Science Lab & Greenhouse Officer

• Science_Lab__Greenhouse_Officer_-_JD_2025

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Hadlow College team within our Land-based Curriculum department as a Science Lab & Greenhouse Officer. We are seeking a suitably qualified, experienced, and enthusiastic individual to take on this dynamic and varied role.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily management of our science laboratories and commercial greenhouse The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence, ensuring compliance with all Health & Safety protocols. You will provide vital technical support and contribute to the practical delivery of science content across our land-based curriculum areas, which include Agriculture, Animal Management, Equine, Fisheries, Horticulture, and Floristry.

The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence is the Uks only centre of excellence for greenhouse growing and is supported and sponsored by Thanet Earth and other key organisations in the fresh produce sector. As a result the successful candidate will be working in a unique and innovative setting.

This role also includes supervising a range of innovative student and staff-led projects, offering a unique chance to engage with hands-on learning and research initiatives.

A key element of the role involves managing operations in our state-of-the-art Venlo greenhouse – The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence, where you will act as the primary grower for our hydroponic crops. In collaboration with colleagues at Hadlow College and our industry partner, Thanet Earth, you will be responsible for:

• Monitoring crop and environmental systems (PRIVA)
• Carrying out crop work from planting through to harvest
• Preparing the greenhouse for new planting cycles and for visits from industry partners and educational groups
• Running variety trials
• Liaising with relevant industry organisations to ensure the smooth running of The Centre of Excellence

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about plant science, fresh produce, sustainability, and supporting student success in a land-based education environment.

The Role:

Where you’ll work: This role is based at the College’s Hadlow campus, but the nature of the work may require travel to any of the college sites and Thanet Earth locations.

Your hours: 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per annum (1 FTE) 2 Year - Fixed Term Contract

Your pay: £33,536 per annum. per annum.

The College:

North Kent College (including Hadlow College) is proudly rated as an Ofsted ‘Good’ provider, with ‘Outstanding’ learner behaviours and attitudes (April 2024). With four campuses across Kent and 4,000 students, we strive to equip the young people who study here with an inclusive and innovative education experience to enhance their future career prospects, which, as noted by Ofsted, is supported through our high-quality, industry standard facilities. Each and every staff member plays a key part in delivering the success of our learners’ experience, and we want those who join our curriculum and support teams to share our passion in achieving this.

The Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect the following benefits.

• 33 days’ annual leave (including Christmas / New Year break), plus bank holidays.
• Enrolment onto the People’s Pension Scheme (as part of the staff of North Kent College Business Services Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of North Kent College).
• Access to free parking and a number of onsite facilities, including gyms, restaurants and coffee shops.

How to Apply:

If this sounds like the next role for you, please visit the North Kent College staff vacancies page to see the full job description and apply.

Please note that the closing date for applications is 11th September 2025, with interviews scheduled to take place on 19th September 2025.

North Kent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff have a responsibility to share and maintain this commitment. In line with the requirements of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, appropriate safeguarding checks (including an enhanced DBS check) will be undertaken on all individuals selected for appointment. Posts at the College, a specified establishment where the work gives opportunity for contact with children, are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. It is an offence to apply for a post which involves engaging in regulated activity relevant to children if you are barred from doing so. Please be advised that, again in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, shortlisted candidates (who wish to accept an invite to interview) will be required to complete and submit prior to their interview a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Further guidance / information from the Ministry of Justice can be found on GOV.UK.