Junior Grower – Soft Fruit Breeding

EDWARD VINSON LTD; Faversham; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation may be available

Job summary

Edward Vinson Breeding is seeking a practical, curious Junior Grower to join the Farm team in Faversham. You will gain hands-on experience across strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries while supporting our breeding programme.

No prior experience is required beyond enthusiasm; full training will be provided. You’ll perform daily crop checks, assist with irrigation, pest management and crop protection, and collaborate with the Breeding Farm Manager.

Qualifications

• A genuine passion for plants and a desire to learn.
• Full driving licence required.
• Good communication skills are essential.
• Practical, solutions‑focused approach to problems.
• Confidence using computers and recording information accurately.
• Ability to work on your feet for long periods in polytunnels and glasshouses.
• Flexibility to work weekends and additional hours when required by crops.
• Good English language skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily crop checks and crop walking across the breeding programme.
• Collect irrigation data and implement fertigation strategies.
• Assist with maintenance of irrigation systems and support new projects.
• Coordinate with external companies on the farm’s IPM programme.
• Work with the Breeding Farm Manager and agronomist on crop protection and nutrition.
• Support short and medium-term planning and allocation of farm tasks and resources.

Skills

Passion for plants

Driving licence

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Computer literacy

Stamina in polytunnels

Weekend flexibility

English language skills

Job description

Help us grow the berries of tomorrow

Edward Vinson Breeding is looking for a practical, curious and motivated Junior Grower to join our Farm team.

Working alongside the Breeding Farm Manager, you will gain hands-on experience across strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries while supporting our globally recognised breeding programme.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about plants and keen to develop a career in commercial growing. Previous experience is welcome, but your enthusiasm and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training will be provided.

What you’ll be doing

As a hands-on member of the Breeding Farm team, your main responsibilities will include:

• Carrying out daily crop checks and crop walking across the breeding programme
• Collecting irrigation data and implementing agreed fertigation strategies
• Assisting with the maintenance of irrigation systems and supporting new irrigation projects
• Coordinating with external companies to deliver the farm’s integrated pest management programme
• Working with the Breeding Farm Manager and agronomist to deliver effective crop protection and plant nutrition programmes
• Supporting the short and medium-term planning and allocation of farm tasks and resources

What we’re looking for

You may already have experience in horticulture or fieldwork, or you may be ready to take your first step into commercial growing.

To succeed in this role, you will need:

• A genuine passion for plants and a desire to learn
• A full driving licence
• Good communication skills
• A practical, solutions-focused approach to problems
• Confidence using computers and recording information accurately
• The ability to work on your feet for long periods in polytunnels and glasshouses
• Flexibility to work weekends and additional hours when required by the crops
• Good English-language skills
• Existing authorisation to work in the UK
• The ability to commute to or relocate to Faversham

Accommodation may be available, subject to agreed terms.

Desirable experience

It would be beneficial, although not essential, if you have:

• Experience in the soft fruit industry or a similar environment
• Tractor-driving experience
• Spraying qualifications
• Health and safety qualifications
• Previous staff-supervision experience

Why join Edward Vinson Breeding?

Edward Vinson has been growing fruit in Kent for more than 150 years. Our breeding programme develops new commercial varieties for UK and international markets.

You will join a forward-thinking business and a world-leading breeding team, gaining valuable exposure to both commercial crop production and soft fruit breeding.