At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in growing and harvesting high-quality watercress while ensuring sustainable practices.
- Company: Vitacress Salads, a leading UK supplier of fresh salads and watercress.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a dynamic environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable farming and contribute to a greener future.
- Qualifications: Experience in crop growing, good communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 30591 - 37389 £ per year.
Hours: 40 per week
Timings: 6:00am - 2:30pm during summer season, 7:00am - 3.30pm during winter season
Location: Vitacress Salads | St. Mary Bourne with some travel when required to our Farms
Salary: £30,591 to £37,389, plus company pension, incentive scheme and other benefits
About the role
Are you passionate about sustainable farming and protecting the natural environment while producing high-quality, fresh crops? Do you want to lead a team in a watercress farm where caring for water quality, biodiversity, and responsible growing practices are at the heart of everything you do here at Vitacress Salads? If you're passionate about agriculture and ready to step into a leadership role within a growing business, then this might be just the role for you.
In this role you'll...
- Supervise the growing, harvesting, and daily operations of our watercress farms
- Lead and support the four farm team, promoting a positive and collaborative working environment
- Carry out and oversee core farming activities such as planting, fertilising, harvesting, bed cleaning, levelling, rolling, and general crop husbandry
- Ensure farm records are accurately maintained, including harvest, fertiliser, and maintenance logs
- Support the implementation of new production methods to improve efficiency and output
- Maintain farm assets, buildings, and growing areas to a high standard ensuring they are tidy, efficient, and weed-free
- Monitor water quality and manage the growing cycle to meet strict environmental and compliance standards
- Ensure all Health & Safety and environmental policies are followed at all times
- Work across multiple sites where required, supporting wider operations
You can do this if you...
- Have previous demonstrable experience in crop growing and farm operations (we will train and develop you in all the specifics of watercress)
- Should be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions as the role requires a good level of physical stamina due to the nature of farm work
- Hold a full UK driving licence (essential) tractor driving experience (advantageous)
- Have good knowledge of crop husbandry and farm practices
- Are confident with record-keeping and the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Bring excellent communication skills, are flexible, proactive, and keen to learn and develop and enjoy working as part of a team
You’ll do this for us...
- Deliver high-quality watercress crops in line with Vitacress standards
- Help drive efficiency and continuous improvement across farm operations
- Ensure compliance with environmental requirements, including EA discharge standards
- Maintain a safe, productive, and well-organised farm environment
- Contribute to a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence
Vitacress Salads Based in leafy St. Mary Bourne, Andover is one of the principal salad and watercress suppliers in the UK. With our own salad leaf farms, we take immense pride in delivering a field to fork operation. We grow, wash, pack and distribute salad and watercress for retailer own brands and our own brand Steve’s Leaves. We take pleasure in ensuring the best possible standard and we will empower you to do the same. From the way we grow our products, to the relationships we maintain with customers, everyone knows exactly what is going on. We are authentic and grounded. At the centre of everything is a trust that you can feel every day at work. From the salads that are grown on site; to the investment in facilities and the growth of the business; to growing and nurturing our talented employees, growing is truly at the heart of what we do. Join us and become a trusted partner in our business.
Agriculture - Watercress Farm Supervisor in Andover employer: AgHires
Vitacress Salads is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque St. Mary Bourne, offering a vibrant work culture centred around sustainability and teamwork. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide comprehensive training in watercress farming and encourage innovation in our practices, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered. Our competitive salary, pension scheme, and focus on maintaining a safe and productive environment make us a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Agriculture - Watercress Farm Supervisor in Andover
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Vitacress Salads. Understand their values, especially around sustainable farming and quality crops. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to farm operations and leadership. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Watercress Farm Supervisor. We want you to feel confident when discussing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, let your enthusiasm for agriculture and sustainable practices shine through. Talk about why you love working outdoors and how you can contribute to maintaining high standards at Vitacress.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Agriculture - Watercress Farm Supervisor in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Agriculture:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sustainable farming shine through. We want to see how much you care about producing high-quality crops and protecting the environment. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your experience in crop growing and farm operations, and don’t forget to mention your teamwork skills. We love seeing candidates who align with our values!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Vitacress Salads!
How to prepare for a job interview at AgHires
✨Know Your Crops
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of watercress and sustainable farming practices. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to maintaining high-quality crops and what methods you've used in the past to ensure crop health.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a potential supervisor, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved a process. Highlight how you can foster a positive and collaborative environment on the farm.
✨Be Prepared for Practical Questions
Expect questions about specific farming activities like planting, harvesting, and record-keeping. Prepare to discuss your experience with these tasks and how you ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility and Team Spirit
Vitacress values teamwork and adaptability. Share experiences that showcase your ability to work well in a team and adapt to changing conditions, especially since the role requires working outdoors in various weather.
