Field Kitchen Garden Assistant

Field Kitchen Garden Assistant

Part-Time 30000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Plant, weed, harvest, and maintain our vibrant Field Kitchen Garden.
  • Company: Join Riverford, an employee-owned business passionate about organic veg.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, 30% off veg boxes, and a generous pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Be part of a friendly team and make a real impact on sustainable farming.
  • Qualifications: Experience in gardening or farming is a plus; strong communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.

Work with us at Riverford, and join a thriving employee-owned business as a Garden Assistant. Be part of an inclusive and friendly Field Kitchen team. Riverford are mad about organic veg—it’s at the core of everything we do. We grow, pack, and deliver organic veg to around 70,000 homes across the UK every week. This role contributes to a friendly work environment where you become a co‑owner, as Riverford is employee‑owned. Success means much more than just profits; we want this to be a place people enjoy coming to work and a business our co‑owners feel proud of.

Benefits

  • 33 days holiday pro rata (including bank holidays)
  • 30% off veg boxes and our online shop
  • A generous company pension scheme
  • An annual profit share (at least 10% of all profits split equally between co‑owners)

We’re working toward greener delivery by swapping diesel vans for electric vans, aiming for 100% electric vans for low‑emission deliveries to customers. This is a permanent contract for 24–32 hours per week, inclusive of bank holidays.

Location: Wash Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0JU.

Pay: £14.85 per hour.

Responsibilities

As a Garden Assistant you will plant, weed, harvest, and maintain the Field Kitchen Garden. You will grow veg, fruit, herbs, and flowers for our restaurant and local farm shops, provide helpful advice to visitors, lead farm tours, garden workshops, flower demos, festive wreath‑making, and occasional dining events. The garden is a popular relaxation space for customers and co‑owners, so you will help keep it inviting and productive year‑round.

Key duties include:

  • Planting and harvesting crops on a seasonal schedule
  • Weeding, mulching, irrigation, and general garden maintenance
  • Assisting with compositional garden layout and design as needed
  • Supporting outside‑in‑roof delivery of produce and maintaining cadence for varieties not in the veg‑box scheme
  • Co‑operating with restaurant chefs and other team members to synchronize garden output and kitchen needs

Qualifications

  • Previous experience working on a farm or commercial garden
  • Experience with garden planning and layout is beneficial but not essential
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, for planning and recording
  • Physical ability to perform manual outdoor work, lift and move up to 10 kg, and work in varying weather
  • Strong communication skills and fluent English to comprehend and follow complex instructions

About the Role

This is a physically challenging seasonal role that requires flexibility in scheduling, including willingness for weekend work and adjusting to weather conditions. The exact timing will be negotiated individually (3 or 4 days per week, eight‑hour days).

Field Kitchen Garden Assistant employer: Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd

At Riverford, we pride ourselves on being an employee-owned business that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Field Kitchen Garden Assistant, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, a company pension scheme, and a share in our profits, all while working in the beautiful surroundings of Buckfastleigh, Devon. Join us in our mission to grow organic vegetables and contribute to a workplace where co-owners feel valued and proud.
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Contact Detail:

Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Field Kitchen Garden Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research Riverford and its values. When you show up for an interview, drop in some knowledge about their commitment to organic veg and employee ownership. It’ll show you’re genuinely interested and not just another candidate.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This insider info can give you a leg up and help you tailor your approach.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for hands-on tasks! Since this role is all about working in the garden, be ready to demonstrate your skills. Maybe even bring along some ideas for garden layouts or maintenance techniques to impress during your interview.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the Riverford family. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!

We think you need these skills to ace Field Kitchen Garden Assistant

Planting and Harvesting
Weeding and Mulching
Irrigation Management
Garden Maintenance
Garden Planning and Layout
Co-operation with Chefs
Communication Skills
Customer Engagement
Physical Stamina
Microsoft Excel Proficiency
Flexibility in Scheduling
Ability to Follow Complex Instructions

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Organic Veg: When writing your application, let your love for organic vegetables shine through! Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your enthusiasm for gardening and sustainable practices. We want to see that you’re as mad about organic veg as we are!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role of Garden Assistant. Highlight relevant experience, whether it’s from previous jobs or personal projects. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills with what we do at Riverford.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and passion without having to sift through unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy—just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our friendly team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd

✨Know Your Veg!

Familiarise yourself with the types of organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs that Riverford grows. Being able to discuss your favourite crops or share tips on gardening will show your passion for the role and align with their values.

✨Show Your Team Spirit

Since Riverford is all about teamwork, be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve contributed to a friendly work environment or helped out colleagues.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions about your hands-on experience in gardening or farming. Think of specific situations where you’ve planted, harvested, or maintained gardens, and be prepared to explain your methods and results.

✨Emphasise Your Flexibility

This role requires adaptability, especially with varying weather conditions and weekend work. Be honest about your availability and willingness to adjust your schedule, and share any past experiences that demonstrate your flexibility.

Field Kitchen Garden Assistant
Riverford Organic Farmers Ltd
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