At a Glance
- Tasks: Pack organic produce and support our automated packing lines in a friendly team.
- Company: Join Riverford, an employee-owned business passionate about organic veg.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, 30% off veg boxes, generous pension scheme, and profit sharing.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic setting with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a supportive environment while gaining valuable operational experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in production or warehousing preferred; must be organised and proactive.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Work with us at Riverford, and join a thriving employee-owned business as a Production Operative. Be part of an inclusive and friendly roots team. More than just a veg box, Riverford are mad about organic veg. It’s at the core of everything we do. We love to grow it, pack it into boxes, and deliver it to around 70,000 homes across the UK every week. This takes loads of brilliant people – and working here makes you a ‘co-owner’, since 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!
We offer a bucket load of benefits:
- 33 days holiday pro rata (including bank holidays)
- 30% off veg boxes and our online shop
- Generous company pension scheme
- Annual profit share (at least 10% of all our profits are split equally between all co-owners)
Delivering even greener veg - We’re in the process of swapping diesel vans to electric, with the ambitious goal of being 100% electric vans for low-emission deliveries to our customers!
This role is a 3-month fixed term contract, 39 hours per week - Working Monday - Friday, which is inclusive of Bank Holidays.
Location: Hayllors Blacker, Barton Farm, Landscove, Ashburton, TQ13 7LZ
Pay: £13.45 per hour
What you’ll be doing… At Roots, we pack approximately 45,000 packs of produce each week, alongside wholesale bagging, crating, and distribution across our network of farms. In this role, you will support our automated packing lines, packing produce into trays, palletising finished goods, and preparing orders for onward transport. You will also be responsible for sacking and crating produce for our wholesale customers, as well as assisting with product grading when required. This is a physically demanding role, and forklift experience would be advantageous.
We are looking for someone with good organisational skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work efficiently in a busy environment. As part of a small team, you will be expected to become multi-skilled across different areas of the site, making this an excellent opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the business and develop valuable operational experience.
What we’re looking for:
- Ideally you will have previous experience of working in a production or warehousing environment
- Must be comfortable working in a cold & hot environment, with long periods of time on your feet
- You must be able to lift and manoeuvre crates of produce and veg boxes
- You should have good communication skills and be able to speak and understand English to a level that enables you to comprehend instructions and the daily requirements of the role
- Accurate and efficient
At Riverford, we value quality service and our production team play a key role in our mission. If you’re looking for a job where you can make a difference and join a friendly, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!
Production Operative - Roots in Ashburton employer: Riverford Organic Farmers
At Riverford, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Poole. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our hands-on management style, where you will lead a dedicated team of drivers, fostering strong relationships and ensuring high standards of service. With a focus on work-life balance and the provision of an electric company car, we strive to create a fulfilling workplace that values both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Operative - Roots in Ashburton
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like Riverford Organic Farmers.
We think you need these skills to ace Production Operative - Roots in Ashburton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at Riverford Organic Farmers, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Riverford Organic Farmers
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
