Skilled Agricultural Plant & Crop Spraying Operator
Application deadline: 31 December 2026, 11:59 pm UK time
Apply for this roleAbout the role
Skilled Agricultural Plant & Crop Spraying Operator
Location: East Scotland
Salary: Approximately £45,000 per annum (hourly paid)
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Start Date: ASAP
Working Hours: To be agreed
About the Role
Talent Agri is recruiting a highly skilled and technically experienced Agricultural Plant & Crop Spraying Operator to join an established commercial horticultural business in East Scotland.
This is a varied, hands-on technical position combining the operation and maintenance of biomass heating systems with specialist crop protection and spraying activities across outdoor growing areas and protected cropping environments, including polytunnels.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of essential agricultural infrastructure while carrying out professional pesticide applications in accordance with crop protection programmes, environmental requirements and health and safety standards.
We are looking for a practical, mechanically minded individual with strong agricultural machinery experience, relevant technical qualifications and the ability to work independently.
Key Responsibilities
Biomass Plant Operations & Maintenance
- Operate, monitor and maintain biomass boilers and associated agricultural heating systems.
- Manage daily plant operations, including start-up, shutdown and performance monitoring.
- Monitor temperatures, pressures, fuel consumption and heating efficiency.
- Carry out routine servicing, cleaning, preventative maintenance and minor mechanical repairs.
- Identify and diagnose operational faults affecting boilers, pumps, valves, heat exchangers and fuel-feeding systems.
- Manage biomass fuel handling, storage and feeding equipment.
- Maintain accurate plant operation, maintenance and safety records.
- Liaise with specialist engineers and external contractors when required.
- Ensure reliable heat supply to support commercial horticultural production.
Specialist Crop Spraying & Protection
- Carry out professional pesticide and crop protection applications across outdoor crops and protected growing environments, including polytunnels.
- Operate tractor-mounted, trailed, handheld and other specialist spraying equipment.
- Prepare, mix and apply authorised crop protection products in accordance with approved programmes.
- Calibrate spraying equipment to ensure accurate application rates and effective crop coverage.
- Follow technical instructions provided by growers, crop managers and agronomists.
- Assess weather conditions, crop requirements and environmental factors before spraying.
- Maintain accurate pesticide application records, including products, application rates and treatment areas.
- Inspect, clean, service and maintain specialist spraying machinery.
- Ensure compliance with pesticide legislation, COSHH and environmental protection requirements.
- Work closely with the growing team to deliver timely and effective crop protection programmes.
Agricultural Machinery & Technical Support
- Operate tractors and specialist agricultural machinery when required.
- Carry out routine machinery inspections, maintenance and basic mechanical repairs.
- Identify equipment faults and coordinate repairs where necessary.
- Support the safe and efficient operation of technical farm equipment.
- Maintain high standards of workplace safety and equipment care.
Salary & Benefits
- Approximately £45,000 gross annual earnings, paid at an hourly rate based on agreed working hours.
- Permanent, full-time employment.
- Opportunity to work with specialist agricultural machinery and biomass heating technology.
- Varied technical responsibilities within an established commercial horticultural business.
- Long-term career opportunity with scope to develop specialist technical skills.
- Additional benefits to be discussed during the recruitment process.
✅ Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Confidential conversations are welcome, including if you are currently employed and quietly considering your next move. We endeavour to remain discreet throughout the recruitment process and will only share your details with a prospective employer with your permission. 📞 Call: 07491 749653
Qualifications & experience
- Minimum NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Machinery Operations, Mechanical Engineering, Plant Operations or another relevant technical discipline.
- Valid PA1 pesticide qualification.
- Valid PA2 qualification for tractor-mounted or trailed boom spraying.
- Valid PA6 qualification for handheld pesticide application.
- Appropriate additional pesticide application qualifications for specialist equipment where required.
- Proven experience in professional crop spraying and pesticide application.
- Experience spraying within polytunnels or protected cropping environments.
- Practical experience operating tractors and agricultural machinery.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and experience maintaining technical equipment.
- Understanding of pesticide safety, COSHH and environmental protection requirements.
- Ability to follow technical operating procedures and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to work independently and manage responsibilities effectively.
- Legal right to work in the UK.
- Highly Desirable
- Experience operating or maintaining biomass boilers or industrial heating systems.
- Experience with heating controls, pumps, valves and automated plant monitoring systems.
- Previous employment within commercial horticulture or soft fruit production.
- Additional relevant mechanical or engineering qualifications.
- Full UK driving licence.
Candidate requirements
All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.
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