TRAINEE AGRONOMIST

Location: Gloucestershire (with UK-wide travel)

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: Competitive : On Application

Start Date: Immediate

ABOUT US

Emerald Research Ltd, through our OptiYield brand, integrates pioneering bio and agri-technologies to deliver scientific farming solutions. We undertake extensive research in developing unique crop nutrition, biological and biochemical biostimulant products and agronomic analytical systems.

Our products deliver considerable crop development, yield and stress-moderating benefits. When correctly balanced through the OptiYield system, they return significantly greater rewards for farmers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is an exciting ground-floor opportunity for someone at the start of their career who wants to become a fully qualified agronomist. No prior experience is required – just enthusiasm, intelligence, and a willingness to learn.

Over approximately two years, you will develop from a trainee into a competent agronomist, gaining hands-on experience across all aspects of our business. You will be mentored by experienced agronomists and will learn directly from farmers in the field.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Your role will be varied and practical, giving you exposure to all areas of agronomy:

  • Visit farms across the UK to collect soil samples and conduct field assessments
  • Learn soil science, crop nutrition and plant biology through hands-on experience
  • Shadow experienced agronomists during farm visits and client meetings
  • Build relationships with farmers and understand their challenges and goals
  • Support the team with data entry, sample processing and report preparation
  • Represent Emerald Research professionally when visiting clients
  • Assist with product trials and field demonstrations
  • Develop your technical knowledge to eventually provide agronomic recommendations

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We don’t expect experience – we’ll teach you everything you need to know. What matters is the right attitude:

  • A genuine interest in agriculture, plants, soil or the environment
  • Intelligence and curiosity – you enjoy learning new things
  • A strong work ethic and willingness to get your hands dirty
  • This role can be physically demanding at times
  • Good communication skills and confidence to engage with farmers
  • Self-motivation and reliability – you’ll often work independently
  • A full UK driving licence (essential)
  • Right to work in the UK
  • Basic IT skills (Word, Excel, email)

Desirable but not essential: A relevant degree or qualification in agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, biology or a related subject. A farming background or rural exposure would also be advantageous.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

  • Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
  • Employment Basis: PAYE (employed)
  • Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Some flexibility may be required during busy periods (e.g. harvest season).
  • Salary: £24,000 – £30,000 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. Paid monthly in arrears.
  • Probationary Period: 6 months
  • Notice Period: 1 week during probation; 1 month thereafter
  • Annual Leave: 25 days per annum plus bank holidays (33 days total)
  • Pension: Auto-enrolment into NEST
  • Sick Pay: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) applies; enhanced sick pay may be available after probation
  • Location: Based in Gloucestershire with regular travel throughout the UK. You will be expected to travel to farm, trial, exhibition and other sites as required.
  • Reports To: Senior Agronomist / Technical Director

BENEFITS

  • Access to a pool car for farm visits and fieldwork (business use)
  • Laptop provided
  • Mobile phone provided
  • Comprehensive on-the-job training and mentoring
  • Support towards professional qualifications following probabtion (e.g. BASIS, FACTS)
  • A clear career pathway to becoming a qualified agronomist
  • Opportunity to work with innovative technology and products
  • Being part of a small, dynamic team where your contribution matters

WHY JOIN US?

This is a rare opportunity to build a career in agronomy from the ground up. You will gain practical, hands-on experience that many agricultural graduates lack. Within two years, with hard work and dedication, you could be advising farmers independently and making a real difference to UK food production.

Emerald Research is an innovative, progressive company led by experienced industry professionals. We’re developing business both at home and abroad, and the right person will grow with us.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please phone Simon Fox (CEO) for initial conversation on: 01242 506206

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Emerald Research Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Please note: All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Proof of eligibility will be required prior to commencement of employment.