Soil Sampler (Contractor)

About the Farm Carbon Toolkit

The Farm Carbon Toolkit (FCT) is a leading, independent farmer-led UK enterprise. We support
farmers and growers to reduce their carbon emissions and increase their carbon sequestration.
For over 10 years, we have furthered the understanding of greenhouse gas emissions in
agriculture, providing tools for measurement and delivering projects that inspire real action
on the ground. 

About this role

FCT are seeking self-employed individuals to undertake soil sampling across a range of farms
for the soil carbon project and wider consultancy work. The soil sampling follows a stringent
protocol and involves sampling for carbon, but also the ability to assess the soil sites for a
range of other soil health parameters including structural condition, biological activity and
general soil and crop health. Training will be given but prior experience in soil assessment
would be an advantage. 

This work will involve visiting farms to collect soil samples and other data reflecting farm
management practices and arranging for the analysis of soil samples.

Our values

We are an incredibly dedicated team of advisors and experts, passionate about farming and how
we can best support farmers to understand and act on their carbon footprint. 

We believe in being respectful, professional, empathetic, positive, collaborative and curious.
These values help build our common culture, shape our purpose and guide us in our actions and
decisions.

We are inspired by farmers who are showcasing and helping to support a thriving low-carbon
farming future that produces healthy, nutritious food for all. And in our work, we are
committed to working with all farmers to support them towards this vision. 

We are an inclusive organisation, and as such, we encourage applications from anyone who feels
they have the relevant experience and skills.

Overview of the Service Required

Job Purpose: To support the collection of soil samples across a range of farms and to assess soil health
in-field to feed into FCT projects and activities.

Location: UK home-based with travel required to collect samples on-farm. Candidates must have a valid
right to work in the UK.

Salary: £150 per day

Contract: This is a position for self-employed individuals and a supply of services contract will be
prepared.

Hours of Work: The workload varies depending on our projects. We cannot guarantee regular hours every week, as
soil sampling is seasonal and location-specific. 

Travel: Mileage paid at HMRC rate (currently 45p per mile). Public transport expenses will be covered,
if relevant. 

Equal Opportunities: FCT is committed to promoting equality and diversity, providing an inclusive and co-operative
environment in which all individuals working for and on behalf of the organisation feel
respected and able to give their best. Commitment to our Diversity and Equalities Policy is
expected and we welcome and encourage applications from anyone interested in this role who
feels they have the relevant experience and skills.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Requirements

• Collect soil samples and soil health observations, following set protocols, to contribute
  to FCT project activities;
• Collate soil samples and send them to the laboratory;
• Record in-field observations using software and report results to the project team;
• Collect information on field management practices from farmers

Knowledge, experience and capabilities

(E = Essential, D = Desirable)

Capabilities and desirable experience:

• The ability to develop and maintain working relationships with farmers, scientists and
  colleagues (E)
• The ability to develop, manage and maintain records with a high degree of accuracy (E)
• An understanding of sustainable agricultural practice (D)
• The ability to work on research projects requiring a high degree of scientific and data
  integrity (D)
• Experience in working to stringent technical and quality guidelines (D)
• Experience of research processes and procedures (D)

Personal qualities and values:

• Commitment to our purpose, culture and values, which include acting professionally, being
  respectful and inclusive, positive, collaborative, transparent, innovative and pragmatic;
• Motivated and solutions orientated; driven by results and accepting of responsibility for
  own actions;
• A good team player with the initiative, motivation and drive to work on their own;
• Builds strong and trusting working relationships; 
• Excellent organisational skills, together with good communication skills – verbal and
  written;

How to apply

Submit your CV with a cover letter of no more than 2 pages of A4, outlining your relevant
skills and experience for the role, to Rachel Hucker, [email protected]. 

Please make sure that the file names of the documents you attach contain your name. Please do
not include any photos.

Applications close on Monday 15th July 2024 at midnight. 

Thank you for your interest in the Farm Carbon Toolkit and our job opportunities.