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Strawberry Summer Breeding Trials Assistant

• Faversham

Edward Vinson Ltd. (EV) is a soft fruit breeder and grower in Faversham, Kent. EV has been growing strawberries and other soft fruits for over 150 years. The breeding programmes started in 1986 and have successfully released a number of key cultivars for the UK and global markets.

Edward Vinson Ltd. wishes to recruit a technical assistant to help with its ongoing research activities in summer 2025. This is a fixed term contract for the summer, and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to be involved in the strawberry breeding trials within the company. The skills learnt during this period will be transferrable and applicable to all individuals studying plant science or with a passion for plant science.

Job description

The technical assistant’s main focus will be helping to collect data from the trials in summer 2025. The key trials contain multiple genotypes/ replicates that are picked multiple times a week with the fruit measured and assessed. The candidate will assist in picking, grading, weighing and performing measurements on the fruit. As well as picking and data collection, the candidate will also be expected to perform husbandry and maintenance jobs within the trial. Assisting with other general tasks within the breeding farm will also be expected.

It is important that the candidate has strong attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive tasks accurately over long working hours. The candidate must be physically able to carry heavy objects such as fruit trays and can expect to be on their feet for most of the day and happy to work outside.

The role is summer full-time with flexibility on start and end dates. Working days will be Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week, at £12.21/hr.

Essential

• Attention to detail.
• Has transport to get to the farm at ME13 9FQ and trial site at ME13 8UP.
• Ability to work long hours with sustained attention to details.
• Patience and ability to perform repetitive tasks over long periods of time.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills and positive work attitude.
• Strong time management skills.
• Excited about working with plants.

To apply for the role:

Please email your CV and a covering letter to kic@edwardvinson.co.uk. Please note, a cover letter must be submitted with your application for it to be considered.