Agricultural Field Trials Officer in Spalding

About Elsoms Seeds Ltd.

Elsoms is the UK's leading independent seed specialist and plant breeder. We breed, supply and treat high-quality vegetable and agricultural seed throughout the UK, using the latest advances in plant breeding research and seed technology. Established in 1844, Elsoms has remained an independent family-owned business throughout its history and today employs around 100 people.

Our Research & Development department invests in innovative plant breeding programmes to develop new and improved varieties of arable and vegetable crops. Through our work, we aim to contribute to the global challenges of sustainable food production and food security.

What will you be doing?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Agricultural Field Trials Officer to join the Field Services team within our R&D department.

This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering agricultural field trials across a range of crop species. You will plan and manage trial activities from establishment through to harvest, ensuring trials are carried out safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards.

Working closely with breeders, agronomists and commercial teams, you will generate the high-quality data needed to support variety development and product advancement.

The role combines planning, agronomy, data collection and operational management, with opportunities to support the adoption of new technologies and continuous improvement across our trial programmes. It involves regular outdoor work in agricultural environments and travel between trial locations throughout the growing season.

For further information about the responsibilities of the role, please refer to the job description.

What we are looking for

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of appointment. Please note that Elsoms is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

We are looking for someone with a passion for agriculture, crop production and field trials who enjoys working at the intersection of practical field operations and research. You will be highly organised, proactive, and capable of managing multiple activities throughout the growing season.

Essential skills and experience

• Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, Plant Science or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working within field trials, crop production, agronomy or a related field-based environment.
• Good understanding of crop husbandry and agronomic practices.
• Experience planning and coordinating operational activities and workloads.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Experience recording and managing data accurately.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Full UK driving licence or the ability to meet the travel requirements of the role.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience managing or supervising operational staff.
• PA1 and PA2 pesticide application certificates.
• Experience operating tractors and agricultural machinery.
• Experience using field trial software, GIS or digital data collection systems.
• Understanding of agricultural research, plant breeding or variety testing programmes.
• BASIS or related agronomy qualifications.

Additional Information

Location: Spalding, Lincolnshire, UK

Working Pattern: Full-time, permanent position (minimum 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday), subject to a probationary period.

Annual Leave: 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service.

Benefits

• Annual staff bonus (subject to company performance)
• Elsoms Seeds Ltd. Share Incentive Plan
• Group income protection
• Life assurance
• Company pension scheme with employee contributions of up to 11%
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity package
• Annual medical checks
• Employee social events
• Wellbeing initiatives, including Cycle to Work scheme, free yoga classes, Employee Forum

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all applicants. If we require any reasonable adjustments during the application, assessment or interview process, please contact HR and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.

Elsoms is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.