At a Glance
- 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
Vitacress Herbs is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Chichester, West Sussex, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead and inspire a dedicated team. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide training and growth opportunities while maintaining a culture of safety and quality in food manufacturing. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions and encourages continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Growing Phase One - Operative
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Vitacress.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Vitacress.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Vitacress; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Growing Phase One - Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Vitacress.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Growing Phase One - Operative.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Vitacress is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Vitacress a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitacress
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Vitacress might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
