Skilled Tractor Driver / General Farm Operative

Start date: As soon as possible

East Malling, ME19 6BJ

£27,000 to £29,000

Ref: SV/A1309-01

About the role

Looking for a new challenge? Want to learn new skills and grow your career? Join us at Niab East Malling, where science meets farming!

At Niab East Malling, you’ll work alongside a dedicated group of people who bring the farm, glasshouses, and science labs together to support groundbreaking agricultural research. Whether it’s collaborating on projects in the field or catching up at the on-site social club on a Friday night, you’ll be part of a supportive and friendly team that’s committed to making a difference.

This is more than just a job-it’s an opportunity to grow, learn new skills, and contribute to innovative science. Even if you don’t yet have all the qualifications, we’ll provide training to help you succeed, including pesticide certification and more.

Salary: £27,000 to £29,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Contract: Permanent

Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday with overtime flexibility when required

What you’ll be doing

As a Skilled Tractor Driver/General Farm Operative, you’ll play a crucial role in supporting our science projects and maintaining our farm and estate. Your responsibilities will include:

• Operating a tractor for various tasks throughout the growing season.

• Preparing and applying agrochemicals (training and certification provided if needed).

• Carrying out mowing, pulverising, pruning, and general estate maintenance.

• Maintaining and repairing farm machinery to ensure smooth operations.

• Managing stock levels, updating records, and planning tasks effectively.

• You’ll work outdoors year-round, often in glasshouses and polytunnels, contributing to a vibrant team that values teamwork and innovation.

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• Proactive and enthusiastic about learning and contributing to a team.

• Knowledgeable in basic horticulture or arable farming (desirable but not essential).

• Organised and communicative, with strong verbal and written skills.

• Eager to learn new skills, including pesticide application (training provided).

• Experienced with horticultural machinery (desirable, but not essential).

• Detail-oriented and self-motivated, capable of working independently or as part of a team.

• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to handle varied tasks and challenges.

• Certified in forklift operation (advantageous but not essential).

• In possession of a valid driving Licence.

Location

The role is based at East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ. East Malling is three miles from junction four of the M20, with plenty of free on-site parking. Niab East Malling can easily be accessed by the London Victoria to Dover (via Ashford International) rail route via West Malling station. Alternatively, exit the train at the East Malling station and take the short walk onto site.

What we offer

At Niab, we’re committed to supporting your personal and professional growth. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Full training opportunities, including certifications in pesticide application and machinery operation.

• A competitive salary and benefits package, including 25 days’ holiday (plus public holidays) and an extra 3 days off over Christmas.

• A generous pension scheme, income protection, and life assurance.

• Free on-site parking and flexible working options.

• A welcoming team environment, with access to our on-site social club for relaxing after a week of making a difference in plant science.

Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.

To apply

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Luis Da Rocha Felgueiras, Farm Manager:

Click the ‘Apply’ button or visit our website: for further details and to apply directly.

Any questions? Email or call Human Resources on . Apply soon as we may shortlist prior to the closing date.

Closing date: 14 March 2025.

Please note that following changes to Immigration Law in April 2024, this role does not qualify for a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Candidates with independently held immigration permission would be considered.

You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.