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- Tasks: Support research in horticulture, maintain labs, and train students on equipment.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a world-class institution committed to diversity and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, discounts, and a strong focus on your development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community making a real impact in biosciences and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in biology or equivalent experience in plant husbandry is essential.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and encourage all applicants to apply.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 27000 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
Reporting to the Technical Specialist: Controlled Environments, you will work as part of a small technical team supporting research activity in the Facility, greenhouses and outdoor spaces.
Duties will involve taking responsibility for good working practices in the communal preparation and laboratory areas, as well as maintenance and preparation of instrumentation for communal use. You will train students to use the laboratory equipment safely and ensure that the laboratory equipment and instrumentation are kept in safe working order. You will advise researchers on horticultural practice and the role will involve the application of biocontrol and pesticides where necessary.
Applicants must have minimum qualifying level 3 qualification in biology, or equivalent experience along with experience of plant husbandry, cultivation and propagation, including practical knowledge of related laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Excellent communication skills and an understanding and application of Health and Safety regulations, compliant with regulatory and statutory compliance are also essential.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Maintain the laboratories in the 3 sites (Annex, AWEC and High Bradfield) ensuring a fair use policy is complied with by all researchers, and provide technical support as delegated by the Technical Specialist: Controlled Environments.
- Take the lead in training students in horticultural techniques using skills and knowledge to implement and interpret experimental work.
- Advise researchers on the optimal cultivation techniques and growing conditions for their experiments and any other considerations that may need to be considered to ensure healthy plant growth, including advice on pest management.
- Order supplies and maintain adequate stocks of growing media and consumables across all sites to ensure continuity of research.
- Monitor and take environmental readings in the greenhouse, interpret the data and make changes in the greenhouse monitoring software as necessary.
- Provide technical support, including training, operation, running samples, demonstrating and troubleshooting laboratory equipment.
- Understand, promote and apply relevant COSHH/risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols, ensuring procedures are followed at all times.
- Implement a fair use policy for storage of samples, preventing overcrowding of storage including cold storage.
- Along with the Technical Specialist: Controlled Environments, implement local safe systems of work pertinent to the facilities on all sites (transportation, biosafety, avoidance of cross-contamination between sites, waste disposal).
- Apply pesticides and biocontrol to plants as and when necessary; after consultation with users and their PI’s. Ensure application is carried out in accordance with the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) and the GB Biocidal Products Regulations (GB BPR).
- Ensure users follow safe systems of work, and escalate issues of those that do not, in specialist areas for example use of compressed gases, cryogens, packaging of biological samples for transport.
- Report faults with the infrastructure to the Technical Specialist: Controlled Environments relating to the upkeep of the infrastructure for the 3 sites.
- Carry out inductions for staff and students and maintain records of these.
- Actively contribute to a culture in the School of Biosciences where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and can flourish professionally or academically.
- As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Technical and Professional Services Shared Skills framework.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn\’t match perfectly with this role\’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
Minimum qualifying level 3 qualification in biology, or equivalent experience
Essential
Application/interview
IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent
Desirable
Application/interview
Experience of plant husbandry, cultivation and propagation, including practical knowledge of related laboratory equipment and instrumentation
Essential
Application/interview
Understanding and application of Health and Safety regulations, compliant with regulatory and statutory compliance
Essential
Application/interview
Pesticide spraying certificate City & Guilds PA1 (Safe handling of pesticides) & PA6 (Safe handling of pesticides using hand-held equipment) or equivalent
Desirable
Application/interview
Effective communication skills to communicate with colleagues, students and staff, to identify and understand their needs, with an understanding the importance of excellent customer service
Essential
Application/interview
Ability to work with minimal supervision, efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste
Essential
Application/interview
Experienced user of relevant IT applications and other technology and systems
Essential
Application/interview
Ability to apply relevant approaches and techniques for the demonstration and training of relevant techniques, appropriate to meet the needs of the audience
Essential
Application/interview
Adaptable to the demands of the role and changes in workflow, planning and organising routine tasks
Essential
Application/interview
Technical Professional Registration or the willingness to work towards it
Essential
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
5
Salary
£27,319 – £31,236 per annum with the potential to progress to £33,951
Work arrangement
Full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration
Permanent (available immediately)
Line manager
Technical Specialist: Controlled Environments
Direct reports
None
Our website
School of Biosciences
For informal enquiries about this job contact Ben Palmer (Technical Specialist: Controlled Environments) on b.palmer@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 4728.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the. closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Technical Career Route
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 10/09/2025
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Technician: Horticulture employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technician: Horticulture
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific horticultural techniques and laboratory equipment mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the University of Sheffield, especially those in the School of Biosciences. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with plant husbandry and pest management in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in previous roles or projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of Health and Safety regulations relevant to horticulture. Being able to articulate how you would implement and adhere to these protocols will set you apart as a candidate who prioritises safety in the workplace.
We think you need these skills to ace Technician: Horticulture
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements. Highlight your relevant experience in plant husbandry, cultivation, and laboratory equipment in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job listing. Emphasise your level 3 qualification in biology and any experience with Health and Safety regulations.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for horticulture and your ability to train others. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully communicated with colleagues or students in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to include your effective communication skills and adaptability in your application. These are essential for the role, so provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Horticulture Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of plant husbandry, cultivation, and propagation. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and experiences you've had in these areas, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Familiarise yourself with Health and Safety regulations relevant to horticulture and laboratory work. Be ready to explain how you would ensure compliance and promote safe practices in the workplace.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully trained others or communicated complex information to colleagues or students in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Be ready to discuss your practical knowledge and any relevant certifications, such as pesticide handling, that you possess.
