Grower at Maple Farm Kelsale, Suffolk

Organic Growers Alliance; Kelsale; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Organic Growers Alliance in Kelsale is looking for a dedicated horticulturist to join our small team. The role involves hands-on responsibilities including seed sowing, planting, weeding, and harvesting organic produce.

Applicants should have at least one year's experience in horticulture and be passionate about sustainable food production. This role requires physical stamina and a positive attitude. You will work full-time from April to October and part-time in other months, with typical hours from 7 am to 3 pm.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in horticultural work.
• Passion for organic and sustainable food production.
• Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Seed sowing and general propagation.
• Planting, weeding, and organic pest control.
• Harvesting and preparing fruit and vegetables.
• Keeping harvest records.
• Working under Soil Association Organic standards.
• Using machinery for farming tasks.
• Leading volunteer teams when necessary.
• Restocking shop and engaging with customers.

Skills

Experience in horticultural work

Physical stamina

Positive attitude

Tools

Machinery for mowing/rotovating

Job description

We are a small but steadily growing team of experienced growers, coming from various backgrounds and with many ideas! It is essential that you have a passion for organic, sustainable food production and a desire to pursue a livelihood in it. The ideal candidate would have at least one years’ experience of horticultural work in food production.

We work outdoors in all weathers, so the job is physically demanding. Therefore, enjoying physical work is a must. There will be periods of time where you will be working in a team, with volunteers or alone. Due to the job being hands‑on and very busy during the height of the growing season, a positive attitude to our work makes the day much more enjoyable!

Responsibilities

• Seed sowing and general propagation, pricking out, etc.
• Planting, weeding, irrigation, organic pest control of field and polytunnel crops.
• Harvesting and preparing fruit and veg ready for our shop or orders.
• Keeping harvest records.
• Working to the Soil Association Organic standards.
• Using machinery to mow or rotovate, possibly tractor work.
• Working either alone, as a team and also working and helping to lead volunteer teams.
• Re‑stocking the shop and talking to customers about our produce and ethos.

Working Times

Full time April‑October

Part time November‑March (hours can be discussed with the right candidate)

Typical working hours: 7‑3pm Monday to Friday with weekend work during the growing season.

How to apply

Application information:
If you are interested then please send us a covering letter and CV to [e-mail] . We look forward to hearing from you!