Market Gardener

The Garlic Farm; Langbridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading farm and tourist destination in Langbridge is seeking a Market Gardener to manage an organic, regenerative garden supplying their restaurant and shop. The ideal candidate will have a passion for organic farming, experience in soil health management, and strong communication skills. The role involves planning, growing, and maintaining plants, as well as community engagement activities. This position offers flexible hours and the opportunity for a permanent contract for the right individual, making it perfect for a well-organised, enthusiastic team player.

Benefits

Staff discount in shop and restaurant

Pension Scheme

Discretionary Healthcare Cashback scheme

Discretionary Profit share bonus

Various additional benefits

Qualifications

• Experience growing produce and working on the land.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Plan, grow, maintain, and harvest seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Manage the garden using organic and regenerative methods.
• Act as a public-facing representative of the garden.

Skills

Experience growing produce

Knowledge of organic certification

Regenerative growing systems

Practical composting experience

Strong organisational skills

Confident communication

Ability to work independently

Physically able for manual work

Passion for organic production

Reliability and motivation

Education

Horticultural or agricultural qualification

Job description

Overview

Market Gardener

Salary: Dependent on experience - we are a National Living Wage employer

Contract Term: Permanent with seasonal variations – flexible hours, 3 days per week.

Location: Newchurch

The Garlic Farm in Newchurch is one of the Island's most popular tourist destinations and we provide a high-quality experience to our customers in our restaurant, shop and farm site. The Garlic Farm is BCorp Certified and a Living Wage Employer and is committed to having a positive environmental and social impact.

We are developing an organic, regenerative, and no dig market garden at The Garlic Farm. We are recruiting a Market Gardener who is responsible for the planning, production, and day-to-day management of the garden which will supply the restaurant and shop. The role combines practical growing with community engagement, education, and inclusive working, using organic, regenerative, and no-dig principles

The role requires a self-motivated, well-organised individual who enjoys taking initiative. The role is seasonal with an opportunity to become a permanent contract for the right candidate. Ideal for an all-rounder who will be happy to pitch in with the rest of the team and show flexibility to undertake any other duties or responsibilities as required.

The successful candidate will be required to have a flexible approach and be enthusiastic to learn since this job will cover many distinct tasks.

Key Responsibilities

Growing & Land Management

• Plan, grow, maintain, and harvest seasonal fruit and vegetables
• Manage the garden using organic, regenerative, and no-dig methods
• Maintain soil health through composting, mulching, and green manures
• Oversee crop rotation, succession planting, and bed preparation
• Monitor plant health and manage pests and diseases organically
• Liaise with the Impact lead, Chef and Shop manager on crop planning and supply

Composting, Soil Health & Biodiversity

• Manage on-site composting systems (Ridan, Worm farm, FYM)
• Use compost to improve soil fertility and structure
• Promote biodiversity and maintain wildlife habitats

Organisation & Planning

• Develop crop plans and planting schedules
• Maintain basic records (planting, harvesting, yields)
• Manage tools, equipment, and growing supplies
• Work within agreed budgets and resources

Public, Community & Inclusive Working

• Act as a public-facing representative of the garden
• Communicate growing methods and values to visitors
• Support tours, open days, and community events
• Work with groups including people with additional needs
• Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment
• Adapt tasks to suit different abilities and learning styles
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners.

Skills, Experience and Qualities

Essential

• Experience growing produce and working on the land
• Knowledge of organic certification standards
• Experience with regenerative and/or no-dig growing systems
• Practical composting experience
• Understanding of biodiversity-friendly growing
• Strong organisational and planning skills
• Confident communicator, comfortable working with the public
• Experience working with diverse groups, including those with additional needs
• Ability to work independently and use initiative
• Physically able to carry out outdoor manual work year-round
• Passion for organic, no-dig and regenerative food production and farming
• Reliable, organised, and self-motivated
• Able to balance productivity with environmental, educational, and social outcomes

Desirable

• Horticultural or agricultural qualification
• Experience managing volunteers or small teams
• Basic record-keeping skills
• First Aid and/or safeguarding training (or willingness to obtain)

Health, Safety & Safeguarding

• Commitment to safe working practices
• Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
• Willingness to follow site policies and procedures

Benefits

• Staff discount in our shop and restaurant
• Staff discount in our holiday cottages & yurts
• Pension Scheme
• Discretionary Group Accident Insurance
• Discretionary Healthcare Cashback scheme – after 6 months employment
• Discretionary Profit share bonus after 2 years employment
• Various additional benefits available
• To be part of a family business with high ethical and sustainability standards.

If you are impeccably organised, highly motivated with a can-do attitude and an eye for detail we would love you to join our team.

Hours for this position will be up to 18 hours per week and be during Monday to Sunday 9am to 5pm. With the possibility of additional hours during our busier periods and occasional weekends or event work by agreement.

If you think you tick all the boxes and you would like to become part of our Garlic Farm family, we would love to hear from you!

To apply please respond to this advert, through IW Jobs, ensuring you include a CV and covering letter, telling us a little bit about yourself and why you think you’d suit this role.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to our location not being on a public transport route, having your own transport will be essential for this position.

The Garlic Farm & Wild Island are an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.