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 agricultural innovation.
- 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 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.
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:
- Bachelors 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 detailed-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 England employer: KWS Berlin GmbH
KWS UK Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for those passionate about plant breeding. Located in Thriplow near Cambridge, employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, competitive compensation packages, and a culture that values teamwork and innovation. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for hands-on experience in the field, KWS UK Ltd. stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Breeding Technician Winter Barley in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with KWS UK Ltd. on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its breeding programmes. Show us that you're genuinely interested in Winter Barley and have a solid understanding of what we do. Tailor your answers to highlight how your skills fit the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences in plant breeding and data management clearly, so we can see how you’d be a great fit for our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team at KWS UK Ltd. and ready to dive into the world of barley breeding.
We think you need these skills to ace Breeding Technician Winter Barley in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the Breeding Technician role. Highlight your relevant experience in cereal breeding and agronomy, and show us why you're the perfect fit for our team!
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since data management is key in this role, don’t forget to mention your computer literacy and experience with databases. Give us examples of how you've used Excel or other software in your previous roles.
Be Yourself in Your CV:Your CV should reflect who you are! Include your educational background, practical experiences, and any unique skills that make you stand out. We want to see your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply via our online portal. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application, and we can’t wait to get to know you better through your documents!
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. Be ready to discuss your practical experiences and how they relate to the tasks mentioned in the job description. This shows that you’re not just familiar with theory but also have hands-on experience.
✨Data Management Skills Matter
Since data management is a key part of the role, be prepared to talk about your experience with Excel and any other software you've used for data handling. Maybe even bring examples of how you've successfully managed data in previous roles to demonstrate your competence.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This position requires both independent work and teamwork. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully collaborated with others or taken the lead on a project. Highlighting your flexibility and ability to adapt will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the breeding programmes or the team dynamics at KWS UK Ltd. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
