[Lucas Ashland]

Lucas Ashland

21/03/2023 at 4:14 pm #81983

The Assistant grower will be assisting with all aspects of organic vegetable and orchard growing. This includes propagation, polytunnel, outdoor, and tractor-based field scale production. There are opportunities for work on the wider farm in the winter such as building, working with sheep or chickens, tree maintenance and hedging and general farm work.

Timing: The role will be full-time, beginning as soon as possible, and be year-round with less hours on the vegetable and orchard in the winter.

Experience: A minimum of one year working with a commercial vegetable operation. The applicant must be physically fit with the ability to work quickly in all weather conditions. A driver’s licence is a plus. We are looking for someone who is passionate about organic growing and is keen to learn more. The applicant must be a fast learner who has a base of growing skills. They should be self-motivated and able to work alone with minimal instruction.

Location: Radford Mill Farm outside of Timsbury, Somerset.

Accommodation: On-site accommodation is available. More information about this during the interview process.

Wages: £10.50 PAYE inc. statutory holiday pay, sick pay, and pension contributions.

Please send a cover letter, CV, and references to Lucas at radfordmillveg@gmail.com.

Full Job Description:

Context: Radford Mill Farm is an organic farm of 115 acres, the majority of which is currently used for grazing and hay. The farm has been certified organic for 45 years and we are focused on increasing biodiversity and soil health while producing delicious and nutritious food for the local community.

For 2023 there will be 700m2 in polytunnel production, 1/2 acre of outdoor salad production, and 1 acre of tractor-based field scale production. In addition we have an apple orchard and fruit field. We also have a juicing operation and are working on building apple cider vinegar production.

Produce is sold through our own Farm Shop in Bristol and other outlets as well as a small box scheme that we will be expanding this year. Turkeys are raised for Christmas and there is a small flock of sheep. There are also a number of other small businesses which lease land or workshops on the farm.The farm also runs events, including catering for 3 small music festivals, various parties, weddings and camps.

The Position:
The Assistant Grower will be working as part of a small team responsible for the vegetable and orchard production working under the instruction of the Head Grower. They will be assisting in all aspects of organic vegetable production including propagation, polytunnels, tractor-based field scale production, and the pack room, along with some infrastructure & maintenance activities.

There will also be work maintaining and harvesting in the orchard and agroforestry fields. During the winter months while there is less work with the vegetables and apples, there will be opportunity to work on the wider-farm activities to keep full-time employment year round.

We are looking to expand the field scale production and intensify the polytunnel production and grow the overall business. This job has room for growth and to take on more responsibility in the coming years.

There is a loose-knit community working on the farm so the ideal candidate would be interested in a long-term commitment and to live on the farm and become a part of our community.