Senior Operator Farm - BASF | Nunhems - 's-Gravenzande

YOUR JOB 

As Senior Farm Operator, you will help breeding and research teams obtain reliable plant material and accurate data. You will carry out advanced agricultural activities with care and precision, support the smooth delivery of research projects, and share your practical knowledge with colleagues. Your work directly contributes to the quality, safety, and efficiency of our breeding and research processes. 

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  Carry out agricultural activities such as growing plants, evaluating plant characteristics, supporting crossing activities, and propagating healthy, disease-free plant material. 

  
  

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  Operate and perform general maintenance on agricultural equipment, growing facilities, irrigation systems, climate-control systems, and digital data-capture tools. 

  
  

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  Contribute to several research and development projects and help deliver agreed activities on time and to the required quality standard. 

  
  

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  Record and check operational information accurately in digital systems so that research data remains reliable and traceable. 

  
  

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  Apply safety, hygiene, environmental, and stewardship requirements in greenhouses, open fields, propagation areas, and laboratory environments. 

  
  

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  Work with colleagues from farm operations, breeding, and laboratory teams to coordinate activities and resolve practical challenges. 

  
  

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  Coach and instruct junior operators, share practical expertise, and act as a sparring partner for operators, technicians, and team leaders. 

  
  

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  Help improve techniques, protocols, and workflows, including through Lean and 5S improvement activities. 

  
  

YOUR TEAM 

You will join the Farm department within Research & Development and report to the Team Lead Farm. The team delivers high-quality agricultural services that support breeding and research activities. 

In your daily work, you will collaborate with fellow operators and technicians as well as colleagues from breeding, laboratory, and other specialist teams. Together, you will ensure that plant material, practical activities, and operational data are delivered accurately and on time. 

The working environment is practical, collaborative, and varied. Activities take place in greenhouses, open fields, specialized propagation areas, and laboratory settings. You will contribute as an experienced colleague who combines hands-on work with knowledge sharing, proactive problem-solving, and continuous improvement. 

YOUR PROFILE 

What knowledge and experience make you successful in this role? 

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  High school or lower vocational education, preferably with a connection to agriculture, horticulture, plant research, or a related field. 

  
  

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  At least three years of relevant experience in agricultural operations or plant research. 

  
  

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  Practical agricultural knowledge and experience working with technical equipment and growing facilities. 

  
  

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  The ability to grow and propagate healthy, disease-free plants and carry out precise plant-related activities. 

  
  

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  A basic understanding of plant biology and Mendelian genetics. 

  
  

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  Experience using digital systems for documentation, reporting, and workflow planning, including Microsoft Office. 

  
  

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  A quality-focused and disciplined approach to safety, hygiene, maintenance, and accurate data registration. 

  
  

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  Flexibility to work non-standard hours when crop cycles, breeding activities, or harvest periods require it. 

  
  

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  The physical ability to perform practical work that may involve standing, bending, lifting, plant handling, pollination, and equipment operation. 

  
  

How do you create impact beyond expertise? 

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  You take ownership of your work and complete activities carefully, safely, and on time. 

  
  

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  You identify practical issues early and actively contribute to workable solutions. 

  
  

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  You share your knowledge and help junior colleagues develop their skills and confidence. 

  
  

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  You collaborate openly with operators, technicians, team leaders, breeding teams, and laboratory colleagues. 

  
  

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  You stay flexible when priorities, seasonal conditions, or crop requirements change. 

  
  

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  You look for ways to improve workflows, techniques, and the quality of service delivery. 

  
  

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  You understand how precise operational work and reliable data contribute to successful breeding and research outcomes. 

  
  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT 

This is a hands-on role across greenhouses, open fields, specialized propagation areas, and laboratory environments. Conditions and working hours may vary depending on the season, crop cycles, and operational priorities. Strict adherence to safety, hygiene, and contamination-prevention procedures is required.