At a Glance
- Tasks: Monitor biodiversity and soil condition on the university farm through field sampling and analysis.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's Earth Initiative, tackling climate change together.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and access to personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with a dynamic team of researchers.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate student at the University of Edinburgh with fieldwork and lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 16.21 - 16.21 £ per hour.
The Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability is looking for a postgraduate student to support on a project to establish baselines for monitoring biodiversity and soil condition on the University’s farm. The Earth Fellow will be responsible for establishing a repeatable protocol for field sampling and analysing and reporting on current soil condition and biodiversity.
Earth Fellowships are only open to current postgraduate and PhD students at the University of Edinburgh based in the UK. Please do not apply if you will not be an on-campus University of Edinburgh student in the ‘26/’27 academic year.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Current University of Edinburgh postgraduate student in the ‘26/27’ academic year.
- An interest in sustainable farming practices.
- Experience with fieldwork activities such as site surveying and soil sampling.
- Experience with scientific lab work such as chemical analysis and data recording.
- Ability to analyse data and make recommendations for farm sustainability improvements.
- Excellent written communications skills including the ability to communicate and structure complex information clearly.
- Ability to work proactively with colleagues with a variety of expertise; understanding and valuing different points of view.
- A valid UK driving licence would be useful to help to travel to site and transport samples back to lab, but is not essential.
As an Earth Fellow, you will be joining a diverse, fun and dynamic team of researchers, students and staff all working together to address the global climate emergency. As part of the Earth Fellows programme, you will have access to co-working space, exciting networking and personal development opportunities and opportunities to contribute towards partnerships and solutions for climate change on a global scale.
This post will be appointed at Grade UE05, step 1 which is £29,588 per annum, pro rata (£16.21 per hour).
How to apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
Please refer to the project brief and the skills listed above when outlining your skills and experience in your application. As a valued member of our team, you can expect: A competitive salary. An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 24th August 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone. Interviews will be held during early September.
Earth Fellow: monitoring university farm sustainability in Edinburgh employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion. With over 400 years of history, it provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive community of more than 17,000 staff and 50,000 students. As a leading research-intensive university, it empowers its employees to drive organisational transformation and innovate in a dynamic environment, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Earth Fellow: monitoring university farm sustainability in Edinburgh
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
Nothing beats on-the-ground experience when it comes to agriculture. Volunteer at local farms or join community gardening projects to meet industry folks. They often have inside info on part-time gigs that might not even be advertised yet!
✨Tap Into Agriculture Networks
Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
✨Seasonal Availability Is Key
Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
✨Show Off Your Passion!
Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with University of Edinburgh.
We think you need these skills to ace Earth Fellow: monitoring university farm sustainability in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for University of Edinburgh!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at University of Edinburgh. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at University of Edinburgh. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
Include Certifications or Courses:If you have any relevant certifications or courses related to agriculture, make sure to include those! Whether it's a short course in sustainable farming or a certification in organic agriculture, these can really boost your application. It shows you're dedicated to the field and continuously learning!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Employers want to see that we can apply our knowledge in the field. If you've had hands-on experience—like internships, volunteering on a farm, or even personal projects—talk about them! Share what you learned and how it shaped your understanding of agricultural processes.
✨Flexibility & Commitment—Key for Part-Time Roles
Part-time roles often require a bit of juggling. Be ready to show your willingness to adapt your schedule for peak seasons or specific needs that come up. Discuss your availability openly, and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In agriculture, we might face situations that test our problem-solving skills. Expect questions like how we'd handle a pest outbreak or deal with unpredictable weather. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions, as it shows we can think on our feet.
