Agriculture Research Technician

Rothamsted Research; Okehampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural research institute in the UK is seeking a motivated Agricultural Research Technician to contribute to sustainable farming innovation. The role involves fieldwork, data management, and maintenance of sensor networks. Candidates should be enthusiastic about environmental science and agriculture, with strong organizational skills. The position offers training and development opportunities, a supportive team, and an attractive benefits package including generous leave and pension. Join us to make a difference in agricultural research.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cultural and recreational activities on campus

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for environmental science or agriculture.
• Willingness to learn and adapt.
• Experience in data handling, sensors, or fieldwork is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in collecting and processing environmental samples.
• Maintain and calibrate environmental sensor networks.
• Assist with data management and documentation.
• Support farm operations during peak periods.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Data handling skills

Sensor maintenance

Organizational skills

Tools

Excel

R programming

Job description

Overview

Agricultural Research Technician

Rothamsted Research – North Wyke Farm Platform, Devon

2 year Fixed Term Contract - £24,225 - £26,573 p/a

Are you passionate about agriculture, the environment, and hands-on scientific work? Do you want to be at the forefront of sustainable farming innovation?

Rothamsted’s North Wyke Farm Platform is an internationally recognised research facility dedicated to transforming the future of agriculture. We’re looking for a motivated Agricultural Research Technician to join our mission to improve the productivity, resilience, and environmental impact of farming systems.

Responsibilities

• Fieldwork & Sample Collection
  • Lead and assist in collecting and processing soil, water, atmospheric gas, and manure samples.
  • Work outdoors in varied conditions as part of our field research programme.
• Sensor Network Maintenance
  • Help maintain and calibrate an extensive environmental sensor network.
  • Ensure continuous, reliable flow of real-time environmental data.
• Data Stewardship
  • Assist with the archiving, documentation and quality control (QC) of large-scale datasets.
  • Use Excel and R to process, check and prepare data for scientific use.
• Research & Site Support
  • Assist with establishing small-plot experiments.
  • Contribute to general site maintenance, including vegetation management.
  • Provide hands-on support to farm operations during busy periods.

What You’ll Gain

• Benefits
• 30 days annual leave + Bank Holidays + privilege days.
• Opportunities for training, development, and career progression.
• A chance to contribute to innovative, globally relevant sustainability research.
• Work within a supportive, multidisciplinary team with a diverse skill set.

Who We’re Looking For

Someone enthusiastic about environmental science, agriculture, or field research, with strong organisational skills and a willingness to learn. Experience with data handling, sensors, or fieldwork is beneficial but not essential — training is provided.

About The Company

Established in 1843, Rothamsted Research is one of the UK\'s leading Research Institutes delivering world class agricultural science. Our commitment to learning and development, equality, diversity and inclusion and flexibility in working arrangements creates a positive work life balance and enables a welcoming environment for all prospective employees.

As a Disability Confident Employer we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process and all disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview. If this is required, please contact us. Applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or age are welcomed, providing the required criteria is met.

We have an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and an attractive campus offering cultural and recreational activities.