Farm Work jobs in Forest of Dean

Do you want to be part of a business that inspires its staff to develop and learn, to healthily challenge the norm and welcomes new ideas? Look no further….

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a variety of farmyard machinery. This role involves maintaining and operating equipment such as tractors, trailers, rotovator, and plough to ensure the successful care and development of the farm. You will manage routine maintenance of machinery, including cleaning, lubricating, and making minor repairs, while also ensuring that all equipment is functioning at its best. This position demands a practical and safety-conscious individual who can work independently and as part of a team to ensure tasks are completed effectively and on schedule.

Key accountabilities of the role

Operation of Machinery:

• Operate a variety of horticultural machinery, including tractors with attached equipment (rotovators, plough, trailers), and other landscape tools to carry out tasks such as mowing, tilling, and soil preparation
• Lead and assist with bed making and soil preparation, ensuring that the soil quality meets the required standards for planting.
• Ensure that all machinery is properly calibrated and functioning according to manufacturer specifications to maximise efficiency and safety.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Conduct routine inspections of machinery for wear and tear, and perform basic maintenance tasks such as cleaning, lubricating, and making minor repairs.
• Report any significant machinery malfunctions or damage and assist in coordinating repairs when needed, through the internal workshop or external contractors.

Safety and Compliance:

• Adhere to all safety protocols while operating machinery and handling tools to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Ensure that equipment is used in a safe and efficient manner, minimising risks and maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.

Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate records of machinery usage, including maintenance schedules, repairs, and any issues that arise with the equipment.
• Document hours worked, tasks completed, and any necessary repairs or machinery replacements to maintain operational efficiency.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and forward-thinking, with a keen eye for detail.
• Consistently energetic with an ability to inspire and uplift other team members.
• Able to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented culture.
• Committed to continuous improvement and adapting to evolving business needs.
• Flexible and resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Have the practical intelligence to find solutions to problems, efficiently and effectively
• An ability to maintain a modest approach, and always willing to learn.
• Be highly emotionally intelligent having the aptitude to work within a multi-cultural, diverse and exciting business.

Experience

• Proven experience operating and maintaining various machinery
• Valid driver’s license
• Experience leading and supervising a small team
• Demonstrated ability to perform routine machinery maintenance
• Familiarity with soft fruit production and packaging processes (preferred but not essential)
• At least 3 years in a similar job role

Founded in 1987 by the Chairperson, Angus Davison, Haygrove is a profitable £100m+ business with cherry and berry farming enterprises in the UK, South Africa, China and Portugal. The business also has 'Growing Systems' equipment sale subsidiaries in Germany, USA, Mexico, South Africa , Poland, China and further afield, with sales in over 40 countries.

Listed in 2011 as in the ‘Fastest 500’ companies in the EU in terms of growing employment; in 2012 in the Sunday Times ‘Fastest growing in international sales in the UK’; and in 2017 as Herefordshire and Worcestershire's 'Exporter of the Year'; this medium-sized practical business is exciting, complex, and in a fast fresh industry. Growing at 20-30% pa and with international breadth, opportunity in Haygrove is never scarce. It is more likely you will be stretched than bored.

Haygrove selects its people carefully, and works hard to shape roles to individual talents, whilst always living the company values. The business defines success in human terms, constantly seeking to “create opportunities for great people, particularly those who have drawn the short straw” , and measuring its’ results across three bottom lines: People, Profit and Planet.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Private medical insurance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ledbury HR8 2JL: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: £14.00-£15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 48.0 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person