Grower (Polytunnels Lead) Sought at Wye Organic

Wye Organic was established in early 2021, and following five successful seasons we are looking to expand the team. We currently grow ½ an acre of vegetables and flowers in an historic Walled Garden and almost ¼ an acre of polytunnel space – all entirely no-dig – and are expanding our field-scale production. Set in the stunning landscape of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, the garden is part of a traditional estate producing organic beef, lamb and more, all to principles of Regenerative Agriculture. The farm has been organic certified for over 20 years, and is a long-standing member of the Pasture Fed Livestock Association. In 2022 we started a box scheme, which has thrived and we are now doing some 80 boxes per week. This accounts for about half of our veg turnover, with wholesale – to shops, restaurants and secondary wholesalers – making up the other half.

About the Team

The veg garden is currently managed by Head Grower Dom, who has been growing veg commercially since 2011 and has managed organic veg farms in Fife and the Midlands. We also have a cut flower operation managed by Nanda, and the livestock side is run by our farmer Barry. We also employ assistant veg and flower growers, and so along with volunteers you will be part of a small team in the garden.

About the Role

Our aim is to restructure the Market Garden to give growers more scope for responsibility, creativity, and input. Responsibility for production areas is divided into three: Polytunnels, Walled Garden, and Field, with each overseen by specific team members. The Polytunnels Lead ensures necessary work gets done by the whole team together, following an existing cropping plan for 2026 with well-established systems in place. This role is ideal for someone with experience in an Assistant Grower-type role looking to step up.

Responsibilities

• Lead polytunnel production, including:
  • Annual planning (rotation, cropping, sowing, infrastructure)
  • Purchasing (seed orders, equipment, tools, consumables)
  • Practical work (crop production, harvesting, sowing, plant raising)
  • Infrastructure maintenance and repair
• Participate in other garden and office tasks as needed, including:
  • Routine admin (sales lists, web updates, box planning, pick lists)
  • Processing website sales and enquiries
  • Ordering bought-in veg
  • Promotion and publicity (social media, stalls)
  • Packhouse work (packing, deliveries, organizing drivers)
  • Human resources (trainee mentoring)

Requirements

Essential

• Experience of organic vegetable growing
• Ability to understand and implement a cropping plan
• Physical work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Confidence in coordinating a small team
• Ability to work alone and self-motivate
• Clean driving licence, willing to drive a van (3.5t) and pickup truck
• Basic practical DIY-type skills
• Basic IT skills
• Good timekeeping

Desirable

• Experience with farm machinery and tractors
• Experience working alongside and managing volunteers

Pay

The pay rate is £12.21 per hour, including on-site accommodation if required, vegetables, and a 20% discount off other Wye Organic products (meat, flowers). The post-holder is entitled to statutory holiday pay, other applicable statutory entitlements, and will be auto-enrolled in the company pension scheme if eligible.

Schedule

• Winter hours: 3 days (24 hours) per week, November – March inclusive
• Summer hours: 4.5 days (36 hours – TBC) per week, April – October inclusive
• Job share considered for the right candidates
• Role commences January 2026 (exact date TBC)