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- Tasks: Operate modern farm machinery and conduct field trials with precision and care.
- Company: Established agricultural research organisation focused on sustainable farming innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discounted accommodation, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with hands-on training and development in the field.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in agriculture and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience with farm machinery and relevant agricultural qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 39000 £ per year.
You will be responsible for delivering field operations to a high 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
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.
Candidate Qualifications
- 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 & G, etc.)
- Full UK Manual Driving Licence
- Legal right to work in the UK or a valid visa permitting employment
Package
Salary £33,000 - £39,000 DOE
Discounted accommodation
Fixed term 3 years
Farm and Field Trials Operator - Harpenden - £33,000 - £39,000 + Accommodation employer: 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 - Harpenden - £33,000 - £39,000 + Accommodation
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values, recent projects, and any news related to their work in agriculture. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. Focus on how your skills as a machinery operator and your attention to detail can benefit their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during the interview! Inquire about their training opportunities and career progression paths. This shows that you’re thinking long-term and are eager to grow within the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Farm and Field Trials Operator - Harpenden - £33,000 - £39,000 + Accommodation
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 the field.
Be Detail-Oriented: Since this role requires a strong eye for detail, make sure your application reflects that. Double-check for any typos or errors, and ensure that your qualifications and experiences are clearly outlined. We appreciate clarity and precision!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your experience with modern machinery and any relevant certifications. We love seeing candidates who take the extra step to connect their skills with our needs.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
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 these machines and how you've maintained them in the past. This shows you're not just familiar with the equipment but also understand its importance in field operations.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since the role requires a strong eye for detail, prepare examples from your previous work where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was following trial protocols or maintaining accurate records, having specific instances ready will highlight your methodical approach.
✨Show 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 supported others in achieving common goals. This will show that you can fit into their collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect some practical questions related to field operations, such as how you would handle routine operational issues or plan workloads during busy seasons. Think through scenarios and have a few strategies in mind to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and initiative.