Senior Technician (Crop Science)

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Technical Services is seeking to appoint a Senior Technician to join our team of technical support staff based at the university farm at Sonning. The farm encompasses 180 hectares, with over 15 hectares designated for plot-scale agronomic trials and protected cropping systems under the remit of the Crops Research Unit (CRU) that sits within the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development (SAPD). The post-holder will maintain daily interactions with researchers addressing 21st century issues aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including food security, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.

You will work closely with the Technical Manager to support daily operations at CRU, with responsibility for:

• To carry out mechanised field work, including cultivations, treatments, application of plant protection products and harvesting.
• To take responsibility for workshop activities, including maintenance, repair and construction of agricultural and trials machinery.
• To participate in the planning, management and crop agronomy of field trials.
• To carry out laboratory analysis of crop samples.
• To participate in the maintenance of the trials site.
• To support students and academics in their research.

You may occasionally be required to support other technical divisions operating across our farms and Crops Research facilities on the main University campus. Training will be provided in specialist techniques and use of equipment, where required.

We in Technical Services are committed to the development of our staff and we actively strive to diversify our team. We are a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and an Employer Champion. We are dedicated to providing all applicants equality of opportunity. You can find out about our inclusive approach on our EDITS page.

Join a dynamic team at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, where your hands-on skills will help shape the future of crop science and global food security — apply now and be part of the solution!

You will have:

• Equivalent to achievement of HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 in Agricultural Science or mechanical workshop related subjects; a degree in a similar subject with more limited practical experience.
• Basic knowledge of crop production and a willingness to learn more.
• A mechanical aptitude and basic workshop experience.
• Knowledge and aptitude for tractor driving and/or good general practical ability.
• A genuine enthusiasm for training in crop production (e.g., PA1 and PA2).
• Experience / aptitude for processing plants, seeds and soils.
• Attention to detail and precise record keeping.

Informal contact details

Contact name: Richard Casebow
Contact role: Technical Manager (Crops Research Unit)
Contact email: r.j.casebow@reading.ac.uk

Alternative contact name: Dr Karen Wicks
Contact role: Associate Director (Technical Services)
Contact email: k.wicks@reading.ac.uk

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed & will be considered in line with business needs.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 31st May 2026

Interviews will be held: week commencing 15th June 2026