Assistant Head Grower - Tadley, United Kingdom - Ewhurst Park

Description

Role:

ASSISTANT HEAD GROWER
Hours: 40 hours per week. Some weekend availability.


Pay:
£ 26-29k per annum.


Start Date:
As soon as possible.


Address:
Ewhurst Park

Ramsdell

Tadley

RG26 5RG

We are recruiting an
ASSISTANT HEAD GROWER to help develop and maintain the fruit and veg production at Ewhurst Park.

The estate:

Ewhurst Park is a 350 hectare rural property that has initiated an estate wide biodiversity and sustainability project. Our goal is to restore land for nature while growing healthy and ethically produced organic food.

We aim to inspire people to reconnect with the land, nature, and sources of food through community engagement, organised education and hospitality events.

The farm:

The farm, currently undergoing organic conversion, will grow a wide range of fruit, veg, herbs and cut flowers utilising agroecological methods.

We will be developing a space that integrates wildlife habitat and cropping areas whilst utilising efficient tools and intensive growing systems to maintain high productivity and a reduced footprint.

The site is 4.5 acres, is currently deer fenced and has planning approval for agricultural buildings that will service the space.

This year we will be establishing:

• Vital infrastructure for the production and distribution of high quality ethically produced food, including amongst others, an automated irrigation system, covered cropping areas and an efficient wash and pack area.
• An agroforestry system comprising 15 field blocks divided by perennial fruiting trees and shrubs for both cropping and beneficial wildlife habitat. These field blocks will comprise permanent, raised, nodig beds (a total annual cropping area of 1.5 acres).
• A traditional orchard.
• Areas designated solely for wildlife habitat.
• A forest garden intended as a shared space for medium cropping productivity and wildlife.

Future projects will include the addition of larger covered cropping areas.


About the role:

The
ASSISTANT HEAD GROWER will, with support from the Head Grower, have shared responsibility for all hands-on aspects of fruit and veg production including the guidance and leadership of the junior members of the growing team.

They will be required to set a high, yet sustainable, rate of work and help foster a supportive and encouraging work environment where both the team and business can thrive.

Although we will make use of modern tools and equipment, human scale veg production requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and a willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

About you:

You will have demonstrated experience in many of the following areas:

• Propagation of a wide variety of crops.
• Fieldwork: Bed prep, transplanting and direct drilling.
• Crop observation for early pest and disease identification.
• Pruning, training, and general care to maximise plant health and yield.
• Harvesting with a focus on both efficiency and quality.
• Compost management.
• Habitat creation and management for beneficial wildlife.
• Pest management through soil and crop health, intercropping, netting and beneficial insect introductions.
• Proficiency with a wide range of specialist implements, machinery and market gardening tools.
• Irrigation and water use management.
• Nodig or mínimal tillage systems.
• Organic and/or agroecological growing systems.
• Management, guidance and training of junior growers, apprentices and volunteers.
• Data collection and recording.
• Competence using Microsoft excel or similar spreadsheet software.
• Direct sales, customer interactions and farm tours.
• Electronic point of sale software.

Above all you will have a passion for organic, agro-ecological growing and the delicious, nutrient dense food it produces.

What we can offer you:

• A competitive salary.
• Opportunity for career growth and development.
• Access to the country's top specialists in various areas of food production and nature recovery.
• Paid education opportunities.
• Attendance to relevant conferences and events.
• Access to free/discounted fruit and veg.
• A supportive and respectful work environment.
• The chance to be part of developing a farm from the soil up and the opportunity to implement your own ideas and leave your mark on the project.

Job Types:
Full-time, Permanent


Salary:
£26,000.00-£29,000.00 per year


Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Onsite parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Work Location:
In person

Application deadline: 12/04/2024