Senior Farm Technician (Crop Science & Tractor Work)

Reading; Reading, Sonning; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Reading is seeking a Senior Technician in Crop Science to support field-scale crop research at Whiteknights Campus. The role involves operating tractors, maintaining equipment, and helping run crop trials that advance agriculture and sustainability, with potential exposure to drones and sensor tech.

The successful candidate will have practical farming tech experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with researchers and technicians in a busy research

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with tractors and mounted agricul tural equipment.
• Attention to detail in field trials and data collection.
• Good practical understanding of workshop processes and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Deliver research field trials and operate tractors and specialist equipment.
• Maintain and service machinery; manage the workshop and maintain records.
• Work with researchers and technicians to support crop trials.
• Assist with emerging technologies such as drones, sensors, and precision systems.
• Support field trial sites and collaborate with external contacts.

Skills

Tractor operation experience

Machinery repair

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

HNC / AS-A level / NVQ3 in Agricultural Science or mechanical subjects

Mechanical workshop experience

Degree in a related subject

Job description

University of Reading

Senior Technician - Crop Science

Job reference: SRF54359
Salary: Grade 5 £31,236 per annum
Basis: Full Time, Permanent
Contractual hours: 36
Location: Whiteknights Campus

Applicants requiring Skilled Worker visa sponsorship should check Home Office eligibility requirements. Visa routes will only be discussed at interview.

We’re seeking an experienced tractor operator / farm technician to support field-scale crop research at the University of Reading’s Sonning Farm. If you have strong background in cultivations, drilling, spraying, harvesting and machinery maintenance, this role offers opportunities to apply those skills in an agricultural research setting.

This role involves delivering research field trials, operating and maintaining tractors and specialist equipment, managing the workshop, and ensuring machinery is maintained to a high standard. Working closely with researchers and technicians, you will help establish and manage crop trials supporting advances in agriculture, food production and environmental sustainability.

Depending on your interests and experience, opportunities exist to work with emerging technologies (e.g.) drones, sensors and precision agriculture systems.

We are looking for someone with:

• Practical experience operating tractors and mounted agricultural equipment.
• Proven ability to diagnose and repair of agricultural machinery and equipment.
• The ability to safely identify faults, undertake repairs and work with heavy equipment.
• Good judgement, initiative and a strong commitment to safe working practices.
• Understanding of scientific field trials and experimental work, with excellent attention to detail and an organised approach.
• Willingness to undertake pesticide application duties and follow detailed operating procedures.
• Experience planning maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities.
• Strong teamwork skills, a positive attitude and willingness to practically support field trial sites, including workshop tasks.
• Good communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and external contacts.

Desirable experience:

• An interest in agricultural electronics, sensors, data loggers and drone technology.
• Understanding of crop agronomy and crop production systems.
• Experience in agricultural research, field trials or a similar technical environment.
• A passion for plants, farming, horticulture and/or crop production.
• Experience of maintaining and repairing specialist technical equipment.
• Experience supporting researchers and students in an academic or research environment.

You may occasionally support other technical teams across the University’s farms and crop research facilities. Training will be provided where required.

If you’re a hands‑on technical specialist with agricultural experience, strong problem‑solving skills and a passion for research and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

You will have:

• Equivalent to achievement of HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 in Agricultural Science or mechanical workshop related subjects; a degree in a similar subject with more limited practical experience.
• A mechanical aptitude and basic workshop experience.
• Tractor driving skills and excellent practical ability.
• A genuine enthusiasm for crop production and research (e.g., PA1-PA6).
• Experience / aptitude for processing plants, seeds and soils.
• Attention to detail and precise record keeping.

The University is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and champions equality.

Informal contact details
Contact name: Richard Casebow
Contact role: Technical Manager (Crops Research Unit)
Contact email: [e-mail]
Alternative contact name: Dr Karen Wicks
Contact role: Associate Director (Technical Services)
Contact email: [e-mail]

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Closing date: 23:59 on 30 November 2026

Interviews date: w/c 4 January 2027(tbc)