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- Tasks: Support plant production and maintain high-quality crops in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join Vitacress Herbs, a leading supplier of horticulture products in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on safety and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Work with plants and make a real impact in a thriving nursery.
- Qualifications: Good communication skills and a willingness to learn; horticulture experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 26161 - 26161 £ per year.
Location: Runcton
Department: Growing
Contract: Full-time, 42 hours per week
Working Days: Tuesday – Saturday
Working Hours: 07:00–15:00
Salary: £26,161.20
We are excited to announce an opportunity to join our Growing team as a Growing Operative (Phase 1). We welcome applications from both internal colleagues and external candidates who are passionate about plant production, quality, and contributing to a high-performing operational environment.
About The Role
As a Growing Operative, you will support the production of healthy plants and high‑quality crops. This hands‑on role involves working across a range of growing tasks, ensuring excellent plant health, maintaining hygiene standards, and supporting day‑to‑day operations within the nursery. You will play an important part in maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Follow all nursery hygiene and safety procedures
- Support the production of high‑quality crops through daily operational tasks
- Carry out duties safely, accurately, and consistently
- Assist with sowing, spacing, weeding, and general plant maintenance
- Monitor crops and report any signs of pests, diseases, or disorders
- Input basic operational data into the IFS system
- Operate machinery safely and report any faults
- Plug plants, move benches, and support workflow from sowing through to packing
- Apply biological control agents (training provided)
- Maintain production standards in line with audit requirements
- Work collaboratively and contribute to continuous improvement activities
- Maintain a clean, tidy, and safe working environment
Working Conditions
- PPE must be worn as required
- Long periods of standing and walking
- Work in variable temperatures depending on the growing environment
Person Specification
Essential
- Adequate verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Strong attention to detail
- Adaptability and willingness to learn
- Basic Food Hygiene qualification
Desirable
- Pest and disease recognition
- Previous horticulture experience
- Food safety knowledge
- Health & Safety awareness
- Manual handling experience
- Lean manufacturing knowledge
- PA1/PA6 pesticide application qualification
Personal Attributes
- Positive attitude and willingness to adapt to change
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people
- Commitment to high standards and continuous improvement
How To Apply
If you’re enthusiastic about working with plants, motivated to learn, and keen to develop within a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
Internal candidates: Please discuss with your manager before applying. External candidates: Please submit your CV and application through the recruitment team or designated application link.
Vitacress Herbs, based just outside historic Chichester, West Sussex, is a primary supplier of Herb and horticulture products in the UK. With our 23‑acre site covered in specialist glass houses, we take immense pride in our work ensuring our consumers have a fresh, quality product to enhance their home cooking or enhance their garden environment. We take pleasure in ensuring the best possible standards and we will empower you to do the same. From the way we grow our products, to the relationships we maintain with customers, everyone knows exactly what is going on. We are authentic and grounded. At the centre of everything is a trust that you can feel every day at work. From the herbs that are grown on site; to the investment in facilities and the growth of the business; to growing and nurturing our talented employees, growing is truly at the heart of what we do. Join us and become a trusted partner in our business.
Growing Phase One - Operative employer: Vitacress
Contact Detail:
Vitacress Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Growing Phase One - Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Vitacress Herbs. Understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their growing journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to plant production and teamwork. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of a Growing Operative. We want to hear your passion for plants and your commitment to quality!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant experience or qualifications, like pest recognition or food hygiene, make sure to highlight them during your chat. It’s all about demonstrating how you can contribute to maintaining those high standards at Vitacress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Growing Phase One - Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Plants: When you're writing your application, let your love for plants shine through! Share any experiences you've had with plant production or horticulture, and explain why you're excited about the opportunity to work in our Growing team.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Growing Operative. Highlight relevant skills like attention to detail, teamwork, and any previous experience in horticulture or related fields. We want to see how you fit into our high-performing operational environment!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our designated application link! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitacress
✨Know Your Plants
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of plant production and horticulture. Familiarise yourself with common pests, diseases, and basic plant care techniques. This will show your passion for the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Safety First!
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safety procedures. Think about any previous experiences where you followed safety protocols or dealt with hazardous situations. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight your adaptability and willingness to learn from others, as these traits are essential for contributing to a high-performing operational environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the nursery's operations or their approach to continuous improvement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.