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- Tasks: Assist with outdoor crop trials, including sowing, harvesting, and maintaining trial plots.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government, dedicated to improving lives across Scotland through vital public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a supportive environment, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's rural economy while gaining hands-on experience outdoors.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driving licence and experience in outdoor agricultural or horticultural settings preferred.
- Other info: Attend an info session on 18th July to learn how to strengthen your application.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you someone who enjoys working in different environments whether outdoors in field trials or in glasshouses, workshop situations?
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with an interest in working outdoors to join our team to support crop trials work here at SASA. If this is you then, then the Farm Trials Assistant will be of interest to you.
Based in the Seeds, Varieties & Trial Support branch at SASA (Farm section), you will work as part of a team responsible for delivering farm services in support of the certification and scientific work at SASA. Your primary role will be to work within the Farm/inc Horticulture Support team to assist with trial preparation including sowing, husbandry of trial plots, harvesting and assisting scientific staff.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to growing and protecting Scotland’s rural economy and environment!
- You will be expected to learn how to measure and mark out trial plots under instruction from the assistant manager and other trial managers.
- Carry out planting/sowing by hand and machine through the course of the season.
- Carry out the thinning and weeding of various trial plots during the growing season.
- When required be able to erect cages and nets to aid with physical crop protection from various pests, distribute bird scaring devices as and when required.
- You will be expected to learn how to drive a tractor and be able to carry out basic driving tasks for example: towing a trailer, rolling, harrowing harvesting potatoes with a bespoke windrower.
- Carry out harvesting duties which include various crops especially potatoes, vegetables grass and cereals.
- Assist with farm records such as labelling of boxes and the day-to-day management of tallies (Plot Markers).
- Carry out grounds maintenance as agreed with line manager including grass cutting (this involves ride-on mowers, push mowers and strimmers) weeding and edging of borders and the pruning of the shrubs around the site.
- Undertake the basic general maintenance of the farm and horticultural machinery.
- Carry out routine maintenance tasks around the estate including, weeding, fencing, drainage, hedging, grounds work.
- Conduct out of hours, weekend and holiday working when necessary to maintain the delivery of farm services and protection of crops and trials.
Qualifications
Valid driving licence which entitles you to drive in the UK. Please confirm in your CV statement that you hold this qualification,
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills
Developing science and engineering capability
- Seeks opportunities to learn from colleagues.
Technical oversight and management
- Ability to follow a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/ written instructions and reports in a timely manner
- Knows when to seek advice and report issues.
Experience
- Experience of working outdoors preferably in an agricultural or horticultural setting whilst ensuring accuracy and standards are adhered to.
- Ability to use own initiative and judgement to solve problems and make decisions.
- Works well with others but can carry out individual tasks as required with the minimum.
How To Apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 750 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and job simulation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 18 August 2025 however this may be subject to change. Due to the nature of the practical assessment exercise, it will not be possible to accommodate request for reschedule outside of this week (18 – 22 August).
Join us online on Friday 18th July at 10am for an information session to hear what we are looking for in a strong application (click the link to book your place).
About Us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. The Scottish Government offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the need of the role. However, due to the nature of this post, staff are required to be onsite at all times. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Farms Trials Assistant employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Farms Trials Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as trial preparation and crop protection. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Attend the information session on 18th July to gain insights directly from the hiring team. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and show your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant outdoor or agricultural experience you have when discussing your background. Even if it's informal, showing your hands-on skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the practical assessment by practising basic farm tasks, like using machinery or maintaining equipment. Being comfortable with these activities will boost your confidence during the evaluation.
We think you need these skills to ace Farms Trials Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Farms Trials Assistant position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should be no more than 750 words and must clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience, and behaviours align with the Success Profile outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your past work or studies.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience working outdoors in agricultural or horticultural settings, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and supporting statement. Mention any specific tasks you've performed that relate to the job, such as planting, harvesting, or using machinery.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Outdoor Work
Make sure to express your genuine interest in working outdoors and in various environments. Share any relevant experiences you have had in agricultural or horticultural settings, as this will demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Farm Operations
Before the interview, take some time to learn about the specific tasks involved in farm trials, such as sowing, harvesting, and maintaining trial plots. Being knowledgeable about these processes will show that you are proactive and ready to contribute.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss examples of how you have successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to work well with colleagues while also being capable of completing individual tasks.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
As part of the selection process, there will be practical assessments. Brush up on basic farming skills, such as driving a tractor or using gardening tools. Showing confidence in these areas will help you stand out during the assessment phase.
