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- Tasks: Grow organic produce and support a vibrant community on a biodynamic farm.
- Company: Join a charitable co-operative focused on social farming and environmental justice.
- Benefits: Free accommodation, competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a beautiful, tranquil setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in vegetable growing and a passion for biodynamic practices.
- Other info: Flexible hours, community engagement, and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 22400 - 29000 ÂŁ per year.
We are a community owned, charitable co‑operative which practices Social Farming on a certified biodynamic farm on the Blackwater Estuary, near Maldon in Essex. Launched in 2017 and building on thirteen years of development, we provide a wide range of educational opportunities through meaningful work experiences to many people, especially those with a learning disability and/or autism (LDA). We also undertake extensive conservation work through on the farm’s 210 acres which includes rare breed cattle and sheep, laying hens, vegetable growing, woolly crafts and a community kitchen processing produce and providing daily lunches.
Our biodynamic and organic produce is sold locally through markets, weekly deliveries, with local wholesalers and directly from the farm. We also have a volunteering program, host events and workshops, give talks to local interest groups, work closely with Essex County Council, local SEND schools and colleges and The Country Trust. The site is a beautiful, tranquil setting bordered by the blackwater estuary and we are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy.
This role requires previous experience of a similar role in a busy vegetable growing setting and a keen desire to develop biodynamic growing practices, if not already trained in these methods. Within this role you would join a team of five land workers, covering horticulture and agriculture. The responsibilities of managing the Market Garden are split equally between three individuals, the successful applicant will be one of these three. We are developing collaborative working methods with the aim of enabling individual freedom combined with collective decision making.
We are ideally looking for someone to live on the farm in this role but we will also consider other options.
Hours and salary
- This is a salaried position based on 40 hours per week however, working hours vary seasonally.
- The garden is staffed 9am to 5pm, five days per week.
- Weekend work will be required in the garden, weekend markets on a rotated basis plus three weekend trustee meetings plus the AGM each year.
What do we offer?
- The chance to join a community owned charitable co‑operative with environmental and social justice at its core.
- Free onsite accommodation
- Competitive total package
- 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) per year, entitlement increases with length of employment
- Contributory stakeholder pension
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
- A beautiful and tranquil setting to work
- Salary: ÂŁ26,437 gross salary, plus accommodation on site (rent, council tax and utility bills are covered by the Society)
- Hours per week / Contract type: Variable seasonal hours from 30‑50 per week / Permanent
- Team: Market Garden
- Reporting to: Farm Director
- Location: Lauriston Farm, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AH
Requirements
- Work Location: In person
- Full driving licence, strong recommendation to have own vehicle due to remote location of farm.
- Ability to commute/relocate to Lauriston Farm, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AH
Purpose of role
To be part of the land working team at Lauriston Farm with specific responsibilities for growing, poly tunnels, some outdoor crops sown with Jang seeder, compost, and overseeing other land workers, volunteers or otherwise. Supporting the land team in other general farm activities such as livestock checks and general farm maintenance. Taking an active role in the development and holding of Lauriston’s anthroposophically inspired, social farming community, supporting people with a learning disability and/or autism. The ideal candidate will thrive in an ever‑evolving environment, demonstrating flexibility, resilience, and adaptability.
To apply
To apply, please send your current CV, along with a letter of application detailing how you match the person specification, by midnight 09/02/2026 to Hattie White (Operations Manager) hattie@lauristonfarm.co.uk with the title “Market Gardener Application”. Interviews will start in week commencing 16th February 2026 with a start date in March. For further information please contact Hattie White (Operations Manager) hattie@lauristonfarm.co.uk or 01621 788348. Interview will have 2 parts, the first involving typical interview questions and the second involve a practical part in the garden.
Market Gardener - Lauriston Farm, Essex in Newtown employer: Social Farms & Gardens | Ffermydd a Gerddi Cymdeithasol
Contact Detail:
Social Farms & Gardens | Ffermydd a Gerddi Cymdeithasol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Market Gardener - Lauriston Farm, Essex in Newtown
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the farm and its community! Before your interview, take some time to research Lauriston Farm and its values. Understanding their commitment to social farming and biodynamic practices will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on experience! When you’re chatting with the team, highlight any relevant experience you have in vegetable growing or working on a farm. Share specific examples of what you've done and how it relates to the role of Market Gardener. This will demonstrate your practical skills and passion for the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a practical assessment! Since the interview includes a practical part in the garden, come prepared to showcase your skills. Brush up on your gardening techniques and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of biodynamic practices. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly through our site. It’s a great way to ensure your CV gets seen by the right people and shows that you’re keen to join our community. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
We think you need these skills to ace Market Gardener - Lauriston Farm, Essex in Newtown
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in vegetable growing and any biodynamic practices you've been involved with. We want to see how your skills align with our community-focused approach!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about social farming and how you can contribute to our team. Share specific examples of your past work that relate to the role, and don’t forget to mention your adaptability!
Show Your Personality: We’re a small, person-centred team, so let your personality shine through in your application! Share a bit about yourself and what inspires you about working in a biodynamic environment.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Farms & Gardens | Ffermydd a Gerddi Cymdeithasol
✨Know Your Biodynamic Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on biodynamic farming practices. Understand the principles behind it and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to Lauriston Farm's mission. Showing genuine interest in their methods will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that highlight your experience in vegetable growing and managing a team. Be ready to discuss challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in busy settings.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
Since this role involves collaborative working methods, be prepared to talk about your experiences working in teams. Highlight your adaptability and resilience, especially in dynamic environments like farms where conditions can change rapidly.
✨Get Practical Ready
The interview includes a practical part in the garden, so come prepared to demonstrate your skills. Familiarise yourself with the tools and techniques used at Lauriston Farm, and be ready to show how you would approach tasks like sowing or compost management.
