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- Tasks: Lead and manage a vibrant organic market garden while engaging with the community.
- Company: Join School Farm CSA, a passionate team dedicated to sustainable farming on The Dartington Estate.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible 4-day work week, competitive pay, and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven farm that values biodiversity 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 19th November; apply early as we may hire sooner!
The predicted salary is between 13656 - 14592 £ per year.
Position: Joint head grower
Contract: Permanent
Wage: Real Living wage (currently £10.90/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 info@schoolfarmcsa.org.uk 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.
Joint Head Grower at School Farm CSA, Devon. Starting January 2024. employer: Organic Growers Alliance
Contact Detail:
Organic Growers Alliance Recruiting Team
info@schoolfarmcsa.org.uk
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
Familiarise yourself with the principles of organic farming and community-supported agriculture (CSA). Understanding these concepts will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the mission of School Farm CSA.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local farmers or join agricultural groups in Devon. Building connections within the farming community can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in a commercial growing setting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed crops, led teams, or engaged with volunteers, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your enthusiasm for community engagement by thinking of ideas for events or initiatives that could benefit the CSA. Presenting these ideas during your interview can demonstrate your commitment to the farm's growth and community involvement.
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 applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Joint Head Grower position. Familiarise yourself with the farm's mission, values, and operations to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be no more than one page and clearly outline how your interests and experiences align with the role. Highlight your passion for organic farming, leadership skills, and any relevant commercial growing experience.
Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and tailored to the position. Emphasise your experience in commercial growing, team leadership, and any relevant skills that demonstrate your ability to manage a CSA effectively.
Follow Application Instructions: When submitting your application, ensure you follow the instructions precisely. Send your CV and cover letter to the specified email address with the correct subject line to avoid any issues with your application being overlooked.
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 sustainable practices during the interview. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to biodiversity and community engagement, as these are key values for School Farm CSA.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this is a management role, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team or facilitated volunteer groups in the past, showcasing your ability to motivate and manage others effectively.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions related to 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, demonstrating your practical experience in a commercial growing setting.
✨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 through newsletters and farm tours.
