Organic Market Gardener and Land Manager

Purpose

We are seeking an experienced market gardener who has interest in land management to join our team in cooperatively running an organic vegetable market garden.

Role

The primary responsibility of the role is to contribute to the growth and harvest of high-quality produce for Regather’s Fruit & Veg Box scheme, serving 370 households across the city. The growing area consists of 4.5 acres of market garden, 4 polytunnels, field scale crops and an orchard.

Potential for additional responsibilities in managing the 15 acres of land and the potential to develop additional enterprises. We currently have 6 acres of land that is not in production and has the potential for new enterprises under the Regather umbrella such as events, care farm hosting, organic livestock or hosting workshops for example.

Responsibilities

• Growing Fruit and Veg: Collaborate on sowing, planting, weeding, thinning, watering vegetables, maintaining crop records and monitoring for pests and diseases and planning for future seasons.
• Harvesting (2 days per week): Efficiently harvest crops at peak ripeness, ensuring proper handling and storage for sale. Prepare produce for distribution, ensuring proper washing, sorting, packaging and delivery to box packing headquarters.
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside other workers and volunteers to ensure smooth daily operations and maintain a positive work environment.
• Site maintenance (up to 1 week/year): Collaboratively maintaining infrastructure, and land management in accordance with the standards for the Soil Association and DEFRA. Potential for work in site maintenance includes maintenance of borders, hedges, fences, noxious weed monitoring, mowing and maintenance of land out of production, drainage, track maintenance, infrastructure planning, agroforestry planning, etc
• Any other tasks required. Work at the farm is varied and has unexpected demands. We work as a team to keep things going and we are seeking someone who is willing to adapt to the unexpected (within reason).

Skills & Experience

Essential Skills

• Experience in organic horticulture in a commercial vegetable growing venture
• Physical stamina for tasks that require walking, bending, lifting, and working in various inclement weather conditions
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Good communication skills and willingness to work cooperatively
• Efficient and adaptable, good problem solving skills and ability to prioritise
• Interest in land management
• Manual drivers license to deliver produce to Regather HQ

Desirable Skills

• Prior experience in ecological land management or qualification
• Previous experience/interest in working with children, potentially supporting our work hosting farm educational visits.
• Entrepreneurial or grant-fundable ideas for expanding the purview of Regather Farm
• Comfort with small construction projects
• Experience in irrigation, drainage, solar panels, or hedgerow management
• Experience growing for veg box schemes or wholesale
• Experience working with small tractors and soil cultivations e.g. trailers, powerharrow, flail mower, plough

Working Hours

March - October: 22-27 hrs/week. November - February: 14-21 hrs/week. Initial 2 year contract.

Remuneration & Benefits

• You will be paid an hourly rate of £13.45.
• 28 holiday days pro rata

Other Benefits

• 4% Pension Contribution

Additional Information

Regather Farm

Regather Farm is our 15 acre organic farm in the Moss valley, bordered by ancient woodland. We are fully certified as Organic with the Soil Association and are working to restore the soils and protect biodiversity on our site. We grow a diversity of fruit and veg using many different techniques. We use crop rotations, green manures, minimal tractor cultivations, no-dig beds, field scale veg, orchards and intensive polytunnel cropping. We host volunteers, and student visits. The farm is located on Lightwood Lane at S8 8BG.

Working Conditions

This is a physically demanding role that will involve working outdoors in various weather conditions (sun, rain, wind, etc.). The ability to lift up to 20kg and perform repetitive tasks is essential. The farm does not have potable running water or electricity.

Work may include early mornings on hot days, long days during peak growing seasons, and occasional weekend hours depending on weather conditions.

Regather Farm is located on Lightwood Lane, not easily accessible via public transportation.