At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to grow organic food and assist with hands-on gardening tasks.
- Company: Moss Valley Market Garden, a thriving organic market garden in Sheffield.
- Benefits: Earn £12.60 per hour, enjoy 24 days holiday, and work in a supportive team.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for overtime during the growing season.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable agriculture while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial gardening and a full clean driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 12.6 - 12.6 £ per hour.
Do you love working outdoors and have a passion for growing food in a sustainable way? Are you looking for a rewarding role where you can contribute to an organic market garden that values teamwork and innovation? If so, we want to hear from you!
Moss Valley Market Garden is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to become part of our friendly and enthusiastic team. If you have experience in a commercial market garden environment and enjoy working in a hands-on, collaborative setting, this could be the perfect role for you!
Location: Moss Valley Market Garden, Sheffield
Start Date: April 2025
Hours: 32 hours per week
Salary: Minimum of the Real Living Wage (£12.60 per hour) with annual increases in line with the Real Living Wage
About Us
Moss Valley Market Garden is a biodynamic and organic certified market garden growing fruit and vegetables on 1.5 acres of land at the Sheffield Organic Growers site. This site is home to six independent organic enterprises that share facilities across 19 acres on the outskirts of Sheffield. Approximately 95% of our produce is sold through our veg bag delivery scheme, which serves the western half of Sheffield. Our scheme currently has around 230 regular customers and delivers approximately 160 veg bags per week. We also supply local organic veg and fruit retailers, other veg delivery schemes, a restaurant, and a café.
Founded in 2011 by Martin Bradshaw, Moss Valley Market Garden now employs six staff members, four of whom work part-time. We pride ourselves on fostering a strong team-working ethic and ensuring the well-being of our staff. We are continually innovating and evolving our business, with a strong interest in the rapidly developing fields of market gardening and sustainable agriculture. Since 2022, we have been transitioning to a 100% no-dig market garden, a transition that is now nearly complete. Moss Valley Market Garden is a thriving market garden dedicated to producing high-quality vegetables using sustainable growing practices.
Job Role
- General gardening work such as seed sowing, bed preparation, module planting, tractor work, harvesting, watering, and weeding.
- Preparing harvested produce and wholesale goods for packaging, including chopping, sorting, and bagging.
- Assisting with veg bag packing.
- Delivering veg bags using the company van.
What We Are Looking For
The right candidate will have significant experience working within a commercial market garden environment or similar setting. They will be keen to work in all areas of the business including the gardening and veg bag packing roles as well as delivering veg bags face-to-face to our customers at their homes. The right candidate will be passionate about developing their career in market gardening / organic horticulture and will be keen to contribute to our development as a business. An interest and/or openness to biodynamic practices is very much welcomed. A full clean driving license is required.
Working Hours
Standard working days: Tuesday to Friday
Normal working hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with a 60-minute unpaid lunch break. Some flexibility required, including work outside standard hours to meet veg bag packing and delivering needs and early starts during hot weather. Additional overtime (up to 8 hours per week) may be available during the growing season (April - September).
Contract and Benefits
Permanent position with a 12-month probationary period. Salary: Minimum of £12.60 per hour, with annual increases aligned with the Real Living Wage. Holiday allowance: 24 days per year, inclusive of public holidays. Full terms and conditions of employment will be provided to the successful candidate.
Full-time Gardening Assistant, Moss Valley Market Garden, Sheffield 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 Full-time Gardening Assistant, Moss Valley Market Garden, Sheffield
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Full-time Gardening Assistant, Moss Valley Market Garden, Sheffield
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.
