Head Kitchen Gardener

Evergreen Rural; Warninglid; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Farm produce access

Job summary

The Naked Farm in Rural West Sussex invites applications for a Head Kitchen Gardener. You will manage productive growing areas including walled gardens, polytunnels, glasshouses and orchards, producing high-quality seasonal fruit and vegetables year round.

The role requires at least three years' hands-on experience in kitchen gardening or vegetable production, with strong organisational and independent-working skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years' hands-on experience as Head Kitchen Gardener or in a comparable role.
• Strong knowledge of year-round fruit and vegetables, including protected environments.
• Ability to deliver high-quality horticultural results independently.
• Excellent organisation to plan and manage seasonal growing programmes.
• Ability to work independently and with a small team, plus clear communication.
• Full, valid UK driving licence and own transport due to rural location.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain productive walled gardens, polytunnels, glasshouses, orchards and related growing areas.
• Plan and manage year-round fruit and vegetable production for a steady supply of seasonal produce.
• Oversee propagation, sowing, planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest/disease management, harvesting, processing and storage.
• Apply specialist horticultural knowledge to maximise productivity and uphold high standards.
• Source seeds, plants, materials and equipment to support garden development.
• Maintain records of planting, rotation, yields and activities as appropriate.
• Contribute ideas and practical solutions to improve growing methods and long-term garden development.
• Lead full-time and seasonal gardeners; supervise contractors; ensure safety and standards.
• Support wider farm activities and events with the Property Owner as required.

Skills

Garden management

Seasonal production

Independent working

Organisational skills

Education

Level 2 horticultural qualification

Tools

Tractors

ATVs

Quad bikes

Job description

HEAD KITCHEN GARDENER

The Naked Farm

Location: Rural West Sussex, Warninglid

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Hours: Full-time

About the Role

The Naked Farm is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Kitchen Gardener to join its team and play a key role in the development of its productive gardens.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled horticulturist with a strong background in organic fruit and vegetable production to help establish, develop and maintain a diverse range of growing areas, including walled vegetable gardens, polytunnels, glasshouses, greenhouses and orchards.

The successful candidate will take pride in producing high-quality, seasonal and fruit and vegetables throughout the year, combining traditional kitchen gardening skills with a practical, hands-on approach. They will work closely with the Property Owner to develop the gardens, manage seasonal production and ensure the highest standards of horticulture are maintained.

This role would suit someone who is organised, self-motivated and passionate about growing produce, with the knowledge and initiative to work independently while contributing to a wider farm team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Head Kitchen Garden and Horticultural Production

• Develop and maintain the productive walled gardens, polytunnels, glasshouses, greenhouses, orchards and associated growing areas.
• Plan and manage year-round fruit and vegetable production to provide a consistent supply of fresh, seasonal produce.
• Oversee all stages of production, including propagation, seed sowing, planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest and disease management, harvesting, processing and storage.
• Apply specialist horticultural knowledge to maintain healthy crops, maximise productivity and uphold consistently high standards.
• Source suitable seeds, plants, materials and equipment to support the ongoing development of the gardens.
• Maintain records of planting, crop rotation, yields and seasonal activities as appropriate.
• Contribute ideas and practical solutions to improve growing methods, productivity and the long-term development of the gardens.

Team Leadership and Development

• Work closely with the Property Owner , following direction and contributing to the development of the kitchen garden.
• Oversee and coordinate full-time and part-time seasonal gardeners as required.
• Supervise contractors and external workers when necessary, ensuring work is carried out safely and to the required standard.
• Support wider farm activities and events associated with the Property Owner when required.
• Undertake other reasonable duties associated with the farm, gardens and wider estate as required.

Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• A minimum of three years' practical experience working as a Head Kitchen Gardener or in a comparable fruit and vegetable production role.
• Strong practical knowledge of growing fruit and vegetables throughout the year, including production under glass and in protected growing environments.
• A proven ability to deliver high-quality horticultural results while working efficiently and independently.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to plan and manage seasonal growing programmes.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Clear communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A full, valid UK driving licence.
• Own transport, due to the rural location.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• A Level 2 horticultural qualification or equivalent, such as an RHS Level 2 qualification, National Diploma in Horticulture or relevant HNC.
• PA1 and PA6a pesticide application qualifications.
• Experience operating tractors, ATVs and quad bikes.
• Experience supervising gardeners, seasonal staff or contractors.
• A strong interest in organic and sustainable growing practices.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• On site accommodation available
• The opportunity to be part of an exciting and evolving private farm concept, working alongside a passionate, supportive and enthusiastic team.
• Opportunities to broaden horticultural knowledge and develop specialist skills across a range of productive growing environments.
• Access to a selection of farm produce, including eggs, milk and other seasonal produce, subject to availability.
• On-site parking.