At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in strawberry breeding trials by collecting data and performing maintenance tasks.
- Company: Join Edward Vinson Ltd, a leading soft fruit breeder with over 150 years of experience.
- Benefits: Earn £12.71 per hour, gain hands-on experience, and work outdoors this summer.
- Why this job: Perfect for plant science enthusiasts looking to make a real impact in agriculture.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, ability to work long hours, and a passion for plants.
- Other info: Flexible start and end dates with full-time hours, Monday to Friday.
The predicted salary is between 11 - 14 £ per hour.
Edward Vinson Ltd (EV) is a soft fruit breeder and grower in Faversham, Kent. EV has been growing strawberries and other soft fruits for over 150 years. The breeding programmes started in 1986 and have successfully released a number of key cultivars for the UK and global markets.
Edward Vinson Ltd wishes to recruit a technical assistant to help with its ongoing research activities in summer 2026. This is a fixed term contract for the summer, and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to be involved in the strawberry breeding trials within the company. The skills learnt during this period will be transferrable and applicable to all individuals studying plant science or with a passion for plant science.
The technical assistant’s main focus will be helping to collect data from the trials in summer 2026. The key trials contain multiple genotypes/replicates that are picked multiple times a week with the fruit measured and assessed. The candidate will assist in picking, grading, weighing and performing measurements on the fruit. As well as picking and data collection, the candidate will also be expected to perform husbandry and maintenance jobs within the trial. Assisting with other general tasks within the breeding farm will also be expected.
It is important that the candidate has strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately over long working hours. The candidate must be physically able to carry heavy objects such as fruit trays and can expect to be on their feet for most of the day and happy to work outside.
The role is a full-time summer position with flexibility around both start and end dates. Working hours will be Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week, with a pay rate of £12.71 per hour.
Essential- Attention to detail.
- Has transport to get to the farm at ME13 9FQ and trial site at ME13 8UP.
- Ability to work long hours with sustained attention to details.
- Patience and ability to perform repetitive tasks over long periods of time.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong communication skills and positive work attitude.
- Strong time management skills.
- Excited about working with plants.
To apply for the role: Please email your CV and a covering letter to breeding@edwardvinson.co.uk. Please note, a cover letter must be submitted with your application for it to be considered. Deadline for applications is 1st of April.
Strawberry Summer Breeding Trials Assistant in Faversham employer: Edward Vinson Limited
Contact Detail:
Edward Vinson Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strawberry Summer Breeding Trials Assistant in Faversham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Edward Vinson Ltd and their strawberry breeding programmes. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. You never know who might give you a leg up!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on tasks! Since the role involves picking, grading, and weighing fruit, practice these skills if you can. Show that you're ready to get your hands dirty and are excited about working outdoors.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Edward Vinson Ltd. Don’t forget to include that cover letter!
We think you need these skills to ace Strawberry Summer Breeding Trials Assistant in Faversham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for plant science and any relevant experience. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let us know why you’re excited about this role.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send the same CV to everyone! Tailor it to match the job description. Emphasise your attention to detail and any experience with repetitive tasks. We love seeing how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Show Off Your Team Spirit: This role involves working both independently and as part of a team. In your application, mention any teamwork experiences you’ve had. We want to know how you contribute to a positive work environment!
Double-Check Everything: Before hitting send, give your application a thorough once-over. Spelling mistakes or missing details can make a bad impression. We appreciate attention to detail, so let’s see that in your application too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edward Vinson Limited
✨Know Your Strawberries
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of strawberry breeding and the specific cultivars that Edward Vinson Ltd has released. Showing genuine interest in their work will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your passion for plant science.
✨Highlight Attention to Detail
Since the role requires strong attention to detail, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed repetitive tasks or collected data accurately. This will help you showcase your suitability for the position.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Be ready to discuss how you work well in a team. Share instances where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in outdoor or physically demanding environments, as this role involves teamwork on the breeding farm.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about your physical ability to perform tasks like picking and carrying heavy fruit trays. Be honest about your capabilities and express your enthusiasm for working outdoors, as this will show you're a good fit for the job.