Senior Technical Officer (Maternity Cover)
Soil Association
About our organisation
Soil Association Certification Ltd exists to accelerate the just transition across food, farming and land use, as a global leader in sustainability certification. We deliver trusted solutions with nature, for people and planet through the certification of high integrity holistic standards. These assurance schemes cover a wide range of sectors including food, forestry, farming, landscape restoration carbon markets, beauty and wellbeing, textiles and catering.
We are recognised and trusted by consumers and businesses around the world, operating in over 60 countries delivering FSC and PEFC certification, and you will also find the Soil Association organic symbol on over 70% of organic products in the UK.
Soil Association Certification is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Soil Association, formed in 1946, which is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.
We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most.
About the opportunity
You will be joining a small, dedicated team that works collaboratively with other teams across Soil Association Certification and Soil Association charity, delivering technical support to the different teams within certification and across the Soil Association Group and farmers and other businesses producing organic products. Our work is dynamic and rewarding, with a unique blend of technical precision, stakeholder engagement, and purposeful impact. This role is based in the Bristol office and you will be working alongside friendly and inclusive colleagues who have a passion for the values and purpose of the organisation.
About you
We're looking for someone with:
- Practical experience and knowledge of farming or horticulture
- Understanding and empathy with organic farming
- Great attention to detail and accuracy/precision
- Willingness to collaborate with colleagues
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Our Benefits
We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:
- 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
- Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
- Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
- Family friendly policies and flexible working
- Cycle to work scheme
- Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce
Hours
37.5 hours per week
Maternity Cover up to 12 months fixed term contract
Location
Bristol with hybrid working 40% office attendance
About Soil Association
The Soil Association is a charity working with everyone to transform the way we eat, farm, and care for our natural world.
We build real solutions from the ground up. For the last 75 years, we've worked with citizens,
farmers, policy makers and businesses, supporting them to explore the vital relationship
between the health of soil, plants, animals and people. Because the only way to solve the
issues we face is to understand that they are all connected - and that food, farming and
forestry are a vital part of the solution.
The Soil Association is a charity working with everyone to transform the way we eat, farm, and care for our natural world. We build real solutions from the ground up. For the last 75 years, we've worked with citizens, farmers, policy makers and businesses, supporting them to explore the vital relationship between the health of soil, plants, animals and people. Because the only way to solve the issues we face is to understand that they are all connected - and that food, farming and forestry are a vital part of the solution.
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