Cultivation Operative Role with Vitacress Salads Ltd – UK Leaf Farming Division
Agriculture remains one of the most essential and resilient sectors in the United Kingdom, offering stable employment, long-term career development, and the opportunity to work at the heart of the nation’s food supply chain. As demand for fresh, locally grown produce continues to rise, so does the need for skilled and dedicated agricultural professionals.
One such opportunity is the Farm Cultivation Operative position within the UK Leaf Farming department at Vitacress Salads Ltd. This role is ideal for individuals with experience in tractor operation, land preparation, and cultivation machinery who are seeking a hands-on, outdoor role in a well-established and respected agricultural business.
With competitive pay, consistent hours, and a strong emphasis on safety, teamwork, and professional standards, this role represents an excellent opportunity to build or advance a career in modern UK farming.
Overview of Farm Cultivation Jobs in the UK
Farm cultivation operatives play a critical role in crop production. Their work directly impacts soil quality, crop yield, and the efficiency of farming operations. In the UK, cultivation roles are especially important in large-scale vegetable and salad farming, where precision, timing, and machinery expertise are essential.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Preparing land for sowing
- Operating tractors and cultivation equipment
- Maintaining machinery
- Supporting general farm operations
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards
These roles require physical fitness, technical skills, and adaptability to changing weather and seasonal demands.
About Vitacress Salads Ltd
A Leader in UK Leaf Farming
Vitacress Salads Ltd is one of the UK’s principal suppliers of salads and watercress, serving both major retailers and consumers through its own brand, Steve’s Leaves. Based in St Mary Bourne, Andover, the company operates a true field-to-fork model, growing, washing, packing, and distributing produce directly from its own farms.
With its own salad leaf farms, Vitacress takes pride in maintaining full control over quality, sustainability, and food safety throughout the production process.
A Company Built on Trust and Transparency
Vitacress is known for its authentic and grounded culture. From how crops are grown to how teams are managed, transparency and trust are central to daily operations. Employees are encouraged to take pride in their work, understand the wider business, and contribute ideas that improve efficiency and quality.
The company also invests heavily in:
- Modern farming equipment
- Facility upgrades
- Employee training and development
- Long-term business growth
Position Summary: Farm Cultivation Operative
The Cultivation Operative role is part of the UK Leaf Farming department and reports directly to the Farm Manager and Farm Foreman. The position is essential in ensuring land is properly prepared for sowing salad and herb crops, while maintaining high standards of machinery care and farm safety.
Key Employment Details
- Hourly Rate: £13.13 per hour
- Hours: 40 hours per week
- Department: UK Leaf Farming
- Work Environment: Outdoor, farm-based
- Employment Type: Permanent / Ongoing
Core Responsibilities of the Cultivation Operative
1. Soil Preparation and Cultivation Operations
A primary responsibility of this role is preparing land for sowing salad and herb crops. This includes:
- Subsoiling to improve soil structure
- Bedforming to create optimal growing conditions
- Ensuring consistent soil quality across fields
Precision in cultivation directly impacts crop health, yield, and sustainability.
2. Tractor and Machinery Operation
The role requires confident operation of large agricultural tractors, including:
- Driving tractors on public roads safely and legally
- Operating cultivation equipment efficiently
- Adjusting machinery settings to suit soil and crop requirements
A strong understanding of tractor handling and field safety is essential.
3. Machinery Maintenance and Repairs
Cultivation operatives are responsible for:
- Carrying out proactive maintenance on tractors and equipment
- Identifying faults early
- Performing basic repairs where appropriate
- Reporting mechanical issues promptly to management
Well-maintained machinery ensures safety, reduces downtime, and supports productivity.
4. Supporting General Farm Duties
During quieter periods, the role may include:
- Crop mowing
- Strimming
- Netting crops
- General farm support tasks
This flexibility ensures smooth farm operations year-round.
5. Health & Safety Compliance
Safety is a core priority at Vitacress. The cultivation operative must:
- Follow all Health & Safety procedures
- Operate machinery according to guidelines
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment
- Communicate hazards or risks immediately
Working Conditions
Outdoor, Farm-Based Role
This is a physically demanding position that involves:
- Working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Seasonal peaks requiring flexibility and longer hours
- Repetitive and detail-focused machinery tasks
Applicants should be comfortable with rural working environments and physically active roles.
Skills, Experience, and Qualifications Required
Essential Experience and Skills
Successful candidates should have:
- A valid UK driving licence, including tractor driving
- Proven experience operating tractors and cultivation equipment
- Physical fitness for manual and machinery-based tasks
- A good level of spoken English for Health & Safety communication
- The ability to work effectively within a team
Personal Attributes
Vitacress is looking for individuals who are:
- Hardworking and reliable
- Motivated and proactive
- Safety-conscious
- Adaptable to changing priorities
- Positive team players
A strong work ethic and willingness to learn are highly valued.
Why Work as a Farm Cultivation Operative in the UK?
Agricultural roles such as cultivation operatives offer:
- Stable, long-term employment
- Competitive hourly pay
- Practical, skill-based work
- Opportunities for progression into senior or specialist roles
- A meaningful contribution to the UK food supply
Working in cultivation also provides exposure to modern farming technology and sustainable practices.
Career Development and Progression
With experience, cultivation operatives can progress into roles such as:
- Senior Cultivation Operator
- Machinery Specialist
- Farm Supervisor or Foreman
- Farm Manager (with additional training)
Vitacress actively supports employee development through training and internal progression.
Company Culture and Employee Development
Vitacress believes in growing people alongside its crops. Employees benefit from:
- Investment in modern facilities
- Training on advanced machinery
- Clear communication and transparency
- A supportive and inclusive workplace culture
The company’s success is built on long-term relationships — with customers, suppliers, and employees alike.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly. The recruitment process typically includes:
- Application submission
- Review of experience and suitability
- Interview and assessment
- Onboarding and training
Vitacress values efficiency and clear communication throughout recruitment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this a full-time role?
Yes, this position is based on 40 hours per week.
Do I need previous farming experience?
Yes, experience in tractor driving and cultivation operations is required.
Is this an indoor or outdoor job?
This is a fully outdoor, farm-based role.
Will I need to work long hours?
During peak seasons and weather-dependent periods, flexibility and longer hours may be required.
Is training provided?
Yes, Vitacress provides ongoing training and support for its employees.
Is this role suitable for long-term employment?
Yes, Vitacress offers stable, long-term career opportunities.