Cereal Seeds Purification Officer (Plant Breeding) 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. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. When applying for this role please send a covering letter explaining your motivation for applying for the role.

Description of the role An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Purification Officer to work towards strengthening our line maintenance team within the wheat breeding programme. The role will be responsible for the successful execution of wheat purification within the breeding programme. It is an opportunity to work within a focused, multi-disciplined breeding team and develop a broad portfolio of breeding skills.

Key responsibilities for this role are:

• Responsible for the preparation and submission of plant material for official trials.
• Responsible for field observations of purification material at NL-2, NL-1, and NL entries.
• Responsibility for the harvest of single plant material.
• Oversee preparation of purification material for drilling and execute drilling.
• Organise and execute sample preparation for various laboratory tests.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with a passion for variety maintenance/cereal breeding. You must have a drive for precision and attention to detail, be an outstanding organiser and able to meet the physical requirements of the role, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate. You will thrive in this role if you have excellent organisational skills and enjoy a role where efficiency, precision and attention to detail are essential, and you are comfortable with working in outdoor environments. A-levels in a relevant subject are a minimum requirement, and the candidate will ideally have a degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience in line maintenance, plant breeding or similar. An agricultural or biology degree is advantageous. Forklift, PA1 and PA6 qualifications are preferred, but full training will be given if needed.

Skills:

• Practical field experience is desirable.
• Experience working in agriculture or horticulture.
• Experience as a seed analyst or in cereal purification is desirable.
• Experience of seed certification is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent attention to detail including accurate record keeping.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Good planning and organisation skills.
• Good level of computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
• Equally capable of working alone or as part of a team.
• An ability to work in an office environment, in the glasshouse and out in the field.
• An ability to take responsibility for designated areas of work.
• An ability to work independently, without instruction, to ensure the task is completed consistently to a high standard.
• An ability to handle routine tasks and procedures.
• An ability to remain calm and focused when working under pressure.
• An ability to communicate appropriately with team members and internal and external contacts.

Additional information

There will be the occasional work away from site which might 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 may be a requirement to work additional hours during peak harvest periods, which will be discussed in advance where possible. Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with long service award.

Benefits:

• Annual staff bonus (subject to company performance)
• Elsoms Seeds Ltd. share incentive plan
• Group income protection
• Life assurance
• Company pension scheme
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Annual medical checks
• Staff social events
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including cycle to work scheme, free fresh fruit, an employee forum.

Informal enquiries can be made to [email protected] Elsoms actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.