your commitment to sustainable farming.

Be Detail-Oriented: Since this role requires a strong eye for detail, make sure to emphasise your attention to detail in your application. We appreciate candidates who can follow protocols accurately, so provide examples of how you've successfully managed tasks that required precision in the past.

Highlight Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your experience with modern farm machinery and GPS-guided systems! We’re looking for someone who can operate equipment confidently, so include any relevant qualifications or hands-on experiences that showcase your technical abilities.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and it helps us keep everything organised. Plus, you’ll be able to see all the details about the role and our company!

How to prepare for a job interview at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists

✨Know Your Machinery

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of modern farm machinery, especially GPS-guided systems. Be ready to discuss your experience operating different types of equipment and how you've maintained them in the past.

✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Since this role requires a strong eye for detail, prepare examples that showcase your methodical approach to tasks. Think about times when your attention to detail made a difference in your work, especially in following protocols or maintaining records.

✨Showcase Your Team Spirit

This position is part of a wider farm team, so be prepared to talk about your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you effectively communicated with colleagues or contributed to group projects, highlighting your ability to follow instructions and support others.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect some practical questions related to field operations, such as how you would handle specific tasks like fertilising or harvesting. Think through your processes and be ready to explain how you would plan and prioritise workloads during busy seasons.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>