At a Glance
- Tasks: Mix fertilisers, maintain irrigation systems, and support hygiene operations during night shifts.
- Company: Join a B-Corp certified vertical farm transforming sustainable food production.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, annual bonus, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth into senior roles within agronomy or operations.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making a real impact on sustainable farming.
- Qualifications: Reliability, attention to detail, and a hands-on approach are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About Us
We’re on a mission to change the world by growing better. As a B-Corp certified, energy-saving, sustainably powered vertical farm, we’re transforming the way food is grown—creating delicious, nutritious, and affordable produce that doesn’t cost the earth. At our core, we believe in:
- Standing Tall – We do what we say we’re going to do. We take pride in our work.
- Thinking Big – We embrace bold ambitions while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
- Growing Together – We’re one team, collaborating and challenging each other to unlock our full potential.
- Being Deep Rooted – We do the right thing, even when no one is looking. We care about people, the planet, and our business.
Your Role
This is a hands-on technical role at the heart of our growing operation. While the day team sleeps, you'll be keeping our systems running smoothly - mixing fertilisers, maintaining irrigation infrastructure, checking sensors, and supporting our hygiene and engineering teams through the night. You don't need to be an agronomist. What matters is that you're methodical, reliable, and comfortable working independently. We'll give you the technical training you need.
Location: Sandwich, Kent — on-site. This is not a remote role.
Hours: Night shift 2230-0730, Wednesday - Monday
Who you’ll be working with
You'll sit within the Agronomy team and report to the Head of Agronomy & Research. Your first point of contact during the shift will be the Lead Agronomy Technician (via written handover and phone) and the on-site Night Engineer. Escalation beyond these contacts goes to the Head of Agronomy & Research. You'll also work alongside the Hygiene team during the night, supporting their operations where your tasks overlap.
What you’ll be doing
- Fertiliser Mixing & Fertigation 30% - Mix and prepare nutrient solutions to specification, following GrowUp formulation protocols. Monitor nutrient tank levels and prepare batches in advance of daily requirements. Record all mixing activity accurately, including EC and pH readings at the point of mixing. Replace acid barrels as scheduled or when requested by the agronomy team. Escalate any anomalies in nutrient concentrations or system behaviour to the Lead Agronomy Technician.
- Irrigation Maintenance & Sensor Checks 35% - Clean and maintain irrigation filters throughout the shift - at least twice per night or as required. Carry out EC and pH sensor checks across irrigation zones, logging readings and flagging deviations from target. Check redox sensors and record readings, escalating any out-of-range values promptly. Identify and report faults, blockages, or system anomalies to the Lead Agronomy Technician or Night Engineer. Support routine maintenance tasks on irrigation infrastructure as directed. Maintain accurate logs for all checks and interventions completed during the shift.
- Hygiene Support 20% - Work alongside the Hygiene team during the night to support cleaning and sanitisation tasks as required. Assist with bench and tray washing operations, following GrowUp hygiene protocols. Ensure agronomic storage and work areas are kept clean and well-organised throughout the shift. Follow all relevant SOPs for cleaning chemistry handling and personal protective equipment.
- Data Recording & Handover 15% - Complete all required records during the shift - system checks, sensor readings, and any interventions. Ensure records are accurate, on time, and meet the required standard. Prepare a clear and thorough written handover for the incoming day team. Flag any data anomalies, unresolved issues, or escalations clearly in the handover notes.
Throughout your shift, you'll be encouraged to ask questions, flag anything unusual, and think about how your work connects to the bigger picture of growing great produce.
What skills you should have
We’re looking for someone who is deep rooted, passionate about people, the planet, and (of course) leafy greens — someone who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.
Must have skills:
- Practical, hands-on approach - you're comfortable being on your feet and working in a physical environment throughout the shift.
- Reliability and punctuality - the operation depends on you showing up and getting it done.
- Attention to detail - whether mixing a nutrient solution to spec or catching a sensor reading that's drifted out of range.
- Clear communication - confident flagging issues and completing accurate handover notes.
- Comfortable working independently overnight, following clear processes and protocols.
- Physically fit and able to lift 25kg.
- GCSE pass in English and Maths.
- Fluency in English.
Nice to have skills:
- Experience in a production, horticultural, agricultural, or food manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with irrigation systems, fertigation, or nutrient delivery.
- Experience using digital monitoring, data recording, or farm management tools.
- Basic understanding of chemical handling - fertilisers, acids, or cleaning chemistry - in an operational context.
What success looks like in this role
- 3 months in – You know the shift routines inside out, your records are accurate and on time, and you're completing fertiliser mixing, sensor checks, and irrigation maintenance confidently and independently.
- 6 months in – Your sensor logs are consistent, your handovers are thorough, and the day team knows they can rely on what you've recorded. You have a solid understanding of how our irrigation and nutrient systems work.
- 12 months in – You're a trusted, reliable presence on nights. Your knowledge of our systems is growing, you're supporting the hygiene team effectively, and the day agronomists are spending less time on reactive system tasks because of your work.
Interview Process
We believe in a transparent and streamlined hiring process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Talent Screen – An initial video call with our People Partner.
- Hiring Manager Interview – A deep dive over Teams into your experience and role fit.
- On-site Interview – Meet the team, explore our site, and complete a practical task.
- Leadership Interview – A final conversation with a member of our senior team.
- Offer – If successful, we’ll make a verbal offer, followed by a written one.
What’s in it for you?
We believe in standing tall by offering opportunities that allow you to grow, thrive, and be recognised for your contributions. Be part of a pioneering business – Join one of the fastest-growing and most exciting teams in the vertical farming industry. Work with a team that’s rooted in purpose – Collaborate with people who care deeply about our mission and each other. Cultivate your own growth – Develop your career with learning opportunities and hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment. Make an impact – Help drive change for good as part of a B-Corp certified company leading sustainable innovation. Flexibility – We work with everyone to ensure they have the balance they need to do their best work. Hybrid working – If you're near our Sandwich site, we’d love for you to spend at least two days a week in the office. Travel to other sites may be required and is reimbursed.
Package & Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Annual bonus (discretionary) based on company, team, and personal performance
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Death in service (x2 annual salary)
- Learning Portal – via Alchemy
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Referral Bonus – Get £500 for every successful hire you refer!
We believe in growing together, ensuring everyone in our team has the opportunity to thrive. This role offers a progression route into more senior leadership within agronomy or operations, depending on aptitude and business growth. The Lead Agronomy Technician will be encouraged to grow skills in planning, data use, and technical systems.
Equal Opportunity
Our team is the most valuable part of our business – our success is defined by the brilliant and enthusiastic people we employ. We’re committed to equal employment opportunities and providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join our mission.
This Job Description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job tasks and you will be expected to carry out any reasonable duties or requests not included above.
Night Shift Multi-skilled Farm Operative employer: GrowUp Farms
Join a pioneering B-Corp certified vertical farm in Sandwich, Kent, where we are committed to sustainable innovation and growing better food for the planet. As a Night Shift Multi-skilled Farm Operative, you'll be part of a collaborative team that values your contributions and offers ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Shift Multi-skilled Farm Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research our mission and values, especially how we focus on sustainability and teamwork. This will help you connect with us during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of our journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your hands-on skills! Since this role is all about practical tasks like mixing fertilisers and maintaining irrigation systems, brush up on any relevant experience you have. If you can demonstrate your comfort in a physical environment, it’ll really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your problem-solving skills! We love team players who can think on their feet. Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in past roles, especially in fast-paced or technical environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Pepperness and contribute to our mission of growing better.
We think you need these skills to ace Night Shift Multi-skilled Farm Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for sustainability and teamwork.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific tasks from the job description that excite you, like fertiliser mixing or irrigation maintenance.
Show Your Reliability:Since this role is all about being dependable, emphasise your reliability and punctuality in your application. Share examples of how you've consistently shown up and got the job done in previous roles.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points if needed, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at GrowUp Farms
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, get familiar with the basics of vertical farming and the specific tasks you'll be doing, like fertiliser mixing and irrigation maintenance. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Reliability
Since this role requires a lot of independence during night shifts, emphasise your reliability and punctuality. Share examples from past experiences where you’ve demonstrated these traits, especially in physically demanding environments.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice how you’ll communicate issues and handover notes. Clear communication is key in this role, so think of scenarios where you had to flag problems or work collaboratively with a team. Being articulate will set you apart.
✨Ask Questions
During the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the team dynamics and the systems used. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team’s success.
