Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the CSA alongside another head grower, managing production and team activities.
- Company: Join School Farm CSA, a vibrant organic market garden focused on community and biodiversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent role with a competitive wage and potential for future increases.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful project that values sustainability and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Must have a strong work ethic, team leadership skills, and at least 1 year of growing experience.
- Other info: Applications close on November 19th; apply early if interested!
Position: Joint head grower
Contract: Permanent
Wage: Real Living wage (currently ÂŁ10.90/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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Joint Head Grower at School Farm CSA, Devon. Starting January 2024. employer: Organic Growers Alliance
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
Familiarize yourself with the principles of organic farming and community-supported agriculture (CSA). Understanding these concepts will not only help you in your role but also show your commitment to the farm's mission during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience and ability to work within a team. Since this is a management role, demonstrating your capacity to lead and collaborate effectively will be crucial in your conversations with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in crop planning and production management. Being able to articulate your past successes and how they can translate to our farm will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with our community before applying. Attend local events or volunteer days if possible, as this will give you insight into our operations and demonstrate your genuine interest in becoming part of School Farm CSA.
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 you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Joint Head Grower position. Highlight your relevant experiences and how they align with the farm's goals.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no more than one page. Clearly describe your interests and experiences that relate to the role. Use specific examples to demonstrate your passion for organic farming and community engagement.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the job. Emphasize your experience in commercial growing, team leadership, and any relevant skills that match the job description. Keep it concise and focused.
Follow Application Instructions: Send your application to the specified email address (info@schoolfarmcsa.org.uk) with the correct subject line ('joint head grower'). Double-check that you have included both your CV and cover letter 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 community engagement. Share specific examples of your experiences that highlight your commitment to sustainable practices and biodiversity.
✨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 about 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 vision for the farm and how you plan to engage with CSA members and the community.
