Job Title

Square Mile Farms is on a mission to integrate farms into everyday city life to create inspiring places and experiences that bring people & organisations together and reconnect them with food. We put vertical growing systems in urban areas, such as corporate offices, co-working spaces, restaurants and apartment buildings, so people can grow and consume their own zero miles, ultra fresh produce where they live and work, while enjoying plants on display.The Farm Operations Supervisor is responsible for the management of daily farm operations at one of our largest sites, including the operational oversight of a Farm Operator, crop production, nursery operations, plant health, equipment maintenance, system cleanliness, data collection, and quality control. The Farm Operations Supervisor upholds an exceptional standard of product output and ensures the farm successfully functions as a food production facility, educational and wellness space for GSK employees, an aesthetic feature of The Orangery restaurant, as well as a key proof point for future SMF masterplans.Key Responsibilities and DutiesResource managementOrganise the scheduling of daily/weekly duties of the Operations Supervisor and Farm Operator using our management system.Manage resources to cover special events and unforeseen circumstances together with the Site Lead.Track inventory and ordering of farm consumables, spares and other sundry items with Site Lead.Ask for support from, and escalate issues to, the Site Lead as required.Nursery and Crop production managementCoordinate sowing according to sowing schedule.Irrigation management - maintain cycles of racks, according to Nursery and Open Farm & enhance irrigation nutrient mixes where possibleMonitor plant health i.e. manage germination, fertigation and other nutrition issues.Coordinate implementation of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) protocols.Manage lighting, HVAC and other growing variables of the vertical farm and SMF Farm Walls.Management of harvests, irrigation flushes, plant ups and dosingSupport coordination and liaising with on-site chefs with harvests of produce. Liaise with Site Lead and Community Engagement Lead around Monthly produce charity donations.System 'site managementOversee and support the programme of system maintenance and checks eg pumps, irrigation, automated infrastructure etcMonitor and keep track of nutrient levels within the system, while monitoring pH and EC levels through the dosing system.Oversee and support the programme of system cleaning eg filter cleans, tray cleans, algae removal etc to ensure the systems are looking and operating to expected standardHold strict standards of site cleanliness ensuring that all farm areas are tidy and cleanData collection, daily/weekly trackers and site consumableUsing our management system, ensure all required data points are updated on a daily/weekly basis such as harvest weights, sowing information, consumables inventory etc Client engagementLeading weekly community harvests engaging the attendees and providing an exceptional SMF experienceSupporting client pop up events, school visits, farm tours/talks to client stakeholders etcRequirementsPassionate about agriculture, horticulture and / or nature and sustainability2 years minimum experience working within hydroponics and ideally within a large scale growing infrastructure. Can talk confidently about different hydroponic technologies, automated systems and how to troubleshoot relevant scenarios.Preferably has people management experience, but not essential. More important is someone with natural leadership skills and willingness to take responsibility and lead by exampleBased full time on site and ability and willingness to carry out a physical role and be on your feet for most of the day Strong communication skills, both in terms of keeping the Site Lead updated and working with the onsite client teamHighly mindfully collaborative, and thrives contributing as an integral member of a teamNaturally very professional and able to represent the SMF brand optimally at a key client/siteConscientious attitude and keen to learnExtremely diligent and attention to detailFluency in English is a mustAble to start in December 25, potentially November 25BenefitsWorking for a purpose driven start up with a great cultureA growing business with opportunity for progressionCompetitive salaryMonthly Wellbeing budget added to salary28 days holiday per yearChance to take home fresh veg and herbsMonthly team eventsCycle to work schemeBudget toward training and qualificationsFree breakfasts on Mondays