Market Gardener - Lauriston Farm, Essex in Maldon

We are a community owned, charitable co-operative which practices Social Farming on a certified biodynamic farm on the Blackwater Estuary, near Maldon in Essex. Launched in 2017 and building on thirteen years of development, we provide a wide range of educational opportunities through meaningful work experiences to many people, especially those with a learning disability and/or autism (LDA). We also undertake extensive conservation work through on the farm’s 210 acres which includes rare breed cattle and sheep, laying hens, vegetable growing, woolly crafts and a community kitchen processing produce and providing daily lunches.

Our biodynamic and organic produce is sold locally through markets, weekly deliveries, with local wholesalers and directly from the farm. We also have a volunteering program, host events and workshops, give talks to local interest groups, work closely with Essex County Council, local SEND schools and colleges and The Country Trust. The site is a beautiful, tranquil setting bordered by the blackwater estuary and we are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy. We are a small, person-centred team with a good track record of delivery. During term time, there are around fifty people on the farm each week with over 2,500 social farming day places being offered every year.

This role requires previous experience of a similar role in a busy vegetable growing setting and a keen desire to develop biodynamic growing practices, if not already trained in these methods. Within this role you would join a team of five land workers, covering horticulture and agriculture. The responsibilities of managing the Market Garden are split equally between three individuals, the successful applicant will be one of these three. We are developing collaborative working methods with the aim of enabling individual freedom combined with collective decision making. We are ideally looking for someone to live on the farm in this role but we will also consider other options.

Hours and salary

This is a salaried position based on 40 hours per week however, working hours vary seasonally. The garden is staffed 9am to 5pm, five days per week. Within the working day with a paid 30min tea break and an unpaid lunch break 1-2pm. Weekend work will be required in the garden, weekend markets on a rotated basis plus three weekend trustee meetings plus the AGM each year.

What do we offer?

• The chance to join a community owned charitable co-operative with environmental and social justice at its core.
• Free onsite accommodation
• Competitive total package
• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) per year, entitlement increases with length of employment
• Contributory stakeholder pension
• A supportive and collaborative working environment
• A beautiful and tranquil setting to work
• Salary: £26,437 gross salary, plus accommodation on site (rent, council tax and utility bills are covered by the Society)
• Hours per week / Contract type: Variable seasonal hours from 30-50 per week / Permanent

Requirements

Work Location: In person. Full driving licence, strong recommendation to have own vehicle due to remote location of farm. Ability to commute/relocate to Lauriston Farm, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AH.

Purpose of role

To be part of the land working team at Lauriston Farm with specific responsibilities for growing, poly tunnels, some outdoor crops sown with Jang seeder, compost, and overseeing other land workers, volunteers or otherwise. Supporting the land team in other general farm activities such as livestock checks and general farm maintenance. Taking an active role in the development and holding of Lauriston’s anthroposophically inspired, social farming community, supporting people with a learning disability and/or autism. The ideal candidate will thrive in an ever-evolving environment, demonstrating flexibility, resilience, and adaptability.

To apply

To apply, please send your current CV, along with a letter of application detailing how you match the person specification, by midnight 09/02/2026 to Hattie White (Operations Manager) hittie@lauristonfarm.co.uk with the title Market Gardener Application. Interviews will start in week commencing 16th February 2026 with a start date in March. For further information please contact Hattie White (Operations Manager) hittie@lauristonfarm.co.uk or 01621 788348. Interview will have 2 parts, the first involving typical interview questions and the second involve a practical part in the garden.