Seasonal Casual Farm Workers

NIABHR; East Malling; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Niab East Malling is seeking Seasonal Casual Farm Workers to assist with planting, maintenance, and harvesting. The role offers 32 hours per week in outdoor agricultural environments with potential overtime and a temporary, seasonal contract.

Based in East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ, the position requires practical, hands-on work; lifting up to 20 kg, team and independent work, and reliability. The pay is £12.71 per hour plus holiday pay, with a closing date of 31 January 2027.

Qualifications

• Comfortable with manual work, including lifting and standing for extended periods (reasonable adjustments available)
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Good communication skills and a positive attitude
• Reliable and hard-working, with attention to detail
• A full UK driving licence is desirable but not essential

Responsibilities

• Planting, pruning, and general crop maintenance
• Harvesting different crops and handling produce
• Working outdoors, in polytunnels, and in glasshouses in varying weather conditions
• Manual handling of items up to 20 kg (e.g. bags of seed and harvested produce)
• Following health and safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment

Skills

Manual work

Lifting

Teamwork

Communication

Reliability

Job description

Job Title: Seasonal Casual Farm Workers

Location: East Malling, Kent

Salary: £12.71 per hour (+ holiday pay)

Contract: Temporary, Seasonal

Working hours: 32 hours per week, with potential overtime

Closing date: 31 January 2027

Join Our Team!

We are looking for Seasonal Casual Farm Workers to assist with a variety of agricultural tasks, including planting, general husbandry, and harvesting. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a hands-on, outdoor environment and gain experience in the agricultural sector.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Planting, pruning, and general crop maintenance
• Harvesting different crops and handling produce
• Working outdoors, in polytunnels, and in glasshouses in varying weather conditions
• Manual handling of items up to 20 kg (e.g. bags of seed and harvested produce)
• Following health and safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment

What We're Looking For:

• Comfortable with manual work, including lifting and standing for extended periods (reasonable adjustments available)
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Good communication skills and a positive attitude
• Reliable and hard-working, with attention to detail
• A full UK driving licence is desirable but not essential

The role is based at East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ. East Malling is three miles from junction four of the M20, with plenty of free on-site parking. Niab East Malling can easily be accessed by the London Victoria to Dover (via Ashford International) rail route via West Malling station. Alternatively, exit the train at East Malling station and take the short walk onto site.

ABOUT US

Niab is the UK's leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing over 350 people across the UK, NIAB advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab's position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector.

Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.

Important Information

• This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.
• Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
• Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time