Scottish Agronomy is a farmer-owned co-operative and the leading organisation in Scotland devoted to the provision of unbiased advice to arable farmers. Successful agronomy depends on continual production of new information, and the field trials conducted by the company are key to providing a technical advantage to members.
The Trials Officer will assist in the delivery of an annual programme of field trials from the planning and execution phases through to the reporting of trial results.  Developing personal skills and professional experience of agricultural research. Full training will be given as required.
Duties include trials preparation – seed weighing, assisting with administration, checking protocols, field application sheet creation and quality control, fertiliser weighing, and maintenance of equipment. Field operations – backpack and tractor-mounted sprayer use, chemical handling, fertiliser application by hand and machine, combine harvesting (operating and sampling) and drilling (driving and seed handling). Field assessments – disease and crop physiology. Quantitative analysis – plant populations and weed counts. Record keeping – equipment. Data analysis – data entry and statistical analysis.
Machinery skills are desirable but not essential. Full training will be given in all roles, with the emphasis on developing the individual’s skillset to match their role.
The successful candidate will be a “hands on” individual, with an enthusiasm and passion for Scottish agriculture. Prior fields trials experience and an appropriate agricultural or land-based qualification to diploma level is desirable but not essential. Good communication and organisation skills, hands-on experience working with arable farms, high attention to detail, a flexible work ethic and strong team working skills and the ability to work autonomously are also desired.
The role is full time, 40 hours per week, based at Arlary Farm, Kinross, KY13 9SJ. Applicants should have a full, clean driving license.
To apply for the role please email your CV and covering letter to d.drysdale@scottishagronomy.co.uk.
Date Posted: 19 January 2024