About Common Ground Project

Common Ground Project is a community farm and social enterprise located in Freshwater Creek, Victoria. It was founded in 2019 by The Mulberry Group, a community-minded and sustainability-focused hospitality group with venues across Victoria including Hazel, Dessous, Liminal and La Cantina.

As farmers and members of the local community, we recognise our role in changing the food system. We envision a more resilient and thriving regenerative farming and food ecosystem, where people have access and are connected to land, food, culture and community.

We work to connect the local community to food and farming through three core business areas:

1. Regenerative farming - growing and selling nutrient-rich food for the region;
2. Education programs - school programs, community workshops and volunteering days;
3. Training and employment programs - to support people facing disadvantage in the community.

Role Description

As we expand the farm, we are excited to welcome new members to our team! As a farm hand, you will assist the Farm Manager in the ongoing management, operations and growth of the farm at Common Ground Project. This includes:

• Growing seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs from nursery to harvest
• Farm maintenance and expansion
• Supporting harvest and delivery for restaurants, shops and our on-site Food Hub
• Assist with managing visiting staff and working with volunteers

This farm hand role is unique, expansive and wide ranging but it is also rewarding. In addition to supporting the key responsibilities listed below, it is also your responsibility to understand and share our story and use your experiences to inspire and lead others. We trust you will embrace it wholeheartedly and instil passion and zeal in your work. There is the possibility for growth in our team and longevity in your role with us as we work towards our mission of strengthening the food system.

Key Responsibilities

• Cultivation activities including preparing beds, planting, pruning and harvest
• Assist planning weekly harvest schedule, harvesting, cleaning, packing & delivery
• Help maintain standards of production to ensure the highest quality produce
• Insect and weed control, fertility monitoring and general field observation
• Supervision of visiting staff and volunteers (patiently and respectfully)
• Infrastructure planning, creation and maintenance
• Irrigation planning and implementation
• Soil building program including composting
• Support nursery operations, including hand-sowing seeds, maintaining seedlings, watering, rotating seeds through nursery to hardening off, ensuring optimum health before transplanting

Key Skills & Experience

• Relevant experience working as a farm hand and undertaking key tasks listed above
• Strong, practical knowledge of Small Plot Intensive Farming
• Passionate about building resilient food systems
• Self-driven with the ability to work autonomously and within a small, agile team
• Acute attention to detail, always
• Open minded, curious and oriented to solutions
• Able to work in the field and office including hard repetitive physical work
• Current Australian driver’s license and a clean driving record
• Current Victorian Working With Children Check

Values & Culture

We are an inclusive team and value diversity in all its forms. Women, LGBTQIA+ folks, anyone who identifies as Indigenous or any other racialised groups, those from ethnically diverse communities are encouraged to apply. In your role, we hope you will express yourself, inspire others and contribute to the dynamism of the Common Ground Project culture.

You will be an ambassador for our culture, and we expect you to:

• Share and embody Common Ground Project’s vision for a more resilient and thriving regenerative farming and food ecosystem, where people have access and are connected to land, food, culture and community.
• Inspire, lead by example, be passionate about your work
• Take responsibility for your own work and continually look for ways to improve existing approaches;
• Commit to reflection and learning, including sharing failures and uncertainties;
• Ensure the well-being of staff, and take care of each other.

Further information can be found in the attached position description.