Walberton Nursery is renowned for its commitment to creating innovative, high-quality plant varieties that are released to worldwide markets. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Plant Breeding Technician to join our team and assist in delivering the strategic aims of our breeding program. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of new and novel plant varieties under the Walberton’s brand.
Key Responsibilities:
Plant Breeding Department Tasks:
- Daily watering and irrigation setup to ensure plant health and vitality.
- Undertake general cultural tasks such as potting, trimming, weeding, propagation, and pest & disease monitoring.
- Maintain the tidiness of the breeding area, ensuring timely disposal of waste and proper storage of materials.
- Monitor plant growth, including flower colour, size, and other relevant characteristics to assist with evaluation.
- Assist with more specialist tasks like seed collection and cataloguing, under the guidance of the Plant Breeder.
General Nursery Tasks:
- Potting: Machine potting, planting, setting plants down, supplying machines with pots and plants, as well as hand potting of young plants.
- Plant Care: Trimming, weeding, caning, tying, and watering plants using a hose and lance.
- Propagation: Preparing trays and cuttings for propagation.
- Nursery Hygiene: Disposal of dead or diseased plants and cleaning growing areas.
- Despatch Work: Selecting, traying up, preparing plants for dispatch, labelling, packing, and assembling trolleys.
- Flexible to undertake a range of general nursery duties during busy periods or when the breeding department workload is lighter.
Skills & Qualifications:
- Practical commercial horticultural knowledge and experience are required.
- Botanical knowledge/qualification with an understanding of plant genetics is desirable.
- Experience in plant breeding or related areas would be an advantage.
- Proven ability in detailed data recording and accurate, methodical work.
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and good numeracy/literacy skills.
- Motivated and reliable with a “completer-finisher” attitude.
- Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently when required.
- Good communication skills and the ability to follow instructions.
Key Attributes:
- Logical, organised, and precise.
- Open-minded and eager to learn.
- Flexible and adaptable with a positive, can-do attitude.
- A commitment to Health & Safety and adhering to risk assessments.
Why Join Walberton Nursery?
- Opportunity to work in an innovative and dynamic environment.
- Gain hands-on experience with a globally recognised plant breeding program.
- Work alongside a dedicated team of horticultural professionals.
- Enjoy a variety of tasks that will develop your skills and knowledge in plant breeding and nursery operations.
- Relocation support available.
Full time, permanent position, with minimum working hours on Walberton’s Annualised Hours system, as follows:
November to February 32.5 hours per week
- Monday to Friday 08:00 – 15:45
March to July 44 hours per week
- Monday to Thursday 07:30 – 17:15
- Friday 07:30 – 16:15
August to October 39 hours per week
- Monday to Thursday 08:00 – 16:45
- Friday 08:00 – 15:45
Salary £26,300 – £28,800 per year depending on skills and experience; 268.25 hours annual leave per year pro rata inc. Bank Holidays.
