Graduate Berry Breeding Assistant Grower

Edward Vinson; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company specializing in berry production as a Graduate Berry Breeding Assistant Grower. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in managing and propagating soft fruit crops, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Comprehensive training will be provided, allowing you to develop expertise in breeding techniques and crop management. With a focus on career growth, you'll be part of a dedicated team that has been innovating in fruit cultivation for over 150 years. If you're passionate about horticulture and eager to make a difference, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Current undergraduate or recent graduate in plant science or horticulture.
• Attention to detail and good communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Maintain field and glasshouse crops for breeding programmes.
• Conduct trial picking of fruit and manage pest control.

Skills

Good communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work on your feet

Education

Undergraduate or recent graduate in plant science

Formal training in horticulture

Tools

PA1, PA6 and PA9 certificates

Job description

Graduate Berry Breeding Assistant Grower

Full Time

• Faversham

The Company

Edward Vinson Ltd. is based in the South East of England and has been growing fruit for over 150 years and now consists of three main departments: Breeding, Propagation and Commercial field production. Although strawberries were the sole target of the breeding program when it was initiated in 1986, the company has since developed strong raspberry, blackberry and blueberry programmes. All four of these crops are being bred for an improved eating experience for consumers, as well as for optimised grower traits. The breeding department at Edward Vinson consists of a core team of 13, with additional seasonal support.

Role description and responsibilities

This position is open to current undergraduate or recent graduate students in plant science, horticulture, plant breeding or related field. You will be a hands-on part of the growing team, which is experienced in the management, propagation and fruiting of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Comprehensive training will be provided, offering you the chance to develop expertise in berry production, breeding techniques, and crop management. This experience will position you for potential career growth and advancement within the company.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintenance of field and glasshouse crops for trials and use in the breeding programmes.
• Soft fruit plant propagation.
• Trial picking of fruit.
• Pest and disease prevention, detection and control.
• In addition to glasshouse tasks, field work and office duties as needed to support the wider breeding programmes.
• Exact specifics of role will be tailored to the successful candidate’s skills and those already within the team.

Requirements

• Full driving licence.
• Good communication skills with managers and co-workers.
• Meticulous, consistent attention to detail in all aspects of work.
• High tolerance to plant allergens.
• Ability to work on your feet for long hours.

Desirable

• A formal training in horticulture and/or experience in soft fruit production.
• PA1, PA6 and PA9 certificates.
• Previous experience in glasshouse growing.

Please note that a covering letter is required for your application to be considered.

Job Type: Flexitime, Full Time, Part Time

Pay Rate: £12.21/h

Place of work: Faversham, Kemsdale Farm