Careers
Opportunities at KWS UK
KWS UK is part of the KWS Group of Companies. We are one of the leading plant breeding businesses in the UK with a growing portfolio of market leading varieties of Oilseed Rape, Maize, Sugar Beet and Cereals.
With our headquarters in Thriplow near Cambridge and a staff of over 50 we are dedicated to providing growers with innovative varieties to meet increasingly demanding end-market needs. Higher yields, superior disease and pest resistance and improved performance in adverse conditions, are all key criteria we seek to establish in our variety introductions.
KWS UK currently has the following vacancy:
OSR Technician
This job role is offered in the first instance as a 12 month fixed term position.
Team working and flexibility are critical for the effective operations of the small technical team which has to manage a heavy workload with significant seasonal peaks.
The overall responsibility of the job holder is to implement the timely and effective completion of field, laboratory and glasshouse operations for the successful development of new varieties within the OSR department. However at times assistance in other departments may be required.
The job holder will be required to gain and maintain qualifications relevant to this role. These will include National Proficiency Tests Council Pesticide Application Foundation module (PA1), hand held applicators (PA6) and Seed Treatment Equipment (PA11). Counterbalance Fork Truck and Rough Terrain Telehandler licences will also be required. A driving licence is essential for this role.
As part of the oilseeds team, duties will include but are not limited to:
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The preparation of the KWS disease nursery field including the management and care, preparations of seed, seed loading, seed drilling, field monitoring and pest control
- Preparation and spreading of disease inoculum
- The seed loading/seed dispatch of KWS lines to Scotland for LLS testing
- Assisting with the seed production of test hybrid seed lots, specifically planting and protection of new DH plants and females
- Construction of isolation tents
- Introduction of flies for pollination, management of male plants and harvesting of seed
- Threshing of seed in good time for autumn drilling
- Despatch of seed
Full details of the job role are included in the application pack.
This job outline is subject to discussion at interview. Responsibilities can be adjusted according to the experience and skill of the applicant. Employees are subject to regular review during the probationary period of six months and additional responsibilities will be given subject to progress.
You will be expected to work the extended hours associated with the seasonal nature of the industry. Successful applicants will be educated to GCSE level or equivalent in English, Maths and Science, and hold a full driving licence.
For an application pack, call Amanda Lay, HR Manager, KWS UK on 01763 207300 or email amanda.lay@kws-uk.com. CV’s will only be accepted if accompanied by a completed application form.
There are no other vacancies at this time, however, if you wish to submit your CV to be held on file, pending future suitable vacancies, please do so to Amanda Lay.
KWS UK is an equal opportunities employer.
Alongside any permanent employment opportunities we also offer:
