At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to grow and maintain high-quality fresh herbs.
- Company: Vitacress, a leading fresh produce business with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, structured training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: No experience needed; full training provided for the right candidate.
- Why this job: Get hands-on experience in horticulture while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Reliability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are key.
The predicted salary is between 12.9 - 12.9 £ per hour.
Growing Operative
Location: Runcton Hours: typically 7am – 3pm, 5 days over 7 including weekends Salary: £12.90 per hour, paid to you monthly Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Join the Vitacress Growing Team!
Are you looking for a hands-on role where you can work with plants, learn new skills, and be part of a team that produces high-quality fresh herbs for customers across the UK?
We are looking for a
Growing Operative to join our team in Runcton. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, takes pride in their work, and has a keen eye for detail.
No previous horticultural experience? Don't worry!
Full training will be provided for the right candidate.
What You'll Be Doing
Responsibilities
As a Growing Operative, you'll play a key role in maintaining healthy plants and producing quality crops. Your responsibilities will include:
- Sowing seeds and supporting crop growth
- Spacing crops to the required standards
- Monitoring and reporting pest, disease, and crop issues
- Weeding and maintaining growing areas
- Potting and plugging young plants
- Operating machinery safely and efficiently
- Moving benches throughout the growing process
- Maintaining high standards of hygiene, quality, and food safety
- Recording basic information using company systems
- Supporting continuous improvement and waste reduction initiatives
- Working safely and following Health & Safety procedures at all times
What We're Looking For
We would love to hear from you if you are
- Reliable and hardworking
- A great team player
- Able to work independently when required
- Adaptable and willing to learn new skills
- Detail-oriented and quality-focused
- Comfortable working in a practical, hands-on environment
Desirable Experience
- Horticulture or growing experience
- Pest and disease recognition
- Food Safety awareness
- Health & Safety knowledge
- Manual handling experience
Don't worry if you don't tick every box — training and development will be provided.
- Working Environment
- This Role Involves
- Working with plants and crops
- Long periods of standing and walking
- Working in variable temperatures
- Wearing appropriate PPE
- Working as part of a supportive team
Why Join Vitacress?
- Full-time permanent position
- Structured training and development
- Opportunity to gain new skills
- Supportive team environment
- Work for a leading fresh produce business
- Career progression opportunities within a growing company
At Vitacress, many of our employees develop their careers and progress into more senior roles across the business.
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 out talented employees, growing is truly at the heart of what we do.
Join us and become a trusted partner in our business.
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Growing Phase Three - 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 Three - 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 Three - 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 Three - 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.
