JOB DESCRIPTION
Company name: Terravesta Ltd.
Project: MUST (Miscanthus Up Scaling Technology)
Job title: Field Trials Technician/ Miscanthus agronomy researcher
Salary: £22,000-24,000 per annum
This is a physically demanding post, including seasonal field work which necessitates working long hours depending upon environmental conditions.
Location: Terravesta Headquarters (Lincoln- South Carlton) and Welton area. The post holder will be required to work at UK and EU trial sites for up to one month of the year.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
- To co-ordinate the practical implementation of large-scale field trials with university partners and other industrial partners to evaluate novel miscanthus hybrids at various sites in the UK
- Ensure delivery of all field activities including planting, phenotyping and harvesting with the highest level of skill, motivation and understanding of priorities while developing the capabilities required for future requirements
- To help to design field trials and develop improved agronomic protocols for novel miscanthus hybrids in consultation with the Aberystwyth University (principal investigators and statisticians)
- The appointee will be expected to manage the daily work plan and monitor progress but be adaptable to disruption due to adverse weather conditions, machine breakdowns etc
- Use charts to review project progress, take the lead in project planning meetings, to revise trial plans as necessary including effective use of resources (equipment, staff etc), ensuring that the impact of such changes are clearly understood and documented
- Prepare and deliver reports and presentations regarding the field trials to project to stakeholders, academia and members of the public
- To manage data collection from the trials using Excel spread sheets
- To present data generated by the trials for inclusion in project management reports and PowerPoint slides, scientific articles and marketing materials
- To contribute to the preparation of marketing materials and provide Terravesta with assistance at farmer/public engagement events
- As required, visit sites in Europe to assist with planting and phenotyping activities with established collaborators
- Organise routine machinery maintenance in accordance with manufacturerâ€â„¢s requirements, prior to embarking on field trial programmes
- Assist with the recruitment of casual staff and be responsible for their day to day management and development including probation, training, discipline and performance
This job description is subject to review and amendment in light of the changing needs of the company, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Person specification:
This is a physically demanding role
Qualifications essential:
- Candidate must be eligible to work in the UK (EU)
- Full UK/EU driving licence
Qualifications preferable:
- Degree or equivalent in biology or agriculture
Qualifications – desirable:
- Spraying licence
- Farm machinery driving experience
- Trailer licence
- Statistical analysis of the scientific data
Knowledge and experience – desirable:
- Agronomy knowledge and use of herbicides
- Field trials
- Arable farming experience
- Computer literate
- Report writing
- Data analysis
For more information and to submit your CV and cover letter, please email Dr Michal Mos
michalm@terravesta.com
ABOUT THE EMPLOYER