Market Garden Head Grower (Organic)
Drumanilra Organic Farm – Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Accommodation available
Drumanilra Organic Farm, located on the shores of Lough Key, is part of a family of food businesses that includes The Honestly Farm Kitchens restaurants and farm shops in Carrick-on-Shannon and Strandhill, together with Carraig Rua Bakery. We grow, produce and sell high-quality organic food, supplying our own restaurants, bakery, farm shops and selected local retailers.
We're looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Market Garden Grower to lead our certified organic market garden.
The Role
This is a hands-on position managing our 900m² of polytunnels and outdoor growing areas using organic and no-dig principles. Your primary responsibility will be producing high-quality vegetables, salads and herbs for our restaurants and farm shops while continuing to develop the garden's productivity.
You will work closely with the owners and Head Chefs to plan seasonal crops, coordinate with local organic growers when required, and help maximise the potential of the market garden.
You will also:
- Manage day-to-day growing operations.
- Plan crop rotations and seasonal production.
- Maintain organic certification and production records.
- Supervise seasonal staff, interns and volunteers when necessary
- Help develop educational visits, workshops and farm events.
- May encompass managing 170 laying hens
This role could offer far more than managing an established market garden. We're looking for someone with ambition, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset who wants to shape the future of this enterprise.
You'll have the opportunity to:
- Expand and develop the market garden as demand grows.
- Introduce new crops, ideas and production systems.
- Develop educational courses, workshops and farm visits.
- Build relationships with schools, community groups and visitors.
- Help grow the sales side of the business through direct sales and new opportunities.
- Play a key role in the long-term success of an integrated organic farm, bakery, restaurants and farm shops.
If you're someone who dreams of creating an exceptional market garden rather than simply maintaining one, we'd love to hear from you. We are looking for a person who wants to leave their mark and grow with the business.
About You
You'll ideally have:
- A qualification in horticulture or a related discipline.
- At least 2 years' market gardening experience.
- Experience growing vegetables and salads in commercial polytunnels.
- A strong understanding of no dig / organic growing methods.
- Good planning, organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Experience managing or supervising staff.
- Communication and computer skills
- An interest in marketing and developing sales opportunities for fresh produce.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (negotiable depending on experience).
- On-farm accommodation available.
- Flexible working pattern (full-time during the growing season with reduced winter hours).
- Company pension.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Bike to Work Scheme.
- Staff discounts across our restaurants, bakery and farm shops.
- On-site parking.
- Company events and training opportunities.
- Opportunity to play a key role in a growing, award-winning organic food business committed to sustainability and local food production.
Location: Drumanilra Organic Farm, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Requirements
- Commercial market gardening: minimum 2 years (required)
- Authorised to work in Ireland essential
- Ability to commute from local area or relocate to Boyle before starting
If you're passionate about organic food production and want the opportunity to develop an established market garden as part of an innovative farm-to-table business, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: €17.00-€20.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
