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Sr. Station Technician

KWS SAAT SE

Nagele
Full-time
2-5 years experience
On-site

Key Skills

Agricultural field trials
Crop production
Plant breeding
Agricultural machinery operation
GPS technology
Leadership
Coaching
Data collection
Process improvement
Microsoft 365
Communication
Organizational skills
Fieldwork
Stakeholder management

Job Description

Take the Lead in Field Trial Excellence at KWS

Are you an experienced agricultural professional who enjoys combining hands-on fieldwork with coordination and leadership responsibilities? At KWS Benelux, we are looking for a Senior Station Technician to join our team in Nagele.

In this full-time, permanent position, you will play a key role in the operational management of our corn trial activities across the Netherlands while supporting a broad range of breeding and trial operations. You will work closely with colleagues, researchers, and stakeholders to ensure high-quality trial execution that supports the development of innovative crop varieties for the future of sustainable agriculture.

 

Your Responsibilities

Corn Trial Operations (Approximately 70%)

· Planning, organizing, coordinating, and executing maize field trials, with responsibility for the entire process from sowing to harvest, in collaboration with colleagues and other stakeholders.

· Conducting observations, counts, measurements, assessments, and data collection to ensure reliable and accurate trial results.

· Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to the continuous optimization of trial operations.

· Travel regularly throughout the Netherlands (up to 30% of your time) to oversee and support trial activities.

· Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery and collaboration.

· Support, guide and motivate colleagues during seasonal trial activities and field operations.

 

Additional Trial and Breeding Activities (Approximately 30%)

Supporting activities in the greenhouse and field trial operations within the cereals, oilseed rape, sugar beet, and potato breeding programs, including:

· Field trial preparation

· Data collection

· Selection activities

· Observations and assessments

· Soil cultivation, sowing/planting, and harvesting

The activities listed above provide a good indication of the role but do not represent a complete overview of all responsibilities. In addition, consideration is given to individual interests, talents, and development opportunities.

 

What You Bring

Education and Experience

· MBO/MBO+ level of education and thinking, preferably in an agricultural field.

· Valid driving licenses B, BE and T (required).

· Valid driving licenses of Category C, a forklift certificate, and preferably a drone certificate, or willingness to obtain these qualifications.

· Good command of both Dutch and English.

· Affinity with digital systems and Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel.

· Experience in supervising, leading, coaching and motivating colleagues, combined with strong organizational skills and a structured way of working.

 

Professional Skills

· Good basic knowledge of agriculture and experience with field trials, crop production, or plant breeding activities.

· Good knowledge of agricultural machinery and GPS technology, with the ability to operate machinery independently.

 

Personal Competencies

· Strong communication skills.

· Practical, proactive, flexible, and versatile in approach.

· Accurate and quality-focused, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

· Able to collaborate effectively within an international environment.

 

What We Offer

At KWS, we believe our people drive our success. That's why we invest in your professional and personal growth through meaningful work, development opportunities, and a supportive culture.

We offer:

· A competitive salary package.

· 25 vacation days per year, plus up to 8 additional seniority days depending on age.

· The opportunity to purchase KWS shares at a discounted rate.

· Participation in the collective BPL pension scheme.

· Access to our Employee Assistance Program to support your overall wellbeing.

· Extensive learning and development opportunities through our "Make Yourself Grow" strategy.

· A collaborative and international work environment where your ideas and expertise are valued.

· The opportunity to contribute directly to the development of innovative crop varieties that help shape the future of agriculture.

 

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you are looking for a role that combines leadership, field operations, innovation, and collaboration, we would love to hear from you. Apply today with your CV and become part of KWS Benelux or feel free to contact Vincent Paauw (Station Manager) at +31 6 57243131 or via email at [email protected] if you would like more information.

Core Responsibilities

The Senior Station Technician will lead the planning, execution, and management of maize field trials from sowing to harvest. Additionally, the role involves supporting broader breeding operations in greenhouses and fields, including data collection and machinery operation.

Requirements

Candidates must have an MBO/MBO+ level education in an agricultural field and possess valid B, BE, and T driving licenses. Strong organizational skills, experience in supervising teams, and proficiency in agricultural machinery and digital systems are required.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary package
  • 25 vacation days per year
  • Seniority days
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • BPL pension scheme
  • Employee assistance program
  • Learning and development opportunities

About KWS SAAT SE

Industry: Farming

Company size: 5,001-10,000 employees

KWS is one of the world’s leading plant breeding companies. Around 5,200 employees* in over 70 countries generated net sales of around €1.63 billion in fiscal year 2025/2026. As a family company, KWS has operated independently for 170 years. It focuses on plant breeding and the production and sale of seed for sugarbeet, corn, cereals, vegetables, oilseed rape and sunflowers. KWS uses leading-edge plant breeding methods to continuously improve yield for farmers and plants’ resistance to diseases, pests and abiotic stress. To that end, the company invested approximately €340 million last fiscal year in research and development. At KWS we work in an international environment with motivated employees and experienced teams. We want you to contribute your know-how and knowledge, your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. We will provide you with continuous support for further professional and personal development. This is how we think and act at KWS. If you share this viewpoint and want to seed the future with us, visit us on: www.kws.com/career.

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