[Hannah Weller]

Hannah Weller

27/09/2024 at 12:50 pm #85979

Lead Grower Position – Part Time
Lovebrook CIC, Kingston, Lewes, East Sussex

Average 2.5 days per week – more in summer, less in winter
£26k-29k pro rata, depending on experience
http://www.lovebrook.org

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 bag 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 head grower to take the lead on the chemical-free, no-dig market garden as we move into our fourth growing season. It is a dynamic and diverse role, with the opportunity to put many skills into practice. It includes involvement in the wide range of community activities that have the market garden at their core – including a thriving veg bag scheme, farmers markets, community volunteer days, training courses and more. 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.

Lead Responsibilities Include:

– Managing the already existing 1 acre, no-dig market garden, including 1 polytunnel – to include planning, propagation, crop production, harvest, packing, record keeping
– Managing quantities and varieties for sale to our veg bag customers, wholesale partners, honesty shop and local markets
– Leading the community volunteer sessions, ensuring everyone can participate in a way that is comfortable and beneficial for them
– Overseeing the workflow of our onsite workaway/woofer guests
– Developing and improving the infrastructure and functionality of the market garden.
– Managing rotations, building soil fertility and biodiversity on site.
– Maintaining polytunnel, equipment & ordering farm supplies in accordance with farm budgets
– Ensuring Health and Safety practices are in place and being followed
– Welcoming visitors and volunteers to the site, and contributing to open days and events

Essential Requirements:

● Minimum 2 years commercial growing experience
● Understanding of organic and agroecological farming principles and practices
● Experience working with volunteers
● Good organisational skills, including time management and ability to prioritise
● Ability to work on own initiative and collaboratively as part of team
● Experience with budgeting, finance and farm admin
● Ability to use Excel & Word
● Comprehensive knowledge of health and safety practices on a farm

Our commitments:
We are committed to stewarding the land in line with regenerative, low/no till organic practices, helping to create an inclusive and accessible healthy local food system, and sharing the benefits of nature with those that might not otherwise access it.

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 position (2.5 days per week) involving more days in spring/summer, and less during the winter.
It will initially be a one year contract with the potential for extension.
Salary is £26-29k p/a, depending on experience.
A personal supply of veg is available
There is no accommodation on site
Start date – ideally November 2024 on a 1 day per week handover schedule with outgoing staff – building up to 3 days a week by March

How to apply:

Please email Hannah Weller with a covering letter and cv.
hannah@lovebrook.org
Interviews will be held from mid October