Hello! Our Seasonal Trainee Grower programme is back for 2021 after being halted by COVID-19 in 2020. We are looking forward to another fruitful season of growing on Sims Hill and invite applications from those of you willing to help us do that.

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

Work Hours: 2.5 days a week: Tues & Weds (8am-4pm), Thurs (9am-1pm)

Duration of post: 24 weeks: Tuesday 4th May to Thursday 14th October

Pay rate: £9/hour

Closing date for applications: Monday 15th March 2021

Interviews: week commencing 22nd March 2021

Sims Hill Shared Harvest is a Community Supported Agriculture cooperative based in Frenchay, 4 miles from the centre of Bristol. We are seeking applicants for the post of Seasonal Trainee Grower to assist our small growing team during the busier months of the season.

Sims Hill Shared Harvest grows mixed vegetables for around 140 members who each receive a weekly veg share throughout the year. Our vegetables are grown using organic methods across 3 acres of cultivated field space and 6 polytunnels. The growing area is split across the Sims Hill fields and Grow Wilder’s site, 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 developing  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  carry out some weekend watering duties.

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 veg 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:

Essential:

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

Desirable:

• Desire to join the LWAs trainee network

This year we will also be working in collaboration with the Land Workers’ Alliance (LWA’s) trainee network program. As part of the traineeship there will be an opportunity to join their trainee network and attend six training days over the course of the season. 

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

More about Sims Hill Shared Harvest: http://simshill.co.uk

Sims Hill recognises the lack of diversity in the UK agricultural and environmental sectors.

We have always aspired to be a participatory organisation, supporting the voices of our members and community. However, we recognise the learning and work we need to do to become a more inclusive CSA. We are committed to working to disrupt some of the structural barriers to food justice and strive to make the food we produce and land we farm accessible to all.

We welcome all applications for our job roles and actively encourage BAME and LGBTQI+ to apply.