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- Tasks: Lead and manage a vibrant organic market garden while engaging with the community.
- Company: Join School Farm CSA, a thriving organic farm dedicated to sustainability and community building.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 4-day work week, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact in local food production and biodiversity.
- Qualifications: Must have a strong work ethic, team leadership skills, and at least 1 year of growing experience.
- Other info: Applications close on 19th November; apply early as we may hire sooner!
The predicted salary is between 17000 - 22000 £ per year.
Position: Joint head grower
Contract: Permanent
Wage: Real Living wage (currently £10.90/hr, due to go up April 2024)
Hours: 4 days / week (30 hours)
Starting: January 2024
School Farm CSA is a 3 acre organic market garden situated on The Dartington Estate. The business was founded in 2012 and is structured as a CIC. The principle activity of the farm is to produce for approximately 100 veg shares each week for our CSA members. Machinery is limited to a 2 wheel BCS tractor. Alongside this, we run a weekly volunteer day and put on seasonal events. The farm sustains its core activity through veg sales, independent of grant funding. In short, we aim to be an efficient and productive market garden which places a high priority on biodiversity, and also engages in community building.
This is a management role as much as it is a grower’s role. The successful applicant will be responsible for running the CSA alongside the other head grower. We are looking for someone who has long term aspirations in the role, is willing to bring a high level of commitment, and is up for engaging in the project deeply to see it go from strength to strength. After a 6 month review, the successful applicant will become a Director, alongside the current team of 6.
In addition to the main work of growing, exact responsibilities will be established through discussion with the other head grower, but may include:
- Overseeing all aspects of production from crop planning to leading the harvest
- Creating budgets and business plans, and bookkeeping
- Planning work schedules, and managing other members of the team
- Facilitating volunteer groups, and giving farm tours
- Writing newsletters to CSA members and general communications
- Overseeing maintenance of infrastructure
- Putting on farm open days
In short, a diverse skill set is required. The pay is currently at the Real Living Wage. We hope the farm will be able to support wage increases in the future to reflect the skills and dedication that is required for the job. The new joint head grower will be an active part of developing ways to increase farm income to support this.
Essential skills/experiences:
- A strong work ethic, and a real passion for the work
- Willingness to lead a team, and capacity to work in a team
- Good communication skills
- Experience as a grower within a commercial setting (minimum 1 year)
Applications: Please send to with subject: “joint head grower” including a CV and cover letter (maximum 1 page) describing how your interests and experience are relevant to the role.
Deadline for applications: Sunday 19th November. We reserve the right to close applications early if we feel we have found the right person ahead of the deadline.
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Contact Detail:
Organic Growers Alliance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Joint Head Grower at School Farm CSA, Devon. Starting January 2024.
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of organic farming and community-supported agriculture (CSA). Understanding these concepts will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the mission of School Farm CSA.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local farmers or join agricultural groups in Devon. Building connections within the farming community can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've successfully managed teams in previous roles. This position requires strong team management skills, so having specific examples ready will demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with School Farm CSA's online presence. Follow them on social media, attend any public events they host, and interact with their content. This shows your enthusiasm for the farm and helps you understand their community better.
We think you need these skills to ace Joint Head Grower at School Farm CSA, Devon. Starting January 2024.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Joint Head Grower position. Understand the responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Craft a Tailored CV: Create a CV that highlights your relevant experience in commercial growing, team leadership, and communication skills. Make sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your passion for organic farming and community engagement.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are interested in the role and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Keep it concise (maximum 1 page) and ensure it reflects your enthusiasm for the position and the mission of School Farm CSA.
Follow Application Instructions: When submitting your application, ensure you use the correct subject line 'joint head grower' and send it to the specified email address. Double-check that all documents are attached and formatted correctly before hitting send.
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨Show Your Passion for Organic Farming
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for organic farming and sustainable practices during the interview. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to biodiversity and community engagement, as these are key values for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this is a management role, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight any experience you have in managing volunteers or coordinating group activities.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to crop planning, budgeting, and production management. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas and be ready to discuss how you would approach these tasks at School Farm CSA.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Good communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing your previous experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the joint head grower position.
