Job Title: Head Grower – Sims Hill Shared Harvest, Bristol
Position Type: 4 days a week – could be either employed or self-employed
Salary: £18,720 pro rata,( £14,976 four days per week)
Closing date for applications: 7th January 2015
Sims Hill Shared Harvest is a Community Supported Agriculture project run as a member owned cooperative which is based in Frenchay on the edge of Bristol. We are seeking applicants for the post of Head Grower to manage the growing for the CSA and wholesale enterprise.
The role would start at the beginning of February 2015. Sims Hill grows for its 90+ members using organic standards and has 6 acres of field space with an additional 1000m of protected space (tunnels and glass house). 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.
We are looking for an experienced commercial organic grower with an understanding of CSA values and the ability to lead a team of volunteers and other employees. The role will be responsible for the planning, production and delivery of CSA and wholesale vegetables, as well as developing relationships with partners and wholesale clients, and delivering on Sims Hill community engagement goals. The Head Grower will report to the Sims Hill Board. In addition to the Head Grower, the growing team in 2015 will consist of a support grower at 2.5 days per week, and a team of 15 work share members from March/April to Sept working at 4 hours/week.
We are also planning to introduce a Community Grower for a day a week who will be shared with the Feed Bristol project and will lead volunteers and community groups in activities toconnect the two projects.
In 2015 we will need to grow for the equivalent of 105 weekly shares plus some sales direct to business.
Job start date: 2nd February 2015.
Responsibilities:
Managing and delivering on the growing cycle including planning, production and delivery
Managing staff – other growers and support staff
Managing volunteers
Developing markets for commercial sales
Ensuring equipment is maintained
Ensuring that Sims Hill operational policies are followed
Developing relationships with key partners
Inputting into financial planning
Reporting to Member’s meetings
Attendance at some Sims Hill board meetings
Essential job requirements:
3 yrs commercial growing experience ideally including wholesale and retail
Tractor driving experience including trailer use
Driving license
Own vehicle suitable for the job
Proven ability to lead a mixed team
Some understanding of permaculture values and principles
Ability to use own initiative and occasionally work alone
Desirable:
Experience of leading training/ workshops
Broader farm knowledge including hedgerow management, drainage, track management
Please apply in writing including a cover letter and CV to simshillsharedharvest@googlemail.com<mailto:simshillsharedharvest@googlemail.com>.
Closing date: 7th January 2015.
More about Sims Hill Shared Harvest: http://simshill.co.uk/membership-information/
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