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- Tasks: Grow and care for plants in glasshouses, polytunnels, and fields while meeting project goals.
- Company: Join a leading horticultural organisation focused on innovative plant research.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training opportunities, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a physically active role with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real impact in plant science and horticulture.
- Qualifications: A levels or equivalent, pesticide application training, and horticultural experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
FHC are partnering with NIAB to source a Senior Glasshouse Technician to join their team in East Malling. The Project Technician will be responsible for delivering specific project goals from detailed protocols for internal and external customers. This may include growing genetically modified crops and working with plant protection products. The role involves working in glasshouse, polytunnel and field, carrying out all aspects of plant care. The postholder has responsibility for certain tasks, working unsupervised at times.
The postholder is expected to take an active part in team meetings, organise their own work and provide feedback on progress. Close liaison with the Glasshouse Supervisor, Head of Glass and Science staff about plant culture is essential - often daily during the height of the growing season. The postholder is responsible for alerting the Glasshouse Supervisor, Head of Glass and Science staff to problems and implementing solutions following discussion. Training will be provided where necessary. There is a comprehensive career skills and training matrix which is used to help develop knowledge and skills.
Financial authority/responsibility: No direct budget responsibilities but required to make efficient use of consumables.
Key tasks/responsibilities:
- Husbandry of experimental material, including monitoring on environmental computer control systems, weeding & aftercare - 15%
- Spray applications all year round - 25%
- Plant Propagation - 10%
- Watering/checking experimental material - to include checking irrigation systems - 15%
- Forklift & Tractor driving also other horticultural vehicles - 10%
- Potting up a variety of crops - 15%
- Trial picking and recording - 10%
Primarily based at the glasshouse complex on the Niab site at East Malling (Kent), with occasional work off site. Due to peaks in workload it may not be possible to take holiday at certain times of the year unless pre-arranged with sufficient notice. Physically demanding work. Constant physical activity – walking, standing, bending and manual handling of items up to 20 kg. Working outdoors in any weather condition at all times of the year, meaning exposure to sunlight and rain. Working in glasshouses polytunnels in high temperatures. Sufferers from hay fever or other allergies could experience problems.
Regular exposure to:
- Plant materials, plant pathogens, pollen, bees and other insects.
- Dust e.g. soil particles.
- Occasional exposure to chemicals e.g. those used to fertilise and treat plants.
Lone working in field and glasshouse areas. Part of Weekend and Bank Holiday watering rota throughout the year.
Person Specification
Essential:
- ‘A’ levels or equivalent qualifications/experience
- Pesticide application training (PA1 and PA6)
- Recognised qualification or work experience in horticulture
- Good organisational skills with the ability to cope with high seasonal workload and conflicting requirements
- Knowledge of a range of horticultural plant species
- Practical experience of working with plants
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work to specific protocols
- Flexibility – able to work alone as well as working effectively as part of a small team, good team worker
- A strong interest in plants and a proactive approach to learning
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Physically fit and able to do manual lifting
- Willingness to work in polytunnels, glasshouses and field in all weather conditions
- Driving license required for operating vehicles and machinery on and off of site
Desirable:
- Competency in Microsoft Office 365 applications – Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Powerpoint
- Forklift & Tractor driving also other horticultural vehicles
Senior Glasshouse Technician employer: Fresh Horticultural Careers
Contact Detail:
Fresh Horticultural Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Glasshouse Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the horticulture field, especially those who work at NIAB or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Senior Glasshouse Technician role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at job fairs or informal meet-ups, bring along examples of your work or projects you've been involved in. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience with plant care and horticulture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of plant species and pest management. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios in the glasshouse. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also knowledgeable about the challenges it entails.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you prepare for your application and interview process. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up in the horticulture sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Glasshouse Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Glasshouse Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience in horticulture, especially any work with plant care and management. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your qualifications, especially your pesticide application training and any hands-on experience with plants. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their practical knowledge and attention to detail.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. Explain why you’re interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team at NIAB. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of the matter.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh Horticultural Careers
✨Know Your Plants
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of horticultural plant species. Be ready to discuss specific plants you've worked with and any relevant experience you have in plant care, propagation, and pest management. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires good organisational skills, prepare examples of how you've managed conflicting priorities or high workloads in the past. Think about times when you had to work unsupervised and how you kept everything on track.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Even though you'll be working independently at times, teamwork is key. Be ready to share experiences where you collaborated effectively with others, especially in a horticultural setting. Highlight your ability to communicate and provide feedback during team meetings.
✨Be Prepared for Physical Challenges
This job involves physically demanding work, so it’s a good idea to mention your fitness level and any relevant experience with manual handling. Discuss how you handle working in various weather conditions and your willingness to take on the physical aspects of the role.