Farms Trials Assistant

Are you someone who enjoys working in different environments whether outdoors in field trials or in glasshouses, workshop situations? 

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with an interest in working outdoors to join our team to support crop trials work here at SASA.  If this is you then, then the Farm Trials Assistant will be of interest to you.

Based in the Seeds, Varieties & Trial Support branch at SASA (Farm section), you will work as part of a team responsible for delivering farm services in support of the certification and scientific work at SASA.  Your primary role will be to work within the Farm/inc Horticulture Support team to assist with trial preparation including sowing, husbandry of trial plots, harvesting and assisting scientific staff. 

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to growing and protecting Scotland’s rural economy and environment!

• You will be expected to learn how to measure and mark out trial plots under instruction from the assistant manager and other trial managers.
• Carry out planting/sowing by hand and machine through the course of the season.
• Carry out the thinning and weeding of various trial plots during the growing season.
• When required be able to erect cages and nets to aid with physical crop protection from various pests, distribute bird scaring devices as and when required.
• You will be expected to learn how to drive a tractor and be able to carry out basic driving tasks for example: towing a trailer, rolling, harrowing harvesting potatoes with a bespoke windrower.
• Carry out harvesting duties which include various crops especially potatoes, vegetables grass and cereals.
• Assist with farm records such as labelling of boxes and the day-to-day management of tallies (Plot Markers).
• Carry out grounds maintenance as agreed with line manager including grass cutting (this involves ride-on mowers, push mowers and strimmers) weeding and edging of borders and the pruning of the shrubs around the site.
• Undertake the basic general maintenance of the farm and horticultural machinery.
• Carry out routine maintenance tasks around the estate including, weeding, fencing, drainage, hedging, grounds work.
• Conduct out of hours, weekend and holiday working when necessary to maintain the delivery of farm services and protection of crops and trials.

Qualifications

Valid driving licence which entitles you to drive in the UK. Please confirm in your CV statement that you hold this qualification,

Success Profile

Technical / Professional Skills:

Developing science and engineering capability 

• Seeks opportunities to learn from colleagues.

Technical oversight and management 

• Ability to follow a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)/ written instructions and reports in a timely manner
• Knows when to seek advice and report issues.

Experience: 

1. Experience of working outdoors preferably in an agricultural or horticultural setting whilst ensuring accuracy and standards are adhered to.
2. Ability to use own initiative and judgement to solve problems and make decisions.
3. Works well with others but can carry out individual tasks as required with the minimum.

How to apply

Join us online on Friday 18th July at 10am for an information session to hear what we are looking for in a strong application (click the link to book your place).

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. 

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. The Scottish Government offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the need of the role. However, due to the nature of this post, staff are required to be onsite at all times. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.  

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.