Fruit Farm Tractor Driver

Robertmitchellfarms; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-owned agriculture business in Sevenoaks is seeking an experienced full-time tractor driver. You will be crucial to the day-to-day operations of the farm during the growing season. Key responsibilities include mowing, fertilizer spreading, and operating forklifts. Applicants must have a valid UK driving license and experience with tractors, alongside a willingness to collaborate with a small team. This role offers a unique opportunity within a reputable farm focused on quality fruit production.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of tractor driving experience required.
• Relevant forklift operation qualifications are a must.
• PA1, PA2, PA3 spraying qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Mow fields to maintain crop health.
• Spread fertilizer accurately across fields.
• Move fruit bins on trailers between locations.
• Engage in orchard planting and grubbing.
• Operate counter-balanced and rough-terrain forklifts.
• Prune trees to encourage healthy growth.
• Spray herbicides and insecticides safely.
• Perform chainsaw work for tree maintenance.
• Cut hedges using mounted tractors.

Skills

Tractor operation

Forklift operation

Problem solving

Time keeping

Team collaboration

Education

Valid UK driving licence

Class 1 Forklift qualification

PA1, PA2, PA3 spraying qualification

Job description

Reporting to: Named Partner

Hours of work: Full time, 40 hours per week (Monday-Friday)

Company overview

Robert Mitchell Farms is a fourth-generation family farm operating in Sevenoaks Kent. We specialise in top-quality fruit production, growing Bramley apples, Conference pears, and Kentish cobnuts on free-draining sandy-loam soils extending to over 90 hectares. We supply both processing and supermarket customers across the UK.

Due to retirement, we’re looking for a full-time experienced tractor driver to join us, to work alongside the three other members of our team. The role is full-time, based on a 40-hour working week (Monday-Friday), with core hours of 07:30-16:00 on-site, with overtime worked as required. The role is integral to the day-to-day running of our farm, through all periods of the growing season.

Responsibilities

• Mowing
• Fertilizer spreading
• Fruit bin movements on trailers
• Orchard planting & grubbing activities
• Counter-balanced forklift operation
• Rough-terrain forklift operation
• Tree pruning
• Herbicide spraying (PA1 & PA2)
• Tree spraying (PA1 & PA3)
• Chainsaw work
• Hedgecutting (tractor mounted)

Person profile

Education / Qualifications

• Hold a full, valid and clean UK driving licence (required)
• Hold relevant qualifications for forklift operation (required)
• PA1, PA2, PA3 spraying qualification (desirable, training can be arranged if needed)

Experience / Knowledge required

• 10+ years of tractor driving experience

Personal skills

• Ability to work independently as a lone worker
• Willingness to work as part of a small team when required
• Logical and methodical approach to problem solving
• Workload prioritisation based on weather conditions
• Good time keeping
• Honest and accountable

Compensation

Application information

If you are interested in this role, please email your CV along with a covering letter to [e-mail].