Watercress Farm Supervisor
Hours: 40 per week
Timings: 6:00 am – 2:30 pm during summer season, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm during winter season
Location: Vitacress Salads – St. Mary Bourne; some travel required to other farms
Salary: £30,591 – £37,389, plus company pension, incentive scheme and other benefits
About the Role
Are you passionate about sustainable farming and protecting the natural environment while producing high‑quality, fresh crops? Do you want to lead a team in a watercress farm where caring for water quality, biodiversity, and responsible growing practices are at the heart of everything you do at Vitacress Salads? If you’re passionate about agriculture and ready to step into a leadership role within a growing business, then this might be just the role for you.
Responsibilities
- Supervise the growing, harvesting, and daily operations of our watercress farms
- Lead and support the four farm team, promoting a positive and collaborative working environment
- Carry out and oversee core farming activities such as planting, fertilising, harvesting, bed cleaning, levelling, rolling, and general crop husbandry
- Ensure farm records are accurately maintained, including harvest, fertiliser, and maintenance logs
- Support the implementation of new production methods to improve efficiency and output
- Maintain farm assets, buildings, and growing areas to a high standard ensuring they are tidy, efficient, and weed‑free
- Monitor water quality and manage the growing cycle to meet strict environmental and compliance standards
- Ensure all Health & Safety and environmental policies are followed at all times
- Work across multiple sites where required, supporting wider operations
Qualifications
- Previous demonstrable experience in crop growing and farm operations (training will be provided for watercress specifics)
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions; the role requires a good level of physical stamina
- Full UK driving licence (essential); tractor driving experience (advantageous)
- Good knowledge of crop husbandry and farm practices
- Confident with record‑keeping and the use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Excellent communication skills; flexible, proactive, keen to learn and develop; enjoy working as part of a team
What We Expect from You
- Deliver high‑quality watercress crops in line with Vitacress standards
- Help drive efficiency and continuous improvement across farm operations
- Ensure compliance with environmental requirements, including EA discharge standards
- Maintain a safe, productive, and well‑organised farm environment
- Contribute to a culture of teamwork, accountability, and excellence
