GIY is looking for an experienced grower to join our team as a Garden Manager.
About GROW HQ
Opened in October 2016, GROW HQ has established itself as one of Waterford’s favourite cafes, focusing on hyper-authentic, seasonal food, grown onsite and cooked with passion by our kitchen team. The organic garden at HQ has been developed over the last 6 years; it consists of intensive vegetable production, top and soft fruit, protected cropping and ornamental areas. HQ is a working model of a sustainable food system, our zero-waste ethos means any kitchen waste is used as compost for our gardens. Food goes full circle here at HQ – from ground to plate and back to ground. Our 3-acre plot includes a 65-seat café, shop, education centre, food gardens and woodland trail.
GROW HQ is also proud to be the Irish hub for Chef’s Manifesto: an advocacy hub building a community of chefs around the world, equipped with the skills to create a better food system for all. GROW HQ is also the home of GIY, an award-winning social enterprise that supports people to develop ‘food empathy’ – a deeper connection with food and respect for the people and planet that put it on our tables. Our mission is to inspire and enable a global movement of food growers whose collective actions will help to create a more fair, resilient and sustainable food system.
Key Responsibilities
1. Organic Food Production: Manage organic food production with the Head Grower; including soil management, pest & disease control, sowing, planting & harvesting, composting, tunnel & glasshouse management, plant propagation.
2. Cafe Supply Coordination: Work with the Head of Food on the production and supply of vegetables, fruit and herbs for the café.
3. Maintenance: Manage day-to-day, year-round maintenance of HQ gardens and grounds; grass cutting, weeding, path care, etc.
4. Record Keeping: Maintain records for the garden: crop production, machinery and health & safety.
5. Site Development: Manage the continuing development of the site, working closely with the Head Grower.
6. Farm Support: Support our farm site as needed, including collaboration on growing practices, crop planning, and resource sharing to ensure consistency and sustainability across both locations.
Skills & Qualifications
The ideal candidate will believe in GIY’s vision, share GIY’s values and have the following qualifications and experience:
1. Minimum 2 years’ experience in intensive commercial veg and fruit production (preferable but not essential).
2. Competent in the use of garden machinery (mowers, strimmers, tillers, etc.).
3. Excellent planning and organisational skills.
4. Ability to work flexibly depending on weather, and seasons (weekend and evening work will be needed).
5. Ability to work independently.
Please email career@giy.ie with your CV and a one-page cover letter explaining your fit with the criteria outlined above. Please apply by 11th October 2024. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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