Growing Phase One - Operative

Vitacress; North Runcton; On-site; GBP 26,161; Full time

Job summary

A leading herb and horticulture supplier in the UK is seeking a Growing Operative to join their production team in Runcton. This role encompasses ensuring high-quality crop production, following hygiene standards, and maintaining safety protocols. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a basic Food Hygiene qualification. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment dedicated to plant health and safety standards while contributing to the success of the team.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team is essential.
• Attention to detail is crucial for maintaining plant health.

Responsibilities

• Follow nursery hygiene and safety procedures.
• Support the production of high-quality crops.
• Monitor crops and report any signs of pest issues.

Skills

Verbal communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Basic Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

£26,161.20

🌱 Growing Operative (Phase 1)

Location: Runcton

Department: Growing

Contract: Full-time, 42 hours per week

Working Days: Tuesday – Saturday

Working Hours: 07:00–15:00

Salary: £26,161.20

We are excited to announce an opportunity to join our Growing team as a Growing Operative (Phase 1). We welcome applications from both internal colleagues and external candidates who are passionate about plant production, quality, and contributing to a high-performing operational environment.

🌿 About The Role

As a Growing Operative, you will support the production of healthy plants and high‑quality crops. This hands‑on role involves working across a range of growing tasks, ensuring excellent plant health, maintaining hygiene standards, and supporting day‑to‑day operations within the nursery. You will play an important part in maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety requirements.

🔑 Key Responsibilities

• Follow all nursery hygiene and safety procedures
• Support the production of high‑quality crops through daily operational tasks
• Carry out duties safely, accurately, and consistently
• Assist with sowing, spacing, weeding, and general plant maintenance
• Monitor crops and report any signs of pests, diseases, or disorders
• Input basic operational data into the IFS system
• Operate machinery safely and report any faults
• Plug plants, move benches, and support workflow from sowing through to packing
• Apply biological control agents (training provided)
• Maintain production standards in line with audit requirements
• Work collaboratively and contribute to continuous improvement activities
• Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe working environment

🧪 Working Conditions

• PPE must be worn as required
• Long periods of standing and walking
• Work in variable temperatures depending on the growing environment

📌 Person Specification

Essential

• Adequate verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
• Basic Food Hygiene qualification

Desirable

• Pest and disease recognition
• Previous horticulture experience
• Food safety knowledge
• Health & Safety awareness
• Manual handling experience
• Lean manufacturing knowledge
• PA1/PA6 pesticide application qualification

🌟 Personal Attributes

• Positive attitude and willingness to adapt to change
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people
• Commitment to high standards and continuous improvement

📨 How To Apply

If you’re enthusiastic about working with plants, motivated to learn, and keen to develop within a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

• Internal candidates: Please discuss with your manager before applying.
• External candidates: Please submit your CV and application through the recruitment team or designated application link.

Vitacress Herbs, based just outside historic Chichester, West Sussex, is a primary supplier of Herb and horticulture products in the UK. With our 23‑acre site covered in specialist glass houses, we take immense pride in our work ensuring our consumers have a fresh, quality product to enhance their home cooking or enhance their garden environment. We take pleasure in ensuring the best possible standards and we will empower you to do the same. From the way we grow our products, to the relationships we maintain with customers, everyone knows exactly what is going on. We are authentic and grounded. At the centre of everything is a trust that you can feel every day at work. From the herbs that are grown on site; to the investment in facilities and the growth of the business; to growing and nurturing out talented employees, growing is truly at the heart of what we do. Join us and become a trusted partner in our business.