Salary: £26,000 – 28,000 (Dependent on experience)
Hours: 37.5 hrs per week
Holiday entitlement: 32 days pro rata (including Bank Holidays)
To apply: email your CV & covering letter to: secretary- apsc@bordehill.co.uk
If you are in employment, please include your current notice period.
About Borde Hill
Borde Hill (BH) is a Grade II* listed English Heritage Garden set within 383 acres of Parkland and Woodland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Created in the early 1900’s with plants gathered by the great plant hunters, the Estate contains over 70 champion trees and 8,000 trees and shrubs listed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. The Stephenson Clarke family have been custodians of Borde Hill for five generations, and are at a stage of generational change that will see new energy, opportunities, and ideas aimed at broadening our visitor demographic.
You and Your Role
An exciting new opportunity has arisen to join the Borde Hill team to manage our new 4 acre biodynamic market garden – The Growers Project. We are looking for a passionate grower to work on establishing and transforming the site to produce seasonal fruit and vegetables which will supply the new restaurant, café, and farm shop planned to open at The Stables at Borde Hill. You will work closely with the Senior Kitchen Gardener and restaurant Chef to bring the new food vision to life. It is key that you have knowledge of growing produce on a large scale, along with strong organizational and communication skills.
Knowledge, skills and experience needed:
(Please provide evidence in your Covering Letter and CV)
You will have the following responsibilities:
• Line manage a small team including staff, volunteers, and students.
• Be responsible for all aspects of care for the land, the growing and harvesting of crops including: effective rotations, composting, fertility building, weed control, pest and disease management, and mechanisation.
• Adhere to and develop the cropping plan and sowing/planting schedule, to ensure produce is varied and sustained throughout the year.
• Work within the standards of Demeter and attend annual inspections, preparing all of the paperwork and keeping records of BD spraying activities.
• Set fair market prices for each product by cross-checking other similar operations and adjusting when necessary.
• Communicate and plan ahead with the Chef and Senior Walled Gardener on crops to be grown as well as determining supply and demand.
• Manage annual budgets for growing.
• Manage the sale of crops, ensuring efficient use of receipts and working with the Accounts team for invoicing.
Essential Selection Criteria Skills required:
• A strong understanding of organic/biodynamic propagation, seed sowing, and crop rotations.
• A passion for biodynamic growing and experience of growing fruits, vegetables, and salad crops in a recognised establishment.
• The variable and dynamic nature of this role requires a flexible approach to working out of regular hours as required.
• Excellent communication is key in order to work collaboratively and effectively with the Chef and Senior Walled Gardener.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, or sexual orientation.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Grower- Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Organic Growers Alliance often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Organic Growers Alliance does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Organic Growers Alliance will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Organic Growers Alliance.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Organic Growers Alliance.
