Job Description

FULL TIME POSITION (40hrs/week)

BIODYNAMIC MARKET GARDENER

(Charitable Community Benefit Society)

We are a community owned, charitable co-operative which practices Social Farming on a certified biodynamic farm on the Blackwater Estuary, near Maldon in Essex. Launched in 2017 and building on thirteen years of development, we provide a wide range of educational opportunities through meaningful work experiences to many people, especially those with a learning disability and/or autism (LDA). We also undertake extensive conservation work through on the farm's 210 acres which includes rare breed cattle and sheep, laying hens, vegetable growing, woolly crafts and a community kitchen processing produce and providing daily lunches. Produce is sold locally at markets, weekly deliveries and directly from the farm. We also have a volunteering program, give talks to local interest groups and work closely with Essex County Council, local SEND schools and colleges and The Country Trust. It is a beautiful, tranquil setting and we are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy. We are a small, person-centred team with a good track record of delivery. During term time, there are around fifty people on the farm each week with over 2,500 social farming day places being offered every year.

It requires previous experience of a similar role in a vegetable growing setting and a keen desire to develop biodynamic growing practices if not already trained in these methods. Within this role you would join a team of five land workers, including the Farm Director, and be part of a dynamic broader team who work in the farm kitchen, craft room or with the livestock. We are ideally looking for someone to live on the farm in this role but we will also consider other options.

Lauriston Farm Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Applicants must be willing to undergo protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

We take safeguarding of all vulnerable people on the farm very seriously and you will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check if successful. Selected candidates will be required to attend an interview.

Please note this post is 'exempt' from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, you will be required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not 'protected' (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). The amendments to the Exceptions Order provide that certain 'spent' convictions and cautions are 'protected' and are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website.

Hours and salary

Normal working hours are per day, 9am to 5pm, five days per week (lunch 1-2pm). Additional weekend work required such as occasional Saturday markets, three weekend trustee meetings plus the AGM each year.

Location

The post will be based at Lauriston Farm, Lauriston Farm Chase, Maldon, Essex CM9 8AH.

What do we offer?

The chance to join a community owned charitable co-operative with environmental and social justice at its core. Competitive salary 21 days holiday (excluding bank holidays) per year. Contributory company pension A supportive and collaborative working environment A beautiful and tranquil setting Onsite accommodation

To apply

To apply, please send your current CV, along with a letter of application detailing how you match the person specification, by midnight 15th August 2025 to Hattie White (Operations Manager) hattie@lauristonfarm.co.uk

Interviews will start in week commencing 25th August 2025 with a start date in October. For further information please contact Hattie White (Operations Manager) hattie@lauristonfarm.co.uk or 01621 788348.

Salary:

12.12 per hour plus accommodation on site (rent, council tax and utility bills are covered by the Society)

Hours per week / Contract type:

40 / Permanent

Team:

Garden

Reporting to:

Farm Director

Location:

Lauriston Farm, Goldhanger, Essex, CM9 8AH

Purpose of role

To be part of the land working team at Lauriston Farm with some specific responsibilities for growing, soil management and overseeing other garden workers. Supporting the land team in other general farm activities such as livestock checks and general farm maintenance. Taking an active role in the development and holding of Lauriston's anthroposophically inspired, social farming community, supporting people with a learning disability and/or autism. The ideal candidate will thrive in an ever-evolving environment, demonstrating flexibility, resilience, and adaptability.

Duties & Responsibilities

Co-managing Demeter vegetable growing in the two-acre market garden including advising on and implementing cropping plans, rotations, groundwork, irrigation, weed management and harvesting Production and application of Biodynamic Field Preparations, Compost Preparations and following the Biodynamic Planting Calendar Crop protection including insect, fungi, bird and mammal damage Understanding and creating a balanced, healthy environment for growing Use of two-wheel and four-wheel tractors and implements Organising and overseeing the work of employees volunteers, students and WWOOFers, some of whom will have a learning disability and/or autism Inductions for volunteers, students and other groups Occasional other farm duties including maintenance animal care Developing the anthroposophically orientated social farming community Giving tours around the Market Garden to visiting individuals or groups To ensure that the garden environment and all equipment is kept safe and tidy. To comply with all Health and Safety. Support office staff with comms and marketing goals and documenting Represent the farm at events and markets We use Software Heirloom.ag to plan our planting calendar, and Ooooby to organise our veg bag scheme; some use of this will be required.

Duties & Responsibilities for all posts

Demonstrate and promote the values of Lauriston Farm Limited. Work in accordance with all Lauriston Farm policies including financial, equality & diversity and safeguarding Commit to continual professional development Play an active part within the wider Lauriston Farm team Perform other duties occasionally assigned to you to ensure the smooth running of the farm

Key Working Relationships

All farm staff Garden volunteers College students

PERSON SPECIFICATION

(Essential = E, Desirable = D)

Experience, knowledge & skills

Experience of working in chemical free vegetable gardening (E) Experience of working with machinery and tools, and doing basic repairs (E) Experience of weed management in an organic / biodynamic environment (E) Experience of pest prevention in an organic / biodynamic environment (E) Experience of soil preparation & management (E) Experience of composting (E) Knowledge of the biodynamic certification rules (D)
Knowledge of the biodynamic calendar and growing seasons (D)
Knowledge of biodynamic preparations and their appropriate application (D)
Experience of overseeing and training people to perform specific gardening tasks (E) Ability to perform physical labour outdoors in all weathers (E) Experience of health and safety in a farming / gardening environment (E) An innovative, flexible and enthusiastic work ethic, including a willingness to attend a maximum of three weekend trustee meetings plus the AGM each year (E) Commitment to the Lauriston Farm values of conservation and chemical free, biodynamic farming and the ability to communicate these values to others (E) Experience of working with people with learning difficulties and disabilities such as autism (D) Experience of some form of animal care (D) A keen interest in anthroposophy (D)
*If the successful applicant does not have this knowledge it is essential that they have a keen interest in and are willing to be trained in these methods

Qualifications

Full driving licence
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Company pension
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Maldon CM9 8AH: reliably commute or be willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 15/08/2025
Expected start date: 06/10/2025