Senior Grower Position – Part Time – Lovebrook CIC

Organic Growers Alliance; Time; On-site; NOK 371,000 - 409,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal veg supply

No accommodation on site

Job summary

Lovebrook CIC in the South Downs is seeking an experienced senior grower to co-lead the chemical-free, no-dig market garden as it enters its fifth growing season. The role is dynamic and involves sharing knowledge within a vibrant community.

This part-time, self-employed position (2.5 days per week) offers a salary of £29-32k pro rata depending on experience, with scope for extension. You’ll manage planning, harvesting, packing, and workplace safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of commercial growing experience.
• Understanding of organic/agroecological farming principles.
• Strong organisational skills and time management.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Understanding of farm health and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Co-managing the 1 acre no-dig market garden and 2 polytunnels.
• Crop planning, propagation, production, harvest, packing, and records.
• Manage stock for veg box, wholesale, shop and local markets.
• Lead the Tuesday community volunteer session.
• Oversee onsite workaway guests workflow.
• Maintain rotations, soil fertility, biodiversity.
• Maintain polytunnel, equipment and ordering farm supplies.
• Ensure health and safety practices are followed.

Skills

Commercial growing

Organic farming

Time management

Team work

Health & safety

Job description

Senior Grower Position - Part Time - Lovebrook CIC

Average 2.5 days per week

£29-32k pro rata, depending on experience

Lovebrook is a for-benefit organisation based across thirty three acres in the beautiful South Downs village of Kingston. This ambitious project includes regenerative farm & forest garden, therapeutic work, community volunteer days, trainee farmers course, farm shop, veg box scheme, camping and a programme of rewilding and tree planting. We are a non-profit organisation, and a platform for a transition to a fairer, decentralised and ecological future. Our focus is on regenerative practices, and the wellbeing of people and planet.

We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced senior grower to take the lead alongside our current senior grower, on the chemical-free, no-dig market garden as we move into our fifth growing season. It is a dynamic and diverse role, with the opportunity to put many skills into practice. You will have good experience of organic and agro-ecological market gardening, be comfortable working in a vibrant community environment, and have a desire to share your knowledge with others who are interested in regenerative food systems.

Responsibilities Include

• Co-managing the already existing 1 acre, no-dig market garden, including 2 polytunnels.
• Includes crop planning, propagation, production, harvest, packing, record keeping
• Managing quantities and varieties for sale to our veg box customers, wholesale partners, honesty shop and local markets
• Co-leading the Tuesday morning community volunteer session, ensuring everyone can participate in a way that is comfortable and beneficial
• Overseeing the workflow of our onsite workaway guests
• Maintaining rotations, building soil fertility and biodiversity on site.
• Maintaining polytunnel, equipment & ordering farm supplies
• Ensuring health and safety practices are in place and being followed

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 2 years commercial growing experience
• Understanding of organic and agroecological farming principles and practices
• Good organisational skills, including time management and ability to prioritise
• Ability to work on own initiative and collaboratively as part of team
• Understanding of health and safety practices on a farm

Location

The farm is in a great location for accessing the surrounding vibrant towns of Brighton (7 miles) and Lewes (2 miles), both of which are easily accessible by train, cycle, bus or beautiful South Downs walks.

Details

This is a part time, self employed position (2.5 days per week) involving more days in spring/summer, and less during the winter.

It will initially be a one year agreement with the potential for extension.

Salary is £29-32k p/a, depending on experience.

Benefits

• A personal supply of veg is available
• There is no accommodation on site

Start date - ideally January 2025 on a 1 day per week schedule (Tuesdays)

Building up to 2.5 or 3 days by March 2026 (to include Fridays)