Senior Technician - Crop Science

FarmWell; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Reading is seeking a Senior Technician – Crop Science at Whiteknights Campus to operate tractors and machinery for field trials, maintain workshop facilities and support researchers in crop research projects.

You will manage equipment maintenance, assist in pilot studies and contribute to advancing agriculture, sustainability and crop production through hands‑on technical work and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to HNC/AS/A‑Levels/NVQ3 in Agricultural Science or related mechanical subjects
• Mechanical aptitude and basic workshop experience
• Tractor driving skills and strong practical ability
• Genuine enthusiasm for crop production and research (PA1‑PA6)
• Experience processing plants, seeds and soils; precise record keeping

Responsibilities

• Deliver research field trials and operate/maintain tractors and specialist equipment
• Manage the workshop and ensure machinery is maintained to a high standard
• Work closely with researchers and technicians to establish and manage crop trials
• Support advances in agriculture, food production and environmental sustainability
• Explore opportunities with drones, sensors and precision agriculture systems

Skills

Operating tractors and mounted agri‑ap

Diagnose and repair agricultural gear

Fault identification and heavy‑machine

Safe working practices

Scientific field trials understanding

Pesticide application duties

Maintenance scheduling

Teamwork and collaboration

Communication skills

Education

HNC/AS‑A‑Levels/NVQ3 in Agricultural Science or related mechanical subjects

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 16 November 2026.

Interview date: Week commencing 30 November 2026.