At a Glance
- Tasks: Care for a variety of plants and crops in our glasshouse facilities.
- Company: Join NIAB, a leading plant bioscience organisation with nearly 90 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, generous sick pay, and a comprehensive training programme.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, connect with nature, and gain hands-on horticultural experience.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent, with a passion for plants and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
Location: East Malling, New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £27,000 per annum, with paid overtime
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week) Monday to Friday
Closing date: 13 November 2026
ABOUT THE JOB
Are you interested in plants and horticulture? Do you have a good eye for detail and a flexible approach to work? Would you enjoy a varied working with a wide range of horticultural and agricultural crop species in our protection growing facilities?
We wish to appoint a Glasshouse Operative to join our Kent Glasshouse Team working with a wide range of horticulture and agriculture crop species in our protected environment growing facilities. The team is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the glasshouse facility, including pests and disease monitoring and irrigation, as well as the team's service delivery function with the Science departments to external trials.
As a Glasshouse Operative, your key duties include:
- Delivering specific project goals from detailed protocols for internal and external customers
- Carrying out all aspects of plant care, including watering, plant husbandry, spraying etc.
You will be working outside in all weather conditions and in our glasshouses and polytunnels, which can reach high temperatures during the summer months. You will be in constant contact with plants and insects (including bees) through the year, therefore sufferers from hay fever or other allergies could experience problems. The role is physically demanding, mostly standing/walking and working outdoors in all weather conditions, and involving regular manual handling of items up to 20kg, such as bags of seeds and other produce. There is exposure to plant materials, including pollen.
Location: The role is based at Niab East Malling, New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, 3 miles from junction 4 of the M20, and head south on the A228, then A20 to ‘West Malling and Maidstone’. Free on-site parking.
ABOUT YOU
Essential requirements: Ideally you have:
- A-levels or equivalent qualifications/experience
- Recognised qualification or work experience in horticulture
- Good organisational skills
- Knowledge of a range of horticulture plant species
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work to specific protocols
- Flexibility
- A strong interest in plants and a proactive approach to learning
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Willingness to work in polytunnels and glasshouses with occasional high temperatures.
- Experience of tractor driving
- Driving licence or access to independent means of transport
Ideally you will also have: Desirable requirements
- Microsoft Office, e.g., Word and Excel
- Pesticide application training (PA1 and PA6)
- Forklift driving
ABOUT US
NIAB is a dynamic, research led and market driven plant bioscience organisation, with an emphasis on innovative applications for end-users in the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors. With almost 90 years’ experience of technology evaluation and transfer, NIAB is spear-heading the advancement of plant genetic resources through research, technical services and training.
Benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme and a comprehensive training program. 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.
About the Application Process: Apply by clicking Apply above. Please read the Job Description, which provides full details about the role.
Important Information: This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process. Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.
Glasshouse Operative in Kent employer: NIABHR
Niab is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Wymondham, Norfolk, where you can contribute to pioneering agricultural research while enjoying a balanced mix of field and office work. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including 25 days of holiday, and a culture that promotes equality and inclusion, Niab provides a rewarding opportunity for those passionate about advancing sustainable farming practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Glasshouse Operative in Kent
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like NIABHR.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like NIABHR.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at NIABHR; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Glasshouse Operative in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at NIABHR.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Glasshouse Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what NIABHR is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at NIABHR a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at NIABHR
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at NIABHR might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
