Breeding Technician in Lincolnshire

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 in plant breeding research and seed technology. Established in 1844, Elsoms has remained an independent family-owned business throughout its history, now with around 100 employees. The Elsoms R&D department invests in our own plant breeding programmes. Our goal is to produce new and improved varieties of arable and vegetable crops, playing our part in the global challenge for sustainable food production and food security. Due to UK visa regulations for this role, applicants must already have long-term eligibility to work in the UK.

What will you be doing? We are looking for a Breeding Technician to join our Breeding Team within the R&D department. Your role will be to take responsibility for glasshouse operations, including plant husbandry, seed propagation of plants, and other day-to-day activities contributing to the smooth running and success of Elsoms’ R&D breeding activities. Seasonal work also includes the preparation of trials, with occasional assessment of agronomic traits. This role provides an opportunity to work with a variety of agricultural and horticultural crops and develop a range of skills. Typical work in this role will include:

• Plant husbandry, including pest and disease identification and control, spraying, fertilising and watering to deliver high quality plant and seed.
• Seed propagation and weaning of small plants.
• Bagging of plants to produce seed for breeding, both in the glasshouse and field.
• Harvesting, cleaning, and processing of seed.
• Preparation of trials including weighing and racking up of seed.

What we are looking for: We are looking for someone with an interest in horticulture or agriculture who is able to meet the practical requirements of the role, with reasonable adjustments where needed. You will have good attention to detail, be comfortable working in glasshouse and outdoor environments, and be able to carry out routine tasks accurately and consistently.

Essential Skills:

• Basic literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE-level or equivalent experience).
• Good communication and record-keeping skills.
• Good planning and organisation skills.
• Good level of computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in plant husbandry.
• A horticultural or agricultural qualification.
• PA1/PA6 (or willingness to obtain training).

Person Specification:

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role (reasonable adjustments available).
• An ability to work in an office environment, in the glasshouse and out in the field.
• An ability to take a lead role in designated areas of responsibility.
• An ability to work independently, without instruction, to ensure the task is completed to a consistently high standard.
• An ability to handle routine tasks and procedures.

Additional information: There will be the occasional work away from site that will involve overnight stays (accommodation and subsistence will be provided). Working pattern: Full time position (37.5 hrs per week), Monday to Friday, permanent (subject to a probation period). There will be an expectation to work additional hours during peak harvest time.