Lead Grower Hampshire Market Garden CiC

Organic Growers Alliance; Waterlooville; On-site; GBP 22,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in organic farming is seeking a dedicated lead grower to join their market garden team. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in organic agriculture while contributing to the development of a thriving market garden. The ideal candidate will have a passion for nature, a commitment to sustainable practices, and at least one year of experience in commercial growing. You'll be involved in all aspects of farm operations, from planting and harvesting to managing crops and working with a team of experienced professionals. If you're ready to embrace a rewarding career in regenerative agriculture, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Company pension

Discounted or free food

Employee discount

Free OnSite parking

Career Progression

Annual Pay rise

Access to free vegetables

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in commercial organic growing.
• Ability to work physically and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Propagating, planting, and maintaining organic vegetable plants.
• Harvesting, packing, and selling produce.

Skills

Commercial organic growing

Physical labor

Teamwork

Planning and organizing

Driving (clean license)

Job description

Salary: £22,000 per year
Location: Rushmere Farm, Waterlooville

Benefits:
Company pension
Discounted or free food
Employee discount
Free OnSite parking
Career Progression
Annual Pay rise

This role will suit someone who is interested in gaining further experience on a market garden scale and seeing the full setup of a market garden from the beginning with an established route to market. The role has development opportunities to become head grower and for the market garden to expand.

Weekly tasks will include:

1. Propagating, planting and maintaining organic vegetable plants.
2. Harvesting, packing and selling produce including some delivery of produce.
3. Building and maintenance of a market garden on an established organic farm.

Job Description:
Hampshire Market Garden CiC are looking for a lead grower to work full time on their market garden in Hambledon, Hampshire.

The position would suit someone with at least 1 year full experience of commercial growing or market gardening who is looking to develop within the regenerative agriculture or organic growing industry. The right candidate would be open to working outside all year round, love nature, be interested in managing an agroecological farm, and interested in how small farms operate. As well as be prepared for labour intensive days.

We believe the position is a great offering as not only will the candidate learn the real world of organic farming and growing, but also be actively involved in the building of a new market garden within a team of experienced people. The role will provide practical knowledge and hands-on skills ranging between building outbuildings, to maintaining on site equipment, planting fruit orchards, and building soil health.

Role & Responsibilities:

1. Helping and assisting in growing vegetable crops and plants on the farm.
2. Assisting in the harvesting and preparing of veg for customers.
3. Helping to run the farm and maintain the different areas of the farm.
4. Keeping growing areas free of weeds and preparing new growing spaces.
5. Assisting with crop planning and rotation.
6. Making deliveries of produce.
7. Helping run volunteer/workshop days.

Essential qualities and experience:

1. At least 1 full year’s experience in commercial organic growing.
2. An efficient, productive worker who enjoys physically active work.
3. An enthusiastic interest in the environment, soil, plants and food.
4. A wide range of practical/outdoor skills.
5. A good natured, respectful, patient and cheerful team player.
6. An open minded, flexible approach to work and an understanding that there is always more to learn.
7. A willingness to cover for other team members when required, and to muck-in with other aspects of the work at Hampshire Market Garden.
8. A full clean driving licence for at least 2 years.
9. Self-motivated and a proven ability to plan, organise and take initiative.
10. Able to work alone, as well as work as part of a small team.
11. The ability to record data as required.

Timing & Benefits:
The job is full time, with occasional weekend work. You will receive all statutory rights in relation to paid holiday and pension. Everyone on the farm has access to free vegetables.

The role will evolve as the market garden succeeds, existing plans see this role progressing into a Head Grower role with a pay increase, and management training to then manage further growers in the future.

Have you held your driving license for 2 or more years? Due to our commercial vehicle insurance, successful applicants are required to be 21 years of age or older.

Experience:
Market gardening or commercial growing: 1 year (preferred)