Assistant Head Grower – Ewhurst Park

Organic Growers Alliance; Basingstoke and Deane; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an Assistant Head Grower, where you will play a crucial role in developing sustainable fruit and vegetable production. This position offers the chance to work hands-on in a vibrant agricultural setting, focusing on organic and agroecological practices. You will be responsible for guiding a dedicated team while implementing innovative growing methods that prioritize biodiversity and sustainability. With a commitment to community engagement and education, this role allows you to make a significant impact on food production and environmental stewardship. If you are passionate about organic farming and eager to contribute to a meaningful project, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career growth opportunities

Paid education opportunities

Access to specialists

Attendance at conferences

Free/discounted produce

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in crop propagation and fieldwork.
• Proficiency in pest management and irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all aspects of fruit and veg production.
• Guide and lead junior members of the growing team.

Skills

Crop propagation

Fieldwork (Bed prep, transplanting)

Crop observation

Pruning and training

Harvesting

Compost management

Pest management

Data collection and recording

Customer interactions

Physical fitness

Education

Experience in organic farming

Training in agroecological methods

Tools

Specialist implements and machinery

Irrigation systems

Microsoft Excel

Electronic point of sale software

Job description

Role: ASSISTANT HEAD GROWER
Hours: 40 hours per week. Some weekend availability.
Pay: £29k per annum.
Start: As soon as possible.
Address: Ewhurst Park, Ramsdell, Tadley, RG26 5RG

We are recruiting an ASSISTANT HEAD GROWER to help develop and maintain the fruit and veg production at Ewhurst Park.

The estate:
Ewhurst Park is a 350 hectare rural property that has initiated an estate-wide biodiversity and sustainability project. Our goal is to restore land for nature while growing healthy and ethically produced organic food. We aim to inspire people to reconnect with the land, nature, and sources of food through community engagement, organised education and hospitality events.

The farm:
The farm, currently undergoing organic conversion, will grow a wide range of fruit, veg, herbs, and cut flowers utilising organic/agroecological/regenerative methods. We will be developing a space that integrates wildlife habitat and cropping areas whilst utilising efficient tools and intensive growing systems to maintain high productivity and a reduced footprint. The site is 4.5 acres, is currently deer fenced, and has planning approval for agricultural buildings that will service the space.

This year we will be establishing:

1. Vital infrastructure for the production and distribution of high quality ethically produced food, including an automated irrigation system, covered cropping areas, and an efficient wash and pack area.
2. An agroforestry system comprising 15 field blocks divided by perennial fruiting trees and shrubs for both cropping and beneficial wildlife habitat.
3. A traditional orchard.
4. Areas designated solely for wildlife habitat.
5. A forest garden intended as a shared space for medium cropping productivity and wildlife.

About the role:
The ASSISTANT HEAD GROWER will, with support from the Head Grower, have shared responsibility for all hands-on aspects of fruit and veg production including the guidance and leadership of the junior members of the growing team. They will be required to set a high, yet sustainable, rate of work and help foster a supportive and encouraging work environment where both the team and business can thrive. Although we will make use of modern tools and equipment, human scale veg production requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and a willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

About you:
You will have demonstrated experience in many of the following areas:

1. Propagation of a wide variety of crops.
2. Fieldwork: Bed prep, transplanting, and direct drilling.
3. Crop observation for early pest and disease identification.
4. Pruning, training, and general care to maximise plant health and yield.
5. Harvesting with a focus on both efficiency and quality.
6. Compost management.
7. Habitat creation and management for beneficial wildlife.
8. Pest management through soil and crop health, intercropping, netting, and beneficial insect introductions.
9. Proficiency with a wide range of specialist implements, machinery, and market gardening tools.
10. Irrigation and water use management.
11. No-dig or minimal tillage systems.
12. Organic and/or agroecological growing systems.
13. Management, guidance, and training of junior growers, apprentices, and volunteers.
14. Data collection and recording.
15. Competence using Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet software.
16. Direct sales, customer interactions, and farm tours.
17. Electronic point of sale software.

Above all, you will have a passion for organic, agro-ecological growing and the delicious, nutrient-dense food it produces.

What we can offer you:

1. A competitive salary.
2. Opportunity for career growth and development.
3. Access to the country’s top specialists in various areas of food production and nature recovery.
4. Paid education opportunities.
5. Attendance to relevant conferences and events.
6. Access to free/discounted fruit and veg.
7. A supportive and respectful work environment.
8. The chance to be part of developing a farm from the soil up and the opportunity to implement your own ideas and leave your mark on the project.