Senior Field Technician, Crop Science & Research

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

Job summary

The University of Reading is seeking a Senior Technician - Crop Science to operate tractors and field equipment, manage the workshop, and support crop research at Whiteknights Campus. The role involves maintaining machinery, assisting researchers, and contributing to trials that advance agriculture, sustainability, and crop production.

Applicants should have hands-on experience with agricultural machinery, a strong eye for detail, and the ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Practical experience operating tractors and mounted equipment.
• Ability to diagnose and repair agricultural machinery.
• Ability to safely identify faults and carry out repairs.
• Strong attention to detail and organised approach.
• Willingness to undertake pesticide application duties.
• Experience planning maintenance schedules for equipment.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver research field trials and operate specialist equipment.
• Maintain and operate tractors and field machinery, and support the workshop.
• Ensure machinery is maintained to a high standard and safe working practices.
• Collaborate with researchers and technicians to support crop trials and sustainability.
• Explore opportunities to work with drones, sensors and precision agriculture systems.

Skills

Tractor operation

Machinery maintenance

Diagnostics & repair

Pesticide application

Maintenance planning

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

HNC/AS/A-Level/NVQ3 in Agric Sci or related

Tools

Workshop tools

Tractor driving

Pesticide application equipment

Job description

The University of Reading is seeking a Senior Technician - Crop Science to operate tractors and field equipment, manage the workshop, and support crop research at Whiteknights Campus. The role involves maintaining machinery, assisting researchers, and contributing to trials that advance agriculture, sustainability, and crop production.

Applicants should have hands-on experience with agricultural machinery, a strong eye for detail, and the ability to work with multidisciplinary teams.