At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Barley Breeding team and assist with hands-on field and glasshouse operations.
- Company: KWS UK Ltd, a leader in innovative agricultural solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days leave, private healthcare, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours during peak seasons and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in agriculture while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Natural Sciences or related field; practical experience in cereal breeding preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Our KWS UK Ltd. Barley Breeding Team is currently seeking at the earliest opportunity a Breeding Technician to support our Winter Barley programmes. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Thriplow near Cambridge. We offer a hands-on working environment and the chance to work with highly motivated and qualified colleagues.
What you can expect in this role:
- The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of seasonal tasks within our Barley Breeding team.
- You will have the chance to assist with field, barn and glasshouse operations essential for the successful development of new varieties.
- Practical breeding work, including scoring in nurseries and field trials as well as drilling, pest control, maintenance, rogueing and harvesting.
- Work in glasshouse including sowing, harvesting, transplanting and crossing.
- Work indoors including seed cleaning and processing, seed sampling and testing, seed preparation.
- Data Management is an essential part of this position, uploading and dealing with data on Excel and in-house software.
- The successful candidate will be supported in their development within the role, including training opportunities.
What you bring in:
- Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences, Plant Breeding, Genetics or Agronomy or equivalent experience.
- You have ideally already gained practical experience of a few years in the field of cereal breeding and agronomy.
- Good computer literacy skills and competent in using databases and managing data.
- Good English skills (oral and written).
- You are known to be a detail-oriented and organized person.
- This position requires a flexible approach and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid full driving license is required; confidence in driving is essential.
- Willingness to work longer hours during harvest, drilling and other peak periods.
What we offer:
- Key focus on professional and personal development.
- 35 working hours weekly; additional working hours will be expected based on seasonal demands (May - Sep).
- 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Highly competitive Pension Scheme with 16% Company contribution and 1.2% minimum employee contribution.
- Life Assurance, of three times annual salary.
- Income Protection Plan at 75% of salary for long-term illness and disability for a period of three years.
- Private Health Care Plan.
- Profit Related Bonus Scheme, targeted at 10% of annual salary.
- Membership of Lifestyles discount scheme.
- Reduced diesel prices from the company’s fuel pump.
Did we spark your interest? Then apply now via our online portal and send us your documents (cover letter and CV). We look forward to getting to know you!
Due to UK visa regulations for this role, applicants must already have long-term eligibility to work in the UK.
Breeding Technician Winter Barley in Birmingham employer: KWS Berlin GmbH
KWS UK Ltd. offers an exceptional working environment for a Breeding Technician in Thriplow, near Cambridge, where you will collaborate with a dedicated team on innovative barley breeding programmes. With a strong emphasis on professional and personal development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, private healthcare, and a profit-related bonus, KWS fosters a culture of growth and support, making it an ideal employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Breeding Technician Winter Barley in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research KWS UK Ltd. and their Winter Barley programmes. Understanding their values and goals will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and the company culture, plus it might just get your foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves hands-on work, brush up on your skills related to field operations and data management. Practising these tasks can give you a confidence boost when it comes to interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the KWS team. Don’t forget to include a tailored cover letter that highlights your relevant experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Breeding Technician Winter Barley in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in cereal breeding and agronomy. We want to see your passion for the role and how you can contribute to our Winter Barley programmes.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send out the same CV for every application. Tailor it to match the job description, focusing on your skills in data management and practical breeding work. We love seeing candidates who take the time to align their experience with what we’re looking for!
Show Off Your Computer Skills:Since good computer literacy is essential, make sure to mention your experience with Excel and any databases you've used. We need someone who can handle data management like a pro, so don’t hold back on showcasing your tech skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our online portal. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your documents and ensures that your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we can’t wait to get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at KWS Berlin GmbH
✨Know Your Breeding Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of plant breeding, especially in relation to barley. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, like pest control and data management. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand what it entails.
✨Show Off Your Data Skills
Since data management is a key part of the job, be prepared to discuss your experience with Excel and any databases you've used. Bring examples of how you've managed data in previous roles or projects, as this will demonstrate your competence and attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires both independent work and teamwork. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or took the initiative on your own. Highlighting your flexibility and ability to adapt will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with questions about the team, the breeding programmes, or the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you too.
