About Us
Louma Farm and Retreat is an exciting new destination in the glorious West Dorset Countryside. Our focus is on wellness and a big part of that is centred on producing wholesome food for our guests from our farm and garden. We farm and garden regeneratively and are looking for someone who is a good all-rounder who is enthusiastic about animal welfare and looking after our land.
Overview
Establish and oversee the evolution of a market leading Gardening operation at Louma Farm and Retreat relative to its scale, regenerative ethos and business plan:
* High standard and efficient management of the garden / landscaped areas, vegetable areas / crops, herb garden, woodlands, as well as associated permanent and temporary buildings, machinery and equipment.
* Maximize the productivity, quality, diversity and seasonality of landscaping, garden areas, vegetable crops and woodlands.
* Empower the interaction of Guests with a market leading visual, physical and sensual experience.
* Be an Ambassador for Louma Farm and Retreat and represent it to the highest standard.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
* Prepare a strong annual plan by season, month, week, and day for the efficient and effective Gardening Department operation.
* Oversee the high standard and efficient operation for the:
o Maintaining and developing the landscaped areas.
o Growing of manicured lawns and healthy grass areas.
o Growing of controlled wild-flower areas.
o Growing and maximizing productivity of quality and variety within Kitchen Garden, poly-tunnel and vegetable / crop areas, liaising with Executive Chef as required. Harvesting produce efficiently and effectively to optimize its use through detailed scheduling and liaison with Kitchen.
o Growing of foraging areas.
o Cutting of grass on lawns, meadows and around trees.
o Cutting, thinning, removal, spraying of weeds and invasive plants from lawns, meadows, tree surrounds, woodland, vegetable / crop areas (inclusive of paths).
o Preparation of soil to maximize productivity.
o Management of pests and disease aligned with the company principles.
* Produce monthly and weekly plans for maximization of manpower in the most efficient and effective manner within the approved budget.
* Undertake daily and weekly site inspection duties of the garden, veg / crop and woodland areas and machinery / equipment as per schedule to ensure its condition to achieve its objectives aligned to the company’s ethos.
* Harvest crops in a timely manner to maximize quality and quantity for use internally at Retreat or for external purposes.
* Clean and maintain machinery and equipment as scheduled or required and report any findings to the Head of Grounds.
* Maintain an up-to-date audit on all Gardening equipment, machinery, resources and assets.
Requirements
* 2 Years experience managing / supervising Garden and Vegetable operations at an Estate or Farm, overseeing permanent and casual staff.
* Valid Driving License.
* Hard working and committed to achieve goals.
* Be prepared to work outside with weekend and early morning / evening shifts.
* IT literate.
* Great communication skills with other team members and Guests.
Preferred
* Valid ticket for machinery and equipment, such as tractors, diggers, strimmers.
* First Aid at Work.
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