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Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Assistant Grower

The Apricot Centre @Huxham's Cross Farm
Huxham's Cross Farm in Dartington, Totnes

Posted: 4 Dec 2025

Deadline: 4 Jan 2026

Compensation: £12.60 per hour

Paid Full-time Permanent

Job description

Role Title:  Assistant Grower

Reports to: Farm Manager

Job Purpose:This is a full time permanent job on our diverse and vibrant regenerative farm. You will be a key part of a dynamic and supportive team in a growing business, covering most aspects of production in a commercial mixed veg growing business.

Hours, Pay and Holiday:

• 5 days (40 hours) per week in summer, 4 days (28 hours) per week in winter
• This includes half an hour paid break. Half an hour unpaid lunch is add
• £12.60/hour
• 28 days holiday (pro rata)

Main Duties include:

• Assisting the Farm Lead in field scale and protected cropping operations
• Responsibility for all aspects of growing market garden crops, including year-round mixed salad, herbs, courgettes etc. This primarily includes ground preparation, planting, weed and pest control, irrigation and harvest
• Managing the supply of these crops to meet demand for continuity, quality and freshness throughout their respective seasons
• Machine operations including tractor and pedestrian tractor
• Ensuring all equipment is used in an appropriate manner and any problems reported to the Farm Manager
• Crop evaluation, record keeping and planning for the following season
• Development of the site such as putting up polytunnels, help with construction projects and site maintenance in winter
• Comply with the biodynamic and organic standards of the farm
• Ensure all risk assessment and health and safety practices are adhered to
• Assisting/covering in other areas of the farm, packhouse or retail parts of the business as required. This may include very occasional cover of delivery driving.
• Weekend work across all areas of the farm on a rota (approx 1 weekend in 6)

Essential knowledge, experience and skills

• An understanding of and a commitment to Organic production systems
• Good knowledge of the growing requirements of market garden crops, especially seasonal salad, in the UK climate
• Competency in the use of market garden tools and techniques
• Ability to work at speed in a commercial horticultural setting
• Ability to multitask and manage your time effectively
• Good communication skills to receive and give complex instructions
• Some experience of tractor or other machine usage in a farm setting
• At least 2 years experience in commercial vegetable production
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Knowledge of how to grow year-round field scale vegetables in the UK climate
• Knowledge of Biodynamics
• Competence in a range of machine operations within a horticultural business
• Experience working with livestock or growing fruit
• Level 3 or above in Regenerative Agriculture or relevant subject

Application information

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to dave.wright@apricotcentre.co.uk

Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs