At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our no-dig market garden and manage community volunteer sessions.
- Company: Lovebrook CIC, a non-profit focused on regenerative farming and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal supply of veg, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Part-time role with potential for extension and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make a real impact on sustainable food systems.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years of commercial growing experience and knowledge of organic practices.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 31000 £ per year.
Lovebrook is a for‑benefit organisation based across thirty three acres in the beautiful South Downs village of Kingston. This ambitious project includes regenerative farm & forest garden, therapeutic work, community volunteer days, trainee farmers course, farm shop, veg box scheme, camping and a programme of rewilding and tree planting. We are a non‑profit organisation, and a platform for a transition to a fairer, decentralised and ecological future. Our focus is on regenerative practices, and the wellbeing of people and planet.
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and experienced senior grower to take the lead alongside our current growers on the chemical‑free, no‑dig market garden as we move into our fifth growing season. It is a dynamic and diverse role, with the opportunity to put many skills into practice. You will have good experience of organic and agro‑ecological market gardening, be comfortable working in a vibrant community environment, and have a desire to share your knowledge with others who are interested in regenerative food systems.
Responsibilities
- Managing the already existing 1 acre, no‑dig market garden, including 1 polytunnel.
- Crop planning, propagation, production, harvest, packing, record keeping.
- Managing quantities and varieties for sale to our veg box customers, wholesale partners, honesty shop and local markets.
- Co‑leading the Tuesday morning community volunteer session, ensuring everyone can participate in a way that is comfortable and beneficial for them.
- Overseeing the workflow of our onsite workaway guests.
- Maintaining rotations, building soil fertility and biodiversity on site.
- Maintaining polytunnel, equipment & ordering farm supplies.
- Ensuring health and safety practices are in place and being followed.
- Welcoming visitors and volunteers to the site, and contributing to open days.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 2 years commercial growing experience.
- Understanding of organic and agroecological farming principles and practices.
- Good organisational skills, including time management and ability to prioritise.
- Ability to work on own initiative and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Understanding of health and safety practices on a farm.
Our commitments
We are committed to stewarding the land in line with regenerative, low/no till organic practices, helping to create an inclusive and accessible healthy local food system, and sharing the benefits of nature with those that might not otherwise access it.
Location
The farm is in a great location for accessing the surrounding vibrant towns of Brighton (7 miles) and Lewes (2 miles), both of which are easily accessible by train, cycle, bus or beautiful South Downs walks.
Details
This is a part time, self‑employed position (2.5 days per week) involving more days in spring/summer, and less during the winter. It will initially be a one year agreement with the potential for extension. Salary is £29‑31k p/a, depending on experience. A personal supply of veg is available. There is no accommodation on site. Start date – ideally September/October 2025 on a 1 day per week handover schedule with outgoing staff – building up to 3 days a week by March 2026. Flexibility around start date can be considered for the right candidate.
How to apply
Please email Hannah Weller with a covering letter and CV at hannah@lovebrook.org. Interviews will be held from mid August.
Senior Grower Position – Lovebrook CIC – Kingston – East Sussex employer: Organic Growers Alliance
Organic Growers Alliance is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and inspire a team in sustainable agriculture within the beautiful setting of Badminton. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide hands-on training for trainees and volunteers, alongside competitive daily salaries, bonuses, and inclusive accommodation, fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values organic practices and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Grower Position – Lovebrook CIC – Kingston – East Sussex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, dive into Lovebrook's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to regenerative practices will help you connect your experience with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past growing experiences. Whether it’s crop planning or managing volunteers, we want to hear how you’ve made an impact in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the community at Lovebrook. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! While emailing Hannah is great, we encourage you to submit your application via our site for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Grower Position – Lovebrook CIC – Kingston – East Sussex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Covering Letter:When writing your covering letter, make it personal! Share your passion for regenerative practices and how your experience aligns with Lovebrook's mission. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in organic and agro-ecological farming. We’re looking for specific examples of your skills in crop planning and community engagement, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves co-leading community volunteer sessions, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively. Share any experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team or led a group!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of applications and ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Growers Alliance
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of organic and agro-ecological farming principles. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences in market gardening, especially any no-dig practices you've implemented. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Show Your Community Spirit
Since this position involves co-leading community volunteer sessions, think about examples from your past where you've engaged with volunteers or worked in a community setting. Share how you made those experiences inclusive and beneficial for everyone involved.
✨Be Organised
Demonstrate your organisational skills by preparing a brief outline of how you would manage crop planning and record keeping. Bring along any relevant tools or methods you’ve used in the past to keep things running smoothly. This will highlight your ability to prioritise and manage time effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about Lovebrook's regenerative practices and future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the organisation and its mission. Plus, it gives you a chance to see if their values align with yours!
