At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain plants and greenhouse facilities while ensuring pest control and irrigation systems are optimal.
- Company: Join the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre at the University of Reading.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, training provided, and a chance to work in a unique research environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with opportunities for ongoing development and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the cocoa sector while gaining hands-on horticultural experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed; experience in horticulture is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 17.26 - 17.26 £ per hour.
The International Cocoa Quarantine Centre at the University of Reading is a unique facility that has a vital role in the cocoa sector of providing a hub for the safe movement of cocoa planting materials to researchers, crop breeders and growers. The postholder will work as part of a small team responsible for the day-to-day running of the ICQC,R greenhouse facility located at Arborfield.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- General maintenance of plants and greenhouse facilities
- Inspecting plants for pests and diseases; pest control through application of biological control
- Monitoring, maintaining and calibrating the automatic irrigation system; making up nutrient stock solutions
- Inspecting plants under quarantine for viral and other disease symptoms
- Plant propagation
- Co-organise exports of plant material
- Attend a Quarantine Advisory Committee twice per year
- Weekend duty (one weekend in four; typically 2 hours per day)
Additional Information:
- Health & Safety risks - heat stress, working at height
- Previous glasshouse / polytunnel work - garden centre, strawberry production, tomato production - good plant husbandry skills; on job training provided
- No specific qualifications, horticultural college would be good but job experience is most important
Supervision received: The postholder will receive appropriate training upon starting the post.
Employment Conditions: This role is inside IR35.
Eligibility: Our client is unable to provide sponsorship for Tier 2 General Visas; therefore, only candidates eligible to work in the UK are invited to apply.
Equal Opportunities: No terminology within this advert is intended to unlawfully discriminate on the grounds of age, sex, race or disability and we welcome all applications.
