Two growers posts at Big Meadow CSA, Gower, Wales – Application deadline 30th November 2022
Date Published: 18th October 2022
To apply, or obtain more information, email Abbi at bigmeadowcsa@gmail.com or call 07907 618730. Email your CV and a cover letter explaining how you are a suitable candidate. Deadline 30th November 2022. Interviews in mid-December 2022.
Big Meadow CSA – Lead Grower
JOB DESCRIPTION
This job description indicates the general level of responsibility and standards expected of the post. The detailed duties may vary or develop over time according to needs without changing the nature of the level of responsibility of the post.
POST: Commercial Organic Veg Grower – Lead Grower
SALARY: £24,375 pro rata.
HOURS: 32hrs p/w April – September
16hrs p/w October – March
Flexibility is required due to the nature of the work.
START DATE: The desired start date is early March 2023– or to be agreed upon.
LOCATION: Based at the field site – Lower Hardingsdown Farm, Llangennith, Gower, Swansea, SA3 1HT
REPORTS TO: Project Manager and Board of Directors
BACKGROUND: Big Meadow CSA will be in its fourth year of operation in 2023, and due to a new addition to the family, the project manager will be spending less time in the field, and we are looking for an experienced and confident Lead Grower to take on all areas of crop management.
Big Meadow CSA was established in response to local demand for fresh produce, providing organically grown vegetables to local Gower and Swansea communities via a weekly veg box.
We provide opportunities for volunteers and community members of all ages and abilities to learn about growing and healthy food choices. We engage people in growing and harvesting food with others, boosting confidence, well-being, and self-esteem.
We grow on a rented site in a beautiful location in an AONB, Gower. We have two acres and three polytunnels that provide 80 shares of certified organic veg weekly to local households. Our members collect from the veg shed at the field.
Involving the community is a key aspect to this work, and we run twice-weekly volunteer days, seasonal events and educational workshops with local schools, youth and community groups. We are linked in with many other local CSAs, food producers and social projects – all with an aim to create a resilient food system locally and provide opportunities for social and personal growth.
Big Meadow CSA is a grower-led social enterprise overseen by a board of directors, we are certified organic by the Soil Association. This is a permanent position for the right person.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: You will need to be a dynamic, self-motivated individual looking for a position of responsibility, willing to bring your experience, people skills and leadership into the day-to-day running of the project – taking a full and active role in the development of Big Meadow CSA.
As a team member, you will be responsible for developing crop plans and growing a variety of seasonal organic veg based on projected sales forecast & quantities required for boxes – aiming to provide year-round supplies as much as possible.
You will maintain production of a 2-acre site & three 84ft polytunnels to certified organic standards. Maintaining and developing compost systems & managing good soil health through use of green manures, crop rotations, soil feeds etc.
You will maintain clear records, plans and receipts in line with Soil Association requirements.
Working alongside volunteers twice a week, you will be able to maintain the production of high-quality crops that meet the needs of our members and ensure all veg commitments are fulfilled each week whilst providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for our volunteers and members. You will genuinely enjoy working alongside a variety of people of different ages and abilities, adding to the fun and enjoyable atmosphere of our workdays.
You will keep the site well-maintained, clean & tidy and provide a supportive & welcoming environment for the rest of the team, volunteers & visitors. You will maintain Health and Safety standards and work within our risk assessment requirements.
You will have experience in working under your own steam, prioritising your workload, and leading the team in daily tasks, with clear communication and supporting one another in our project objectives. You will be responsible for allocating tasks to the assistant grower and trainee(s) as needed, matching their learning to the needs of the field.
As a core member of staff you will attend the CSA directors’ meetings to help shape and develop the project. You will attend social events with members and be on rota for weekend watering in the spring and summer.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
● Sound knowledge and practical experience in growing chemical-free fruit and vegetables.
● Working with Organic certification bodies to maintain our current Organic certificate.
● Experience working with trainees and leading a team.
● Experience working with volunteers of different abilities and ages.
● A horticultural qualification or equivalent experience
● Experience of growing in polytunnels and throughout the seasons
● Good communication and ability to work within a team, as well as working independently
● Experience aligning growing plans with sales
● Willing to work flexible hours depending on seasonal requirements
● Able to maintain a healthy and safe working environment, including first aid, safe use of tools and machinery on the site, adhering to Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding policy requirements
● Driving license is necessary
● Experience in machinery work on organic sites would be advantageous.
● Experience of working within a CSA or project aligned with its core values.
To apply, or obtain more information, email Abbi at bigmeadowcsa@gmail.com or call 07907 618730. Email your CV and a cover letter explaining how you are a suitable candidate. Deadline 30th November 2022. Interviews in mid-December 2022.
Big Meadow CSA – Assistant Grower
JOB DESCRIPTION
This job description indicates the general level of responsibility and standards expected of the post. The detailed duties may vary or develop over time according to needs without changing the nature of the level of responsibility of the post.
POST: Commercial Organic Veg Grower – Assistant Grower
SALARY: £21,255 pro rata
HOURS: 16 hours per week March – October, with the potential for varied hours over winter and continuing into 2024.
Flexibility is required due to the nature of the work.
START DATE: The desired start date is early March 2023– or to be agreed.
LOCATION: Based at the field site – Lower Hardingsdown Farm, Llangennith, Gower, Swansea, SA3 1HT
REPORTS TO: Project Manager
BACKGROUND: Big Meadow CSA will be in its fourth year of operation in 2023, and due to a new addition to the family, the project manager will be spending less time in the field, and we are looking for an experienced and confident assistant grower to work alongside the lead grower.
Big Meadow CSA was established in response to local demand for fresh produce, providing organically grown vegetables to local Gower and Swansea communities via a weekly veg box.
We provide opportunities for volunteers and community members of all ages and abilities to learn about growing and healthy food choices. We engage people in growing and harvesting food with others, boosting confidence, well-being, and self-esteem.
We grow on a rented site in a beautiful location in an AONB, Gower. We have two acres and three polytunnels, providing 80 shares of certified organic veg each week to local households. Our members collect from the veg shed at the field.
Involving the community is a key aspect to this work, and we run twice-weekly volunteer days, seasonal events and educational workshops with local schools, youth and community groups. We are linked in with many other local CSAs, food producers and social projects – all with an aim to create a resilient food system locally and provide opportunities for social and personal growth.
Big Meadow CSA is a grower-led social enterprise overseen by a board of directors, we are certified organic by the Soil Association.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: As a core member of the team, you will be working alongside the lead grower and trainee(s) to provide quality organic veg for our members. You will be engaged in all aspects of veg production, from planning, sowing, maintaining plants and soil health, harvesting, and composting.
Working alongside volunteers twice a week, you will be able to maintain the production of high-quality crops that meet the needs of our members and ensure all veg commitments are fulfilled each week. You will be happy to work alongside people of all ages, experience and backgrounds to add to a fun and upbeat atmosphere on our workdays.
You will keep the sites well-maintained, clean & tidy and provide a supportive & welcoming environment for the rest of the team, volunteers & visitors. You will maintain Health and Safety standards and requirements. Good communication skills & be able to work within a team & support one another in our project objectives are essential.
You will need to attend the CSA directors’ meetings and social events with members and be on the rota for weekend watering in the spring and summer.
DESIRED EXPERIENCE
● Practical experience in growing chemical-free fruit and vegetables or at least one season working in a similar project
●Confidence working with volunteers of different abilities and ages, providing a welcoming site for all our visitors.
● Good communication and ability to work within a team, as well as working independently
● Willing to work flexible hours depending on seasonal requirements
● Able to maintain a healthy and safe working environment, including first aid, safe use of tools and machinery on the site, adhering to Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding policy requirements
● You will need to be a dynamic self-motivated individual looking to develop your skills and experience of organic veg production and work within a community-focused project.
● Driving license
● Experience in tractor work
To apply, or obtain more information, email Abbi at bigmeadowcsa@gmail.com or call 07907 618730. Email your CV and a cover letter explaining how you are a suitable candidate. Deadline 30th November 2022. Interviews in mid-December 2022.
