Dynamic grower with field-scale and tractor experience wanted to join workers’ co-op in the Waveney valley to work with us and expand 30+ veg box business as part of a small team. Must be willing to take initiative, work co-operatively, market non-box produce to new and existing customers and be comfortable managing volunteers/trainees. We have three large polytunnels, established orchards, and outdoor growing space integrated with our leys/stock grazing (red poll cattle). We have some educational visits to the site and currently also work with local foodbanks. We are committed to agro-ecological principles and social justice. Position has come about as one of our workers is taking on more work in other aspects of the farm.
This role would suit someone who has at least two growing seasons under their belt and is now looking for a place where they can establish themselves long-term.
Hours: 28 hours pw
Pay and benefits package: £10 hourly rate expressed as £823.33 plus £350/month rent, £40/month water, electric, slightly rubbish WiFi and surplus veg, with opportunity to grow income along with business.
To apply, email [email protected] with a CV and letter outlining your interest in the post and co-operative working, fit with us and experience.
Role is permanent with a seven month trial period. We would like the post-holder to be in position for the beginning of the 2022 growing season (exact date by negotiation).
Greengrow is a workers’ co-operative based at Berry Farm, owned by Common Ground Co-operative, which seeks to promote ecological sustainability and social justice. As members of a workers’ co-op we don’t have a boss, we are all the boss; and it also means we are all the workers. We try to support and value each individual’s strengths and contributions, and believe that this allows everyone to develop their own strengths and interests on the farm. We try to make sure that we work in an atmosphere of trust and respect: respect for everyone who works with us; respect for the farm, its woodlands, meadows, orchards and the animals under our care; and respect for the wider environment.
We work by consensus, which means we listen to everyone equally and discuss something until we come to an agreement. The day-to-day work is divided up so that different co-op members have responsibility for different crops and jobs around the farm, but we all co-operate to make sure the farm runs as smoothly as possible. Members of the veg-growing group have regular days they work to cover the working week. Weekly tasks are decided by the veg growers’ group, normally at a meeting at Friday lunchtime. Personal flexibility is required to cover things like weekend picks and watering or managing very hot weather or sudden events.
One of our veg group members is stepping back from vegetable growing as other work on the farm has expanded. Initially, the new post-holder will be expected to fill this gap in the team, and lead on growing our roots crops, squash and tomatoes, and support the growing of the other crops, but as time goes on there will be an opportunity for you to grow the role in the way that best suits your abilities and the opportunities available at the farm and in the wider community.
Hours are usually Monday-Friday 8.45-3pm.
We expect to have two local kickstarter trainees and occasional wwoofers with us from the beginning of April until the end of September .
The role-holder will also be expected to be competent in, and, on particular days of the week, lead work in the following areas:
Additionally, as we are a workers’ co-op, the role-holder will also be expected to engage with the wider management side of the business, including:
Although it is not directly part of the role, there are also opportunities to work with the stock and in woodland management on site.