Elsoms is one of the UK's leading plant breeding and agricultural research companies. We develop innovative vegetable varieties that help growers meet the challenges of tomorrow. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Breeding (Crop) Technician Apprentice to join our breeding team. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant breeding while studying towards a recognised Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship (24 months). You will receive practical workplace training at Elsoms alongside academic and technical training delivered by City College Norwich Crop Technician Standard Level 3 | City College Norwich, giving you the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in plant breeding at Elsoms.
Key Responsibilities.
Eligibility
Additional Information
There will be occasional work away from site that will involve overnight stays, including at City College Norwich (accommodation and subsistence will be provided).
Working pattern: Full-time position (37.5 hrs per week), Monday to Friday, permanent (subject to a probation period) inclusive of paid hours at college. There will be an expectation to work additional hours during peak harvest time.
Company Benefits
Application instructions
Informal enquiries can be made to [email protected]
Elsoms actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Key Responsibilities.
- Assist in the planning, organisation and preparation of breeding trials, stock seed and productions.
- Help with the drilling, planting and maintenance of trials. •
- Assist with all aspects of trials from drilling to selections
- Undertake glasshouse work including the sowing, growing and transplanting of plants.
- Assist with the set-up of glasshouses and maintain the growth and health of plants, while maintaining cleanliness and high levels of hygiene within glasshouses and tunnels.
- Maintain equipment and facilities associated with the department where necessary.
- Assist with the production of high quality seed.
- Assist with the bud pollination, crossing and bagging of plants. Help with the organising, procuring, and development of biological pollinators and predators.
- Assist with the drying, harvesting, cleaning, weighing and packeting of seeds.
- Keep accurate crop and maintenance records from both field trials and in the glasshouse and accurately input information onto database. Prepare relevant protocols and keep updated.
- Assist with other reasonable requests, to fulfil requirements of the R&D department as required. This may include working in the laboratory functions.
- Work independently, without instruction, to ensure the task/function is completed consistently to a high standard.
- At all times, maintain Elsoms' strong Health & Safety culture and practices.
- Attend regular meetings to discuss workload, share knowledge, identify and resolve problems and raise any health and safety issues.
- Actively contribute to the departmental goals.
Eligibility
- Aged 18 or over.
- Interest in agriculture, horticulture or plant science.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Enthusiastic, reliable and willing to learn.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Right to work in the UK and eligible for apprenticeship funding requirements.
- Full UK driving license advantageous
Additional Information
There will be occasional work away from site that will involve overnight stays, including at City College Norwich (accommodation and subsistence will be provided).
Working pattern: Full-time position (37.5 hrs per week), Monday to Friday, permanent (subject to a probation period) inclusive of paid hours at college. There will be an expectation to work additional hours during peak harvest time.
Company Benefits
- Annual staff bonus (subject to company performance)
- Elsoms Seeds Ltd. share incentive plan
- Group income protection
- Life assurance
- Employee assistance programme
- Annual medical checks
- Staff social events
- Employee wellbeing initiatives include a cycle to work scheme, free fresh fruit, hot and cold drinks, free yoga classes, and a staff forum.
Application instructions
Informal enquiries can be made to [email protected]
Elsoms actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.