At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to assist with growing organic vegetables and farm activities.
- Company: Sandy Lane Farm, a family-run organic farm in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Enjoy a weekly organic veg box and 10% discount in our farm shop.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great team spirit, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in sustainable farming while working outdoors and learning new skills.
- Qualifications: Some growing experience and a passion for organic farming are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 26500 € per year.
Location: Sandy Lane Farm, Sandy Lane, Tiddington OX9 2LA
Start Date: Beginning April 2026
Employment Type: Full time, 1 yr fixed term with opportunity to extend.
Salary: £26.5k
Hours and Schedule: On a rota basis; a few hours on the weekend once a month during March – September. Time off in lieu is exchanged. Assisting with on‑farm open days and events offers paid overtime but is not required.
Holiday Entitlement: 28 days (including bank holidays), pro rata.
Benefits: Weekly organic veg box & 10% staff discount in the farm shop.
About Us: Sandy Lane Farm is a 100‑acre certified organic family‑run business. Our main focus is on growing and selling organic vegetables, but we also have a small flock of sheep, pigs for meat, and laying hens. We sell our veg through our thriving veg box scheme, an onsite shop, a market in Oxford every other week and some wholesale into Oxford colleges through the OxfarmtoFork scheme. We have an ethos of good communication, teamwork, efficiency and mucking in. We like to look at how we work from minor processes to overall systems to see how we can improve our work as well as celebrating the successes we have achieved as a team. Building a sustainable business, supporting our community and the land on which we grow.
Role: This role is part of the growing team and will assist other members of the growing team with activities required throughout the week. The growing team consists of 5 full‑time and 1 two‑day a week worker. You will report to the Head Grower Market Garden.
Weekly Schedule Overview:
- Monday – Market Garden Harvest/jobs (spring/summer), Field Harvest/Field jobs (autumn/winter)
- Tuesday – Market Garden Harvest/jobs and bagging for boxes
- Wednesday – Market Garden Harvest and packing boxes.
- Thursday & Friday – Market Garden jobs primarily, Field jobs at some points of the year. Routine harvests in Market Garden when required. Harvest for Market every other Friday as required.
Responsibilities:
- Harvesting in the Field and Market Garden as required.
- Assisting Head Grower Market Garden with all aspects of growing – propagation, planting, weeding, maintenance, etc. in the Market Garden.
- Assisting Head Grower Field Scale with jobs in the Field – planting, weeding, net moving, etc.
- Assist with bagging and box packing as required on Tuesday and Wednesday, under instruction from Veg box manager.
- Assist with bagging for Shop and Market on Wednesday – Friday as required.
Candidate Requirements:
- 1 season growing experience with a general understanding of propagation, planting, weeding, harvesting and other basic market garden skills.
- A genuine interest in organic growing principles, our farm, sustainability & the local food movement.
- A desire to do a job well – caring about quality, speed, efficiency, the farm environment or teamwork.
- Good communication & team‑working skills.
- Happy to get stuck in and be flexible.
- A positive, solution‑focused, can‑do attitude.
- Ability to work outside in all weathers all year round.
- Willingness and ability to use Google Sheets in line with our box packing software, WhatsApp and Trello (task management app).
Applications: Deadline for applications will be the end of January 2026, but the position may be filled prior to this if the right candidate is found. Interviews will be held in February 2026.
Assistant Grower at Sandy Lane Farm, Oxfordshire. employer: Organic Growers Alliance
Sandy Lane Farm is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture rooted in teamwork and sustainability. Employees enjoy benefits such as a weekly organic veg box, a 10% discount in the farm shop, and ample opportunities for personal growth within a supportive family-run environment. Located in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, this role not only allows you to contribute to organic farming but also fosters a strong connection with the local community and the land.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Grower at Sandy Lane Farm, Oxfordshire.
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Sandy Lane Farm! Research their values and what they stand for. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about organic farming and sustainability.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since teamwork is key at Sandy Lane, be ready to share examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. We want to see that you can muck in and contribute positively to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to get your hands dirty! If you have any experience in growing or working outdoors, bring it up. Show us that you’re not afraid of hard work and that you’re excited about the role of Assistant Grower.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Sandy Lane Farm. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Grower at Sandy Lane Farm, Oxfordshire.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Organic Growing:When writing your application, let us know why you're genuinely interested in organic farming and sustainability. Share any experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to these principles – we love to see that enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any previous growing experience you have, even if it's just one season. Detail the skills you've picked up along the way, like propagation or harvesting, so we can see how you'd fit into our team.
Be Yourself!:We value good communication and teamwork, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. A positive, can-do attitude goes a long way, and we want to get to know the real you!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and gives you a chance to showcase your interest in joining our farm family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨Know Your Organic Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of organic growing principles. Be ready to discuss your experience with propagation, planting, and harvesting. Showing genuine interest in sustainability and local food movements will definitely impress them!
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Since this role is all about working as part of a team, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your good communication skills and your ability to muck in when needed. They want someone who can fit into their family-run ethos!
✨Flexibility is Key
Be prepared to talk about your willingness to work outside in all weathers and your flexibility with hours. Mention any past experiences where you adapted to changing conditions or schedules, as this will show you're ready for the varied tasks at Sandy Lane Farm.
✨Get Tech-Savvy
Familiarise yourself with Google Sheets, WhatsApp, and Trello before the interview. Being comfortable with these tools will demonstrate that you're ready to handle the tech side of the job. You might even want to mention how you've used similar tools in previous roles!
