Job offer: Legume cultivation operator, field trial

At OBS INNOVATION, the’Team Terres et Cultures, composed of 2 people, realizes the'exploitation of trial plots for varietal selection and experimentation.

The plots cover several sites, on a thirty-hectare area, with crops of cauliflower, onions, shallots, garlic, artichokes, and parsnips…

The'Legume cultivation agent works in a team with an experimental technician. He carries out the work according to the progress of the crops and the season, in accordance with the priorities set by the breeders and technicians of the different species, taking into account the weather-related uncertainties while maintaining vigilance over the health quality of the seedlings.

As a farmer within a horticultural farm, his tasks revolve around the monitoring of the plots and the testing, as well as the use of the various equipment on the farm:

• Preparing the soil before planting
• Setting up the cultivation trials
• Participating in planting or harvesting projects
• Maintaining the plots on a daily basis to ensure the best sanitary quality of the plants
• Performing irrigation operations
• Performing phytosanitary treatments
• Monitor the state of the crops and report any discrepancies
• Maintain the equipment and check its proper use

He also intervenes on certain specific tasks such as preparing the soil for crops under shelter, sorting the lots of new varieties of chives, or testing the germination of cauliflower in experiments.

The position requires attention, method, and good adaptability because it works with the tools of a traditional horticultural operation, but adapted to experimentation and plots dedicated to research (low number of plants).

He regularly exchanges with the selection team to adjust interventions and prepare the work sites. Priorities change depending on the condition of the plots, the stage of the internally prepared seedlings, the stage of the crops, and the weather forecasts.

The days can start early and end according to the planned interventions. You stay on track, even when the schedule changes.

The position may evolve into an experimental technician, as part of a future retirement plan.

This position may be suitable for an agricultural operator seeking a salaried position and with a different dimension (work related to selection and experimentation), or for an agricultural worker ready to evolve.

To maintain the autonomy of the position, it is essential to:

• Knowing the legume crops, especially cabbage, onion, chives or field experiments.
• Handle the current agricultural equipment carefully and with care.
• Follow the safety instructions and treatment rules.
• Communicate and exchange regularly with the team and report any anomalies.
• Accept the instructions, the traceability rules related to the experiment, and the schedules adjusted to the specific circumstances on the ground.

Certificates desired: Certiphyto, CACES