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Field trials officer : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
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Case studies

  • Range of typical starting salaries: £18,000 - £22,000.
  • Range of typical salaries at senior level/with experience, e.g. after 10-15 years in the role: £32,000 - £40,000.
  • Salaries may include benefits such as a pension, private insurance, continuing professional development (CPD) registration or a car.
  • Larger organisations provide flexible working schemes, although you may be required to work some set hours at certain times of the year. Overtime has to be worked as necessary during sowing and harvesting periods.
  • The job involves mainly field work in summer and office or laboratory work in winter, although there may be a combination of both throughout the year in some posts.
  • The role combines theoretical and practical work, so you will be involved with a variety of activities rather than having a set routine.
  • The job is based on enabling communication between the field and the scientist or customer, so meetings and consultations with a wide range of people regularly form part of the working cycle.
  • Due to increased European legislation, paperwork and protocol checks are developing aspects of the role, particularly at higher levels. Company-level clients have their own protocols which have to be adhered to.
  • When you have developed experience and contacts, it is possible to work on a freelance basis, providing trials management consultancy to companies.
  • An increasing number of women are entering the profession, although the majority of field trials officers are still men.
  • The role is often physically demanding and may involve using farm machinery. Resilience, versatility and a hands-on approach are needed, to cope with setbacks caused by the weather, for example.
  • Travel within the working day is frequently needed and overnight absence from home may sometimes be required, particularly in the summer time.
  • Overseas work or travel may be necessary at any level and there may be opportunities to live abroad.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
September 2011
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