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​*FULL TIME POSITION (40hrs/week)
BIODYNAMIC MARKET GARDENER
(Charitable Community Benefit Society)
 
LAURISTON FARM JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Biodynamic Market Gardener

Salary: National Living Wage 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: The post will be based at Lauriston Farm, Lauriston Farm Chase, Maldon, Essex CM9 8AH. 

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.

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

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) [email protected][HW1] 
 
Interviews will start in week commencing 25th August 2025 with a start date in October.  For further information please contact Hattie White (Operations Manager) [email protected]  or 01621 788348.