Trials Technician

Elsoms Seeds Ltd; Spalding; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual staff bonus

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Company share options

Job summary

Elsoms Seeds Ltd in Spalding is seeking a proactive Trials Technician to join the Field Services team in the R&D department. You will organise and run diverse field trial activities, work closely with the Head of Field Trial Services, and contribute to high-quality data collection and documentation.

You will perform practical fieldwork, operate machinery, and support crop husbandry and harvesting throughout the year, helping deliver successful trial programmes for breeding and commercial

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Experience in agriculture, horticulture, or plant cultivation.
• Practical field trial experience with high data quality and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise and carry out field trial activities from establishment to harvest.
• Undertake crop husbandry activities including land prep, planting, drilling, spraying and harvesting.
• Support day-to-day trial operations and provide guidance to colleagues.
• Operate and monitor machinery, ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for trials and equipment.

Skills

GCSEs English & Maths

Agriculture experience

Field trial activities

Operate agricultural machinery

Attention to detail

MS Office & IT skills

Verbal & written communication

Organisational & planning

Independent working

Literacy & numeracy

Full UK driving licence

Education

GCSEs in English & Maths

Job description

About Elsoms Seeds Ltd.

Elsoms is the UK's leading independent seed specialist and plant breeder. We breed, supply and treat high-quality vegetable and agricultural seed throughout the UK, using the latest in plant breeding research and seed technology. Established in 1844, Elsoms has remained an independent family-owned business throughout its history, now with around 100 employees.

The Elsoms R&D department invests in its own plant breeding programmes. Our goal is to develop new and improved varieties of arable and vegetable crops, playing our part in the global challenge of sustainable food production and food security.

What will you be doing?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Trials Technician to join our Field Services team within the R&D department.

This role is responsible for organising and carrying out a wide range of field trial activities to support Elsoms' breeding and commercial programmes. Working closely with the Head of Field Trial Services and wider R&D team, you will help establish, maintain and harvest high-quality field trials while ensuring accurate data collection and record keeping.

You will play a key role in delivering successful trial programmes through a combination of practical fieldwork, equipment operation, crop husbandry and team support. The position offers variety throughout the year, with responsibilities ranging from land preparation and planting to crop maintenance, harvesting and equipment management.

What we are looking for

Due to visa requirements, we can only accept applications from individuals with long-term eligibility to work in the UK already granted.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about agriculture and crop production, enjoys practical hands‑on work and takes pride in delivering high-quality results. You will be highly motivated, organised and capable of working independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.

Essential Skills

• GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Experience working in agriculture, horticulture, glasshouses or with plants.
• Practical field experience and the ability to carry out a wide range of field trial activities to a high standard.
• Ability to operate agricultural machinery and equipment safely and effectively.
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate record-keeping skills.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational, planning and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and unsupervised while consistently maintaining high standards.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Skills

• Forklift certification.
• Trailer towing entitlement (Category B+E).
• PA1 and PA6 pesticide application qualifications.
• Experience supervising or training others.
• Experience maintaining agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Knowledge of field trial methodologies and data collection processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organise and carry out a wide range of field trial activities from establishment through to harvest, ensuring high-quality trial execution and timely completion.
• Undertake practical crop husbandry activities including land preparation, planting, drilling, spraying, crop maintenance, pest control and harvesting.
• Support day‑to‑day trial operations, provide guidance and training to colleagues, and contribute to the effective delivery of team objectives.
• Operate, maintain and monitor machinery, equipment and work areas to ensure safety, reliability and operational efficiency.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation relating to trials, equipment usage, maintenance activities and regulatory requirements.
• Provide flexible support across the department and assist with additional projects and activities as required.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrates and lives the Elsoms values.
• Takes Health & Safety seriously and promotes safe working practices.
• Is passionate about agriculture and the seed industry.

• Able to safely undertake the practical requirements of the role, including regular outdoor work and manual handling activities, with reasonable adjustments considered where appropriate.

• Has a flexible approach to working hours to meet seasonal business demands.
• Is willing to share knowledge and support the development of colleagues.
• Is committed to continuous improvement and finding more efficient ways of working.
• Is open to constructive feedback and encourages new ideas.Leads by example and contributes positively to team success.
• Is highly motivated and proactive.

Additional Information

Job location: Spalding, UK

Working pattern: Full-time position (37.5 hrs per week), Monday to Friday, permanent (subject to a probation period). During peak season there is an expectation that paid overtime will be needed, especially during harvest, including weekends.

Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with long service award.

Benefits

• Annual staff bonus (subject to company performance)
• Elsoms Seeds Ltd Share Incentive Plan
• Group income protection and life assurance
• Company pension scheme with employee contributions up to 11%
• Electric vehicle scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity package
• Annual medical checks
• Staff social events
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including cycle to work scheme, free fresh fruit, hot and cold drinks, free yoga classes and an employee forum

Please note:

This role requires travel within the UK, which may occasionally occur outside standard working hours.

Elsoms actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.