Do you enjoy working in an innovative, challenging environment with different crops and the latest greenhouse climate technology? Are you proficient in the Dutch language? Then you are the person we are looking for as a greenhouse climate technical specialist at Unifarm, the plant and crop research center of Wageningen University & Research. We would be happy to get in touch with you.
As a greenhouse climate specialist, you will be in the greenhouse every day to support colleagues, researchers, and students. In addition to practical cultivation tasks, you are able to set the most optimal climate control for the various greenhouse compartments, climate rooms, and crops. You also enjoy using your practical knowledge of climate and crops to advise researchers and colleagues and to think along about the correct experimental setup.
As a greenhouse climate specialist, you:
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work with automated climate systems (Hoogendoorn, Priva), including setting and monitoring the correct climate in relation to plant growth, weather conditions, and the substrates used;
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are familiar with “Het Nieuwe Telen” (Next Generation Growing) and have knowledge of plant physiology to optimally manage cultivation in terms of temperature, humidity, CO₂ dosing, light, and screening;
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are experienced in propagation, cultivation, and harvesting of various crops;
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can identify plant diseases, abnormalities, and pests;
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have technical experience in greenhouses (this is a plus).
Your team
The Greenhouses & Climate Rooms team consists of 30 permanent employees divided into four sections. In the coming years, several greenhouses will be replaced by new ones. Together with several colleagues, you will be responsible for the climate control of the various Unifarm greenhouses and climate rooms.
Your workplace
Unifarm has around 55 employees and we support the research and education of Wageningen University & Research. We work in two teams: Open Field and Greenhouses & Climate Rooms. Unifarm has very modern and advanced research facilities, including 150 greenhouse compartments and 100 climate chambers, climate cabinets and cooling/freezing rooms, 220 hectares of arable land, processing areas (seed cleaning, drying, and milling), and (field trial) machinery.
An enthusiastic plant science professional with knowledge of greenhouse climate, cultivation, and technology.
Additionally, you:
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have completed a MAS education in plant cultivation, applied biology, or a comparable education/work experience;
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are available for on-call duties (after training);
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can collaborate well with colleagues, researchers, and (international) students;
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are communicative, have a strong sense of responsibility, and can work according to protocols;
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can work with MS Office software;
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hold a valid spraying license or are willing to obtain one;
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have a good command of the Dutch language.
WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
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there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
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a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
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excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3,202.- and € 4,159.- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 7). This position is for 32-38 hours per week. As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
For more information about the position, please contact Rinie Verwoert, Glasshouse Manager Nergena, via email: [email protected] or by phone: +31 317 485363, or Jeroen Zonneveld, Glasshouse Manager Serre, via email: [email protected] or by phone: +31 317 487979.
General information can be found on the website: https://www.wur.nl/en/research/facilities/unifarm.
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Dax Teunissen, Corporate Recruiter, via [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply up to and including September 30, 2026.
We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated.
Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
