The agriculture and fisheries sectors are crucial for ensuring a stable food supply for the UK and beyond. Working in these fields means directly contributing to national food sustainability.
Both sectors offer a wide range of career paths—from farm management and marine biology to food production and technology innovation—providing room for advancement and skill development.
The UK government and private sector are investing in sustainable farming, aquaculture, and agri-tech. This creates exciting opportunities to work on cutting-edge solutions to global environmental challenges.
Agriculture and fisheries offer seasonal jobs ideal for students or temporary workers, as well as long-term positions for those seeking stable employment in rural or coastal regions.
The UK’s agriculture and fisheries sectors are evolving rapidly—with a strong push toward climate-smart farming and sustainable seas. For international candidates, it’s a chance to be part of a green revolution and contribute to global environmental goals.
From precision farming and drone technology to sustainable aquaculture practices, the UK blends centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge innovation. International professionals can gain hands-on experience in both advanced tech and traditional methods.
Many roles in agriculture and fisheries fall under the UK’s Skilled Worker visa list. This offers international applicants the opportunity to live, work, and build a future in the UK—while gaining globally transferable skills in food production, environmental science, and rural development.
The UK's farms and fisheries are increasingly international workplaces. You’ll work with people from all over the world, learning not just new techniques, but also sharing cultures, languages, and life experiences.
Job Title |
Sector |
Description |
Skills/Qualifications Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Worker |
Agriculture |
Handles day-to-day tasks such as planting, harvesting, feeding livestock. |
Physical fitness, basic machinery use, no formal qualifications. |
|
Agricultural Technician |
Agriculture |
Supports crop and livestock production with data, technology, and testing. |
Diploma/Degree in agriculture or science, tech skills. |
|
Farm Manager |
Agriculture |
Oversees the entire farm operation, planning, budgeting, and staff management. |
Degree in agriculture, business skills, experience. |
|
Agronomist |
Agriculture |
Advises on crop production, soil health, and pest control. |
Degree in agronomy/agriculture science. |
|
Greenhouse Assistant |
Agriculture |
Works in controlled environments growing fruits, vegetables, or flowers. |
Attention to detail, basic horticultural knowledge. |
|
Seasonal Picker/Packer |
Agriculture |
Harvests fruits and vegetables during seasonal peaks. |
No formal education; on-the-job training. |
|
Fisheries Worker |
Fisheries |
Catches, processes, and sorts fish or shellfish at sea or onshore. |
Basic safety training; physically demanding work. |
|
Fish Farm Technician |
Fisheries |
Maintains fish stocks in aquaculture settings (ponds, cages, tanks). |
Diploma in aquaculture or marine biology helpful. |
|
Marine Biologist |
Fisheries |
Conducts research on marine species and ecosystems. |
Degree in marine biology or environmental science. |
|
Fishing Vessel Crew |
Fisheries |
Operates vessels and assists in fish harvesting at sea. |
Safety certifications, seamanship skills. |
Job Title |
UK Salary (GBP) |
USD ($) |
INR (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
£35,000 |
$44,450 |
₹3,745,000 |
|
Agricultural Technician |
£28,000 |
$35,560 |
₹2,996,000 |
|
Agronomist |
£40,000 |
$50,800 |
₹4,280,000 |
|
Livestock Farm Worker |
£22,000 |
$27,940 |
₹2,354,000 |
|
Crop Specialist |
£36,000 |
$45,720 |
₹3,852,000 |
|
Greenhouse Technician |
£23,000 |
$29,210 |
₹2,461,000 |
|
Seasonal Picker/Packer |
£20,000 |
$25,400 |
₹2,140,000 |
|
Agricultural Consultant |
£45,000 |
$57,150 |
₹4,815,000 |
|
Tractor/Machinery Operator |
£27,000 |
$34,290 |
₹2,889,000 |
|
Dairy Technician |
£26,000 |
$33,020 |
₹2,782,000 |
|
Fish Farm Technician |
£25,000 |
$31,750 |
₹2,675,000 |
|
Fisheries Officer |
£30,000 |
$38,100 |
₹3,210,000 |
|
Marine Biologist |
£38,000 |
$48,260 |
₹4,066,000 |
|
Fishing Vessel Crew |
£24,000 |
$30,480 |
₹2,568,000 |
|
Seafood Processing Worker |
£21,000 |
$26,670 |
₹2,247,000 |
|
Hatchery Manager |
£34,000 |
$43,180 |
₹3,638,000 |
|
Environmental Consultant |
£42,000 |
$53,340 |
₹4,494,000 |
|
Soil Scientist |
£39,000 |
$49,530 |
₹4,173,000 |
|
Agricultural Engineer |
£41,000 |
$52,070 |
₹4,387,000 |
|
Supply Chain Coordinator |
£33,000 |
$41,910 |
₹3,531,000 |
Eligibility Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Work Visa Requirement |
You must have a valid UK work visa—primarily the Skilled Worker Visa or Seasonal Worker Visa. |
|
Job Offer from UK Employer |
You must secure a job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor before applying for a visa. |
|
Job on Eligible Occupation List |
The job must appear on the UK government’s Shortage Occupation List or eligible roles list. |
|
English Language Proficiency |
Proof of English language skills (usually IELTS or equivalent) is required for most visas. |
|
Educational Requirements |
Some roles (e.g., technicians, agronomists) require diplomas or degrees; others need only basic education. |
|
Health and Character Checks |
Must pass a TB test (if from certain countries), and provide a criminal record certificate. |
|
Age Requirement |
Must be 18 years or older to apply for work-related visas. |
|
Experience or Training |
Entry-level jobs (e.g., farm laborer) may not require experience; skilled roles (e.g., marine biologist) typically do. |
|
Financial Requirement |
You must show proof of funds (bank statements) unless your employer covers your first month’s costs. |
|
Valid Passport and Documents |
A valid passport and necessary documents (qualifications, job offer letter, visa application) are required. |
Job Title |
Sector |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
Agriculture |
Plan, organize, and manage all farm operations including staff, crops, and livestock. |
|
Agricultural Technician |
Agriculture |
Assist with research, testing soil/crop samples, operating equipment, and data collection. |
|
Agronomist |
Agriculture |
Advise farmers on crop selection, pest control, fertilization, and sustainable practices. |
|
Livestock Worker |
Agriculture |
Feed, clean, and monitor animals; maintain barns and animal health records. |
|
Crop Production Worker |
Agriculture |
Prepare soil, plant seeds, apply fertilizers/pesticides, and harvest crops. |
|
Greenhouse Assistant |
Agriculture |
Maintain plants in controlled environments; regulate temperature, light, and watering. |
|
Horticulturist |
Agriculture |
Cultivate and manage fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants for commercial sale. |
|
Tractor/Machinery Operator |
Agriculture |
Operate, maintain, and repair agricultural machinery like tractors and harvesters. |
|
Seasonal Farm Worker |
Agriculture |
Perform seasonal tasks like picking fruits, planting vegetables, or packing produce. |
|
Agricultural Consultant |
Agriculture |
Provide expert advice on business strategies, sustainability, and production techniques. |
|
Fish Farm Technician |
Fisheries |
Feed and monitor fish health, maintain water quality, and manage aquaculture systems. |
|
Fisheries Officer |
Fisheries |
Enforce fishing regulations, monitor fish stocks, and support conservation efforts. |
|
Fishing Vessel Crew |
Fisheries |
Assist in fishing operations, operate gear, sort and store catch on board. |
|
Marine Biologist |
Fisheries |
Study marine ecosystems, species, and environmental impacts for conservation or commercial use. |
|
Seafood Processor |
Fisheries |
Clean, sort, and package seafood products in compliance with hygiene standards. |
|
Deckhand (Fishing) |
Fisheries |
Support fishing, net handling, boat maintenance, and safety tasks onboard vessels. |
|
Hatchery Technician |
Fisheries |
Breed and raise young fish or shellfish for restocking or commercial farming. |
|
Environmental Technician |
Both |
Collect data, monitor pollution levels, and support environmental sustainability practices. |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
Agriculture |
Design and maintain irrigation systems to ensure optimal water use on farms. |
|
Soil Scientist |
Agriculture |
Analyze soil health and advise on land use, fertilizers, and crop suitability. |
Job Title |
Minimum Education |
Experience Required |
Visa Type Suitable |
Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
Degree in Agriculture/Related |
3–5 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
English proficiency, leadership skills |
|
Agricultural Technician |
Diploma/Science Degree |
1–2 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Lab or fieldwork experience preferred |
|
Agronomist |
Degree in Agronomy/Agriculture |
2–3 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Strong advisory and analysis skills |
|
Livestock Worker |
High School or equivalent |
Entry-level |
Seasonal Worker / Skilled |
Basic animal care training |
|
Crop Production Worker |
No formal education required |
Entry-level |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Physically fit, able to work outdoors |
|
Greenhouse Assistant |
High School |
Entry-level |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Horticulture skills helpful |
|
Horticulturist |
Diploma or Degree in Horticulture |
2+ years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Plant management and pest control knowledge |
|
Tractor Operator |
High School + machinery training |
1–2 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Valid equipment license/certificate |
|
Seasonal Farm Worker |
No formal education |
Entry-level |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
18+ years old, basic fitness |
|
Agricultural Consultant |
Degree in Agri-business or Agri-Science |
3–5 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Strong communication and analysis skills |
|
Fish Farm Technician |
Diploma or relevant certificate |
1–2 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Aquaculture or marine biology knowledge |
|
Fisheries Officer |
Degree in Marine/Environmental Science |
2–3 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Knowledge of UK marine law and environment |
|
Fishing Vessel Crew |
No formal education |
Entry-level |
Seasonal or Skilled Worker |
Safety and seamanship training (ENG1 medical, STCW, etc.) |
|
Marine Biologist |
Degree in Marine Biology |
2–4 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Research/project experience preferred |
|
Seafood Processor |
No formal education |
Entry-level |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Ability to follow hygiene standards |
|
Deckhand (Fishing) |
High School preferred |
Entry-level |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Onboard safety certificates required |
|
Hatchery Technician |
Diploma in Aquaculture/Biology |
1–2 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Experience in breeding or hatchery operations |
|
Environmental Technician |
Degree/Diploma in Env. Science |
2 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Monitoring and reporting skills |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
Technical Certificate/Diploma |
1–2 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
System design and water management knowledge |
|
Soil Scientist |
Degree in Soil/Environmental Science |
2–3 years |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Lab analysis and reporting skills |
Job Title |
Sector |
Experience Required |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
Agriculture |
3–5 years in farm operations/management |
Leadership and budgeting experience preferred |
|
Agricultural Technician |
Agriculture |
1–2 years in lab or field support roles |
Internships or apprenticeships beneficial |
|
Agronomist |
Agriculture |
2–3 years in advisory/agriculture research |
Field trial and crop consulting experience required |
|
Livestock Worker |
Agriculture |
Entry-level |
On-the-job training often provided |
|
Crop Production Worker |
Agriculture |
Entry-level |
No experience needed; training provided |
|
Greenhouse Assistant |
Agriculture |
Entry-level |
Basic horticulture experience useful |
|
Horticulturist |
Agriculture |
2+ years in plant care and greenhouse work |
Requires practical plant management skills |
|
Tractor Operator |
Agriculture |
1–2 years operating farm machinery |
Must have machinery handling experience |
|
Seasonal Farm Worker |
Agriculture |
Entry-level |
Physically demanding; no prior experience required |
|
Agricultural Consultant |
Agriculture |
3–5 years in advisory/consultancy roles |
Industry knowledge and communication skills essential |
|
Fish Farm Technician |
Fisheries |
1–2 years in aquaculture or marine work |
On-the-job training may also be available |
|
Fisheries Officer |
Fisheries |
2–3 years in environmental or marine roles |
Regulatory or enforcement experience preferred |
|
Fishing Vessel Crew |
Fisheries |
Entry-level |
Maritime safety training required |
|
Marine Biologist |
Fisheries |
2–4 years in marine research or lab work |
Research experience required |
|
Seafood Processor |
Fisheries |
Entry-level |
Training provided; high attention to hygiene |
|
Deckhand (Fishing) |
Fisheries |
Entry-level |
Must complete safety courses (e.g., STCW) |
|
Hatchery Technician |
Fisheries |
1–2 years in fish breeding or aquaculture |
Breeding, feeding, and water quality monitoring needed |
|
Environmental Technician |
Both |
2 years in environmental monitoring/lab work |
Data collection and reporting experience preferred |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
Agriculture |
1–2 years in irrigation design or setup |
Field implementation experience beneficial |
|
Soil Scientist |
Agriculture |
2–3 years in soil testing and lab analysis |
Requires both lab and fieldwork experience |
Company Name |
Sector |
Location |
Visa Sponsorship |
Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
G’s Fresh |
Agriculture |
Cambridgeshire & Ely |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Salad, vegetables, berries |
|
Barfoots of Botley |
Agriculture |
West Sussex |
Skilled & Seasonal Visa |
Exotic vegetables, large-scale farming |
|
Pro-Force Ltd |
Agriculture |
Kent (UK-wide recruitment) |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Labour provider for fruit picking, crop harvesting |
|
T H Clements & Son Ltd |
Agriculture |
Lincolnshire |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Brassicas, root vegetables |
|
Hall Hunter Partnership |
Agriculture |
Surrey, Berkshire |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) |
|
AB Agri (Associated British Foods) |
Agriculture |
Nationwide |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Animal feed, agri-tech, sustainable farming |
|
Angus Soft Fruits Ltd |
Agriculture |
Scotland |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Soft fruit production & export |
|
Mowi Scotland Ltd |
Fisheries |
Scottish Highlands |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Salmon farming, aquaculture leader |
|
Young’s Seafood Ltd |
Fisheries |
Grimsby & Scotland |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Fish processing and seafood products |
|
Scottish Sea Farms |
Fisheries |
Argyll & Shetland |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Aquaculture, fish husbandry |
|
Macduff Shellfish |
Fisheries |
Scotland |
Seasonal Worker/Skilled |
Shellfish fishing & processing |
|
2 Sisters Food Group |
Agriculture/Food |
Nationwide |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Poultry, food processing |
|
Harper Adams University Farms |
Agriculture |
Shropshire |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Research & education farms (hi-tech agriculture) |
|
Greenyard Fresh UK |
Agriculture |
Spalding, Lincolnshire |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Fresh produce distribution |
|
Karro Food Group |
Agriculture |
Yorkshire & Scotland |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Pork production & processing |
|
JP Fresh Ltd (Isle of Wight) |
Agriculture |
Isle of Wight |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Tomatoes, cucumbers, greenhouse farming |
|
Denholm Seafoods Ltd |
Fisheries |
Peterhead, Scotland |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Fish processing & export |
|
Albanwise Farming Ltd |
Agriculture |
Norfolk & Yorkshire |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Arable farming, agronomy services |
|
S&A Produce Ltd |
Agriculture |
Herefordshire |
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Strawberries, blueberries |
|
Bakkafrost Scotland |
Fisheries |
Isle of Skye |
Skilled Worker Visa |
Salmon farming, sustainability-focused |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (GBP/year) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Farm Manager |
£35,000 – £45,000 |
Degree in Agriculture, 3–5 yrs exp., leadership skills |
G’s Fresh, Albanwise Farming, AB Agri |
Manage daily operations, budgets, staff, crop/livestock schedules |
|
Agricultural Technician |
£26,000 – £30,000 |
Diploma/Degree in Agriculture, 1–2 yrs exp. |
Harper Adams University, AB Agri |
Assist in testing, data collection, field trials |
|
Agronomist |
£35,000 – £45,000 |
Degree in Agronomy, 2–3 yrs field experience |
Barfoots, S&A Produce, AB Agri |
Advise on soil, crops, fertilization, pest control |
|
Livestock Worker |
£20,000 – £24,000 |
Entry-level, physical fitness, animal care knowledge |
2 Sisters Food Group, Hall Hunter |
Feed, care for, and monitor health of animals |
|
Crop Production Worker |
£20,000 – £23,000 |
Entry-level, seasonal job, physical stamina |
Pro-Force, G’s Fresh, Angus Soft Fruits |
Planting, harvesting, sorting crops |
|
Greenhouse Assistant |
£21,000 – £25,000 |
Basic horticulture knowledge, entry-level |
JP Fresh, Hall Hunter, Greenyard Fresh |
Maintain climate-controlled crop environments |
|
Tractor Operator |
£26,000 – £30,000 |
Machinery training, license, 1–2 yrs exp. |
Albanwise, TH Clements, Barfoots |
Operate and maintain tractors and farming equipment |
|
Horticulturist |
£28,000 – £32,000 |
Degree/Diploma in Horticulture, 2+ yrs exp. |
Greenyard, S&A Produce |
Grow, maintain, and breed plants or produce |
|
Agricultural Consultant |
£40,000 – £50,000 |
Degree + 3–5 yrs consultancy experience |
AB Agri, private consultancies |
Advise clients on improving yields, profits, and sustainability |
|
Fish Farm Technician |
£24,000 – £28,000 |
Diploma, 1–2 yrs aquaculture experience |
Mowi Scotland, Scottish Sea Farms |
Feed fish, monitor water quality, support health checks |
|
Fisheries Officer |
£28,000 – £32,000 |
Degree in Env/Marine Science, 2–3 yrs experience |
Government agencies, Environment Agency |
Monitor fishing practices, enforce marine policies |
|
Fishing Vessel Crew |
£23,000 – £28,000 |
Entry-level, safety training (STCW), fit to work |
Macduff Shellfish, Denholm Seafoods |
Operate nets, manage catch, maintain equipment at sea |
|
Marine Biologist |
£35,000 – £45,000 |
Degree + 2–4 yrs marine research exp. |
Bakkafrost, Young’s Seafood |
Study marine species, assess ecosystem health, research sustainability |
|
Seafood Processor |
£21,000 – £25,000 |
Entry-level, food safety training |
Young’s Seafood, 2 Sisters Food Group |
Clean, sort, and package seafood products |
|
Deckhand (Fishing) |
£22,000 – £26,000 |
Basic seamanship, STCW, entry-level |
Scottish Sea Farms, Denholm |
Assist with fishing operations and boat duties |
|
Hatchery Technician |
£24,000 – £28,000 |
Diploma, 1–2 yrs exp. in aquaculture |
Bakkafrost, Mowi, Marine Scotland |
Breed and raise young fish, manage tanks and feeding |
|
Environmental Technician |
£28,000 – £32,000 |
Diploma/Degree in Environmental Science |
Government, AB Agri, Mowi |
Field data collection, pollution monitoring, lab testing |
|
Irrigation Specialist |
£26,000 – £30,000 |
Technical diploma, 1–2 yrs in system installation |
Barfoots, private farm operators |
Design, install, and monitor irrigation systems |
|
Soil Scientist |
£32,000 – £40,000 |
Degree in Soil/Environmental Science, 2–3 yrs exp. |
Harper Adams, research labs, AB Agri |
Analyze soil health, advise on land use and nutrient management |
|
Seasonal Farm Worker |
£20,000 (Pro Rata) |
Entry-level, physically fit, short-term visa |
Pro-Force, G’s Fresh, Hall Hunter |
Harvesting, planting, packing during peak seasons |
Visa Type |
Best For |
Duration |
Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Skilled Worker Visa |
Long-term skilled roles (e.g., farm manager, aquaculture technician, agronomist, marine biologist) |
Up to 5 years (renewable) |
Job offer from UK-licensed sponsor, job on eligible occupation list, English proficiency, minimum salary threshold (£23,200 or more in most cases) |
|
Seasonal Worker Visa |
Temporary or entry-level jobs (e.g., fruit pickers, greenhouse workers, seafood processors) |
Up to 6 months |
Job with approved Seasonal Worker Scheme operator, 18+ years old, physical fitness |
|
Graduate Visa |
International students who completed a degree in the UK |
2 years (3 for PhDs) |
Completed eligible UK degree, valid Tier 4/Student visa at time of application |
|
Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange Visa |
Research, training, internship related to agriculture/fisheries |
Up to 12–24 months |
Sponsorship by an approved UK organization, proof of training plan or research |
|
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa |
Young workers (18–30/35 depending on country) from eligible countries |
Up to 2 years |
No job offer required upfront; limited to certain nationalities (e.g., Australia, Canada) |
|
Global Talent Visa |
High-level researchers or scientists in agri-tech, marine biology, etc. |
Up to 5 years |
Endorsement by a recognized UK body (e.g., UKRI), proof of global talent |