Seasonal Trainee Grower

Job Title: Seasonal Trainee Grower – Sims Hill Shared Harvest, Bristol

Work Hours : 2 days a week by negotiation (8 hours per day)

Duration of post : 23 weeks starting in May

Closing date for applications : 19th April 2019

Interviews: week commencing 22nd April 2019

Sims Hill Shared Harvest is a Community Supported Agriculture cooperative based in Frenchay on the edge of Bristol. We are seeking applicants for the post of Seasonal Trainee Grower to assist our Farm Manager and Assistant Grower team during the busier summer months.

Sims Hill Shared Harvest grows mixed vegetables for around 120 members who each receive a weekly veg share throughout the year. Our vegetables are grown using organic standards across 3 acres of cultivated field space and 5 polytunnels. The growing area is split across the Sims Hill site and some space at the nearby Feed Bristol project which is run by Avon Wildlife Trust.

This post will suit someone looking to develop their skills as a market gardener/veg grower in a community setting. The trainee will work alongside the current growing team with a focus on teaching the trainee a broad range of skills associated with growing vegetables on this scale. They will be required to work with and supervise volunteers at times. There may be an occasional need to work alone and also carry out watering tasks some weekends.

Duties and Learning Objectives:

• Seed propagation from sowing to transplanting
• Organic weed, pest and disease management
• Addressing plant needs for irrigation and nutrients
• Harvesting produce using agreed methods and ensuring quality control
• Preparing produce for the shares
• Weighing, packaging and organising for distribution
• Working together with and leading tasks for members and volunteers
• Ensuring safety on site and best practices are maintained

Person Specification:

• Interest in sustainable food production and the desire to put that interest into practice
• Some experience of vegetable growing
• Ability to communicate well and explain tasks to others
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weathers
• Ability to work within a team
• Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
• Experience of working with volunteers

Please apply in writing including a cover letter and CV to simshillgrowers@mail.com