At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor fruit-picking operations and coordinate volunteers for food rescue.
- Company: Join Felix, a charity dedicated to tackling food waste and poverty.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, community impact, and the chance to work with passionate volunteers.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by rescuing surplus food and supporting those in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in busy environments, strong communication skills, and a UK driving license.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
We are looking for the Farm Lead to play a key role in ensuring that Felix is successful in achieving its objective to rescue and secure a growing supply of surplus food, helping us to meet our ambitious meal targets to feed those in need.
This role sits within the Food Innovations Team and looks to expand and strengthen partnerships across the food supply chain, including farms, manufacturers and other food industry partners.
The focus of the role will involve leading our Farm Rescue operations.
From August to November, Felix engages of hundreds of volunteers from our partners to pick the entire plum, apple and pear crop at two farm sites in Kent.
You will coordinate our seasonal on-site food rescue activities in collaboration with partner farms, volunteers, and hauliers.
This is a hands-on, outdoor role that combines project management, relationship building, and operational leadership, ideal for someone passionate about,
- On-site Farm Rescue Operations
- Oversee daily operations of fruit-picking during harvest season, including 8:00am site set-up and coordination of activities
- throughout the day.
- Conduct Dynamic Risk Assessments each morning to ensure safety standards are met.
- Meet and greet volunteers upon arrival, providing introductions and a Health & Safety briefing.
- Manage all aspects of picking and loading fruit into crates/bins, ensuring efficiency and quality control.
- Organise lunch and refreshments for volunteers to ensure a positive experience.
- Liaise with farmers or on-site contacts daily to coordinate logistics.
- Coordinate with hauliers for collections and deliveries and communicate with Felix depots to confirm receipt and distribution.
- Lead and support, where necessary, on all farm outreach activities.
- Carry out any other duties as directed by line management to support the success of the Food Innovation team.
- End of day thanks to volunteers & impact messaging
- Partnership Management and Development
- Manage and maintain strong relationships with existing partner suppliers, including farms, orchards, and growers.
- Represent Felix at relevant events, meetings, and forums to promote our work and explore new collaborations.
- Contribute to weekly and monthly reviews of food supply activity, ensuring accurate reporting.
- Lead on the end-of-season harvest review, summarising outcomes, learnings, and recommendations for future harvests
- Your normal duties and responsibilities will be set out in your job description. However, the charity may require you to perform other duties from time to time.
You will thrive in a dynamic, hands-on environment and enjoy leading volunteers and projects that have tangible community impact.
You will be confident managing relationships, comfortable with both project planning and physically demanding outdoor work and committed to Felix mission to tackle food waste and food poverty.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Experience working in a busy environment and managing competing tasks
- Confident and professional
- Capable of excelling in a fast-paced dynamic environment
- Ability to work within a team of varied individuals with a positive attitude
- Excellent communication skills
- In easy travelling distance to Marden/Horsmonden in Kent. Accommodation not provided.
- UK Driving License Mandatory. Confident with driving volunteers in minibuses and Felix Vans.
- Forklift license highly desirable/candidate willing to take forklift test.
- Completed, or willing to undertake, Dynamic Risk Assessment and First Aid training.
- Ability to travel into one of our Felix Depots in London for Trial Shift, Second Interview and Induction (if successful
We bring people together to rescue, repurpose, and share surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, turning an environmental problem into a social opportunity.
Together with 16 other independent charities, 18,000 volunteers, and thousands of partners, we are the UK's food rescue network, supporting 1.5 million people across the country.
We're about fuller plates, fuller communities, and fuller lives., At Felix, we are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
We value the unique contributions of every individual and strive to create a respectful, inclusive environment free from discrimination or prejudice.
Our commitment extends to all employees, and volunteers, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of background or characteristics
Hours per week: 37.5 hours per week, 8:00am - 4.00pm, Monday - Friday.
Requirements: Felix can only employ applicants who currently have the right to work in the UK.
UK Driving License mandatory.
Forklift License highly desirable.
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Farm Lead in Maidstone employer: The Felix Project
The Felix Project is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where your contributions directly impact the community and the mission of food redistribution. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive environment, especially during this exciting phase of our merger and rebrand. Located in the heart of London, you will be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in tackling food waste and insecurity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Lead in Maidstone
✨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 The Felix Project 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 Farm Lead in Maidstone
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 The Felix Project does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Felix Project
✨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 The Felix Project 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 The Felix Project.
✨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 The Felix Project.
