Soft Fruit Grower – Strawberries & Raspberries – Perthshire, Scotland – £35,000+ DOE + Accommodation

AgriRS; Perth; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cottage accommodation

Permanent, full-time position

Job summary

Agricultural Recruitment Specialists Ltd seeks a Soft Fruit Grower for a Perthshire-based operation specialising in strawberries and raspberries. The role involves hands-on crop work, irrigation, plant health and harvest preparation within a supportive team.

Ideal candidates have horticultural experience or relevant qualifications, a practical approach, and can work flexible hours during peak seasons. Accommodation is provided; permanent, full-time position.

Qualifications

• Minimum NVQ Level 2 or equivalent relevant to the role.
• Legal right to work in the UK.
• Experience in commercial horticulture or soft fruit production.
• Interest in strawberry and raspberry growing.
• Willingness to work longer hours during peak periods.
• Experience with protected cropping or tunnel growing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support management of strawberry and raspberry crops, monitor growth and performance.
• Assist irrigation, fertigation and crop nutrition programmes.
• Monitor for pests, diseases and crop quality issues, reporting concerns.
• Assist with crop establishment, plant maintenance and seasonal growing activities.
• Monitor growing conditions and help implement crop management plans.
• Support harvest preparation and maintain high standards of fruit quality.
• Keep accurate crop records and contribute ideas to improve yields and production efficiency.

Skills

Horticultural experience

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Organised

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Soft Fruit Grower

Soft Fruit Grower – Strawberries & Raspberries – Perthshire, Scotland – £35,000 + Accommodation

The Job:

An established soft fruit producer in Perthshire is looking for a Soft Fruit Grower to join its growing team, working across commercial strawberry and raspberry production. This is a good opportunity for someone with previous growing experience or a relevant horticultural qualification who is looking to build their career in commercial fruit production. Applications are welcomed from experienced Growers, Assistant Growers and enthusiastic horticultural graduates.

Working alongside senior growers and farm management, you will be involved in all aspects of crop production, from establishment and plant health through to irrigation, fertigation and harvest preparation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the management of strawberry and raspberry crops, monitoring growth, health and overall performance
• Assist with irrigation, fertigation and crop nutrition programmes
• Monitor for pests, diseases and crop quality issues, reporting concerns and supporting appropriate control measures
• Assist with crop establishment, plant maintenance and seasonal growing activities
• Monitor growing conditions and help implement crop management plans
• Support harvest preparation and maintain high standards of fruit quality
• Keep accurate crop records and contribute ideas to improve yields, quality and production efficiency

The Company:

The role is with an established commercial soft fruit business specialising in strawberry and raspberry production. The business uses modern growing methods and focuses on maintaining high standards of crop management and fruit quality.

You will be joining an experienced team, with the opportunity to develop your technical growing knowledge and progress within the business.

The Candidate:

• Previous experience in commercial horticulture or soft fruit production, or a relevant agricultural or horticultural qualification
• A genuine interest in strawberry and raspberry growing, with an understanding of plant health and crop development
• Practical, hands-on approach with good attention to detail and a willingness to learn
• Knowledge of irrigation, fertigation, crop nutrition or pest and disease management would be an advantage
• Organised, with good problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Previous experience with protected cropping, tunnels or substrate growing systems would be beneficial
• Flexible and willing to work additional hours during busy growing and harvesting periods

The Package:

• Salary from £35,000 per annum DOE
• Cottage accommodation available
• Permanent, full-time position
• Monday to Friday during standard operations
• Six-day working week during peak growing and harvesting periods, with overtime
• Opportunity to develop technical skills within commercial soft fruit production
• Long-term career development within an established farming business

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Candidate Requirements

All applicants must hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2, or an equivalent qualification relevant to the role applied for. Candidates must also have the legal right to work in the UK or hold a valid visa permitting employment.