Job description (via Roots to Work)
We are a community owned, charitable co-operative which practices Social Farming on a certified biodynamic farm on the Blackwater Estuary, near Maldon in Essex. Launched in 2017 and building on thirteen years of development, we provide a wide range of educational opportunities through meaningful work experiences to many people, especially those with a learning disability and/or autism (LDA). We also undertake extensive conservation work through on the farm’s 210 acres which includes rare breed cattle and sheep, laying hens, vegetable growing, woolly crafts and a community kitchen processing produce and providing daily lunches. Produce is sold locally at markets, weekly deliveries and directly from the farm. We also have a volunteering program, give talks to local interest groups and work closely with Essex County Council, local SEND schools and colleges and The Country Trust. It is a beautiful, tranquil setting and we are inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy.
We launched a new seven-year business plan in 2024 as we have access to new buildings and other opportunities which will further diversify and increase our activities, notably into overnight accommodation. Key to this expansion is the introduction of a full time Operations Manager to oversee all the day to day activities of the farm, ensuring internal policies and procedures are followed and external regulations are adhered to including personnel management (eleven employees), financial reporting including charitable grant applications/reporting, safeguarding, food hygiene, first aid and health and safety. We are a small, person-centred team with a good track record of delivery. During term time, there are around fifty people on the farm each week with over 2,500 social farming day places being offered every year.
The role reports directly to the Trustees and works shoulder to shoulder with the current Farm Director. It requires previous experience of a similar role, ideally in a charity or co-operative, excellent communication and organisational skills, an empathy for nature as well as a passion for chemical free farming. Experience of working alongside people with learning disabilities and/or autism is highly desirable as half our current employees have a learning disability. We are an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from people with a disability.
