Field trials officer
Field trials officers develop and manage research trials on plants in the field or laboratory. Depending on their experience, they may be involved with the entire process of planning trials or oversee one particular stage of the research procedure.
By liaising with scientists and matching their requirements with the trial site or laboratory, trials officers play a key role in making large-scale scientific research happen.
The results of research trials are used to inform development decisions in agriculture. Analysis of these results may be communicated in a detailed report or presentation. This is not currently a requirement in all positions but is increasingly requested by clients.
Tasks will vary according to the type of institution or organisation you work for and the nature of your role within it but will include some or all of the following:
Relevant degree subjects include botanical, biological, agricultural and horticultural sciences. In particular, the following degree subjects may improve your chances:
A combined degree with an applied sandwich or vocational element can be extremely helpful, and if the subject of your degree thesis is relevant, it will also strengthen your applications.
Entry is restricted with an HND/foundation degree only, as the scientific basis of an agriculture or plant science degree is required. HNDs and foundation degrees in agriculture may be considered for technician-level posts if you want industry experience. It may be easier to work your way up from technician level or from a field trials assistant role to more senior levels. This is particularly true in large research institutions where staff turnover is low, although this route may take more time.
Although a pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, a Masters degree in agriculture or crop protection or plant science can be helpful and would be something extra to offer. In areas where competition is particularly strong, an MSc or PhD is required for entry to more senior posts.
Practical experience is essential if your degree is not in an agricultural subject, but is also helpful for all applicants. A farming or agricultural background or experience may give you the edge when making job applications. Try to gain as much experience as you can by working on farms, using different types of machinery and dealing with a variety of crops. Holiday work that provides field trials experience, or undertaking a trials-orientated project, can also be useful. These types of experience can also provide you with useful contacts within the agricultural industry.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
A driving licence is needed for most posts.
Most employers require trials officers to have the British Agrochemical Standard Inspection Scheme BASIS (Registration) Limited qualification in crop protection. Employers may support new graduates in working towards this professional qualification. Membership of BASIS also provides professional recognition of your skills and interests.
This is a niche area of employment and, although there is competition for vacancies, there are excellent opportunities for those with the right degree and experience.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training is mainly gained on the job, often with the support of more experienced colleagues. Some employers provide in-house training in areas such as report writing and presentation and communication skills. Training in the use of specialist statistics software is increasingly important, as field trials officers must provide evidence to justify research results to their clients.
Trials officers are also likely to be trained in key practical skills, such as:
Knowledge of safe working practices and the ability to prevent adverse effects on plants and wildlife in trial areas are essential. As each project varies, trials officers will be constantly learning new techniques.
It is vital that trials officers continually update their knowledge and skills as part of their continuing professional development (CPD). This is particularly important as their work is based in constantly evolving sectors, with ongoing development in research methods and legislation. In addition, British Agrochemical Standard Inspection Scheme BASIS (Registration) Limited requirements for CPD increasingly require that professionals update their awareness of environmental and sustainable issues.
Completion of the Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme (FACTS) is essential for working in the fertiliser industry and is also useful for general career development.
Careers often progress from a field trials assistant or assistant agronomist post to working as a field trials officer and from there to a role as head of field trials, field trials manager or agronomist. After this, career development is usually internal, away from trials work and into an executive role. In industry, it is possible to move to trial programmes and development management, or into sales or marketing in the UK or overseas.
Field trials officers may use the post as a route to moving to positions of more responsibility within a trials company, or in related fields, as they develop their experience. The job is ideal for gaining experience in areas such as crop pesticides, which are a key aspect of modern agriculture; a field trials officer in crop production would develop skills in the identification of weeds, pests and diseases.
Whichever career route you follow, you must maintain continuing professional development (CPD) through relevant training courses. Study for Part 1 and Part 2 of the British Agrochemical Standard Inspection Scheme BASIS (Registration) Limited is extremely important for successful career development.
Typical employers include public research institutes and their associated research centres, such as:
In the private sector, opportunities exist with:
Field trials officers also provide policy development support to a range of organisations, such as farming companies and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) .
You may find useful temporary openings for farm experience at Fruitful Jobs .
The following organisations and events provide useful careers and industry information:
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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