Growing Team Member (Field Blocks)

About Tyddyn Teg

Tyddyn Teg is a workers' cooperative located in North Wales, managing a 31-acre agroecological community farm. The farm includes around 9 acres of field crops managed in a 7-year minimum-till rotation with 2 years of cover crops, plus an acre of intensive vegetable gardens and 1,630 square meters of polytunnels. It operates a year-round weekly vegetable scheme serving 180 local families, alongside a farm shop, wholesale business catering to local shops and caterers, an on-site bakery producing organic sourdough bread, and a campsite providing furnished bell tent glamping options.

The cooperative operates with non-hierarchical governance, focusing on producing quality food while caring for the land. The cooperative consists of 12 members, with 7 on the Growing Team. Most members live on site, and successful applicants have the option to reside at the farm.

Role Overview

This is a full-time position working five days per week from April to October, with reduced hours during winter. The Growing Team Member will assist in the management and eventual planning of 10 acres of organic crops using tractors and hand tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare land with various tractor implements and hand tools.
• Establish and maintain crops through planting, irrigation, hoeing, strimming, and hand weeding.
• Harvest and pack produce efficiently.
• Establish and maintain green manure and compost/manure management.
• Maintain machinery and tools.
• Perform general farm maintenance duties.
• Participate in overall business management as a co-director and cooperative member by attending monthly meetings and engaging in decision-making.
• Contribute to other working groups such as trees and woodland management, community outreach, administration, and domestic tasks.

Essential Qualifications and Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated, hardworking, well-organized, and able to plan, prioritize, and execute daily tasks independently.
• Observant and thoughtful with the ability to critically assess crop conditions and respond appropriately.
• Committed to maintaining accurate records and performing data-driven analysis on crop outcomes.
• Practical knowledge or quick aptitude in operating various hand tools and powered machinery.
• Must have prior tractor driving experience and willingness to operate and maintain tractors and associated implements on a daily basis.
• Ability to assess risks, especially when using machinery, and responsibility for personal and others’ safety.
• Knowledge and keen interest in organic and agroecological farming principles, including minimum tillage, no dig, fertility management, soil health, balancing yield against labor inputs.
• Understanding the importance of biodiversity and plant health improvements.
• Physically fit for intensive labor and able to work in all weather conditions of North Wales.
• Awareness of efficient and ergonomic working methods, with the ability to prioritize workload to complete essential tasks when weather conditions allow.
• Experience in quickly harvesting a variety of produce to a high standard.
• Ability to organize weekly tasks alongside domestic duties, meetings, and cooperative responsibilities.
• Willingness to adopt cooperative practices including meeting culture, communication and mediation training, peer-driven management, and upholding cooperative values and rules.
• Preparedness to participate in cooperative domestic duties, typically 1-2 hours per week.
• Friendly and approachable personality; willing to engage with customers, team members, and occasional volunteers daily to strengthen community ties.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Welsh language skills or enthusiasm to learn.
• Valid UK driving license.
• Experience managing volunteer teams.
• Familiarity with Xero or similar accounting software.
• Interest in supporting cooperative's local community outreach and public event involvement.
• Experience living in a cooperative or community and an interest in alternative lifestyles.
• Knowledge or experience with consensus decision-making.
• Passion for cooking high-quality food.

Additional Details

The role starts from March 2026. The cooperative operates a profit-sharing model with a flat pay rate for all director members. Semi-permanent accommodation is available onsite. Interested candidates need to send their CV and a brief expression of interest with two referees before the closing date of December 18th. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for Zoom interviews on December 22 or 23.