Orchard Manager

Produce Careers•Dillsburg, PA

About The Position

A well-established family-owned agriculture company is seeking an experienced Orchard Manager to join their team based in the Dillsburg, PA area. The ideal candidate will have hands-on, large-scale grower/orchard management experience preferably with apple or pear. Experienced with developing spray programs, understanding of root stalks, and how different commodity varieties behave. This full-time position will play a key role in Company’s management team as the company transitions into the future. Responsibilities Include: Manage the oversight of day-to-day operations of over several hundreds of acres of orchard and associated agricultural property in cooperation with management team. Coordinate with management team in leading employees; compiling records on crops; creating schedules for planting, irrigating, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and harvesting orchards; coordinating equipment readiness; directing harvest operations. Monitor orchards for disease and pest issues, monitor plant and soil nutrient levels and plan nutrient applications, plan and administer pesticide spray program, supervise pesticide application and procurement/distribution, maintain pesticide and nutrient records, monitor weather and record data, manage and monitor irrigation systems, participate in or lead various cultural practices as needed, keep records of trees and planting blocks. Oversee, communicate with, manage, assess, and direct staff who report to this position. Provide leadership in directing the field workforce and coordinate with field supervisors to ensure timely completion of necessary farming practices. Assist with and ensure proper training of workforce, provide corrective training as needed. Maintain a culture of safety and safe work practices, assist with required safety training, act as member of Food Safety Committee and assume associated responsibilities. Assist in maintenance and basic repair of equipment. Attend educational seminars and conferences, engage in ongoing learning. COMPETITIVE SALARY (DOE), BONUS, FULL BENEFITS. RETIREMENT PLAN, HOUSING/VEHICLE PROVIDED, and more. Actual placement within compensation range may vary depending on experience, skills, and other factors.

Requirements

Must have documented prior experience of at least five years in orchard management and operations; extensive horticultural experience in commercial orchard production highly preferred.
Must be able to communicate proficiently in and read English; proficiency in Spanish highly preferred
Must be able to regularly work Monday through Friday as well as some weekends and have on-call availability as seasonal needs demand.
Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively
Must be able to plan ahead and consider the larger picture, balancing multiple tasks
Must be able to create and maintain accurate records (e.g. pesticide application records)
Must have or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license
Must have or be able to obtain a PA Private Pesticide Applicator license
Must be proficient in Excel and other Microsoft Office programs

Nice To Haves

Mechanical aptitude preferred
Prior experience with PrimusGFS, USDA GAP preferred

Responsibilities

Manage the oversight of day-to-day operations of over several hundreds of acres of orchard and associated agricultural property in cooperation with management team.
Coordinate with management team in leading employees; compiling records on crops; creating schedules for planting, irrigating, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, mowing, and harvesting orchards; coordinating equipment readiness; directing harvest operations.
Monitor orchards for disease and pest issues, monitor plant and soil nutrient levels and plan nutrient applications, plan and administer pesticide spray program, supervise pesticide application and procurement/distribution, maintain pesticide and nutrient records, monitor weather and record data, manage and monitor irrigation systems, participate in or lead various cultural practices as needed, keep records of trees and planting blocks.
Oversee, communicate with, manage, assess, and direct staff who report to this position.
Provide leadership in directing the field workforce and coordinate with field supervisors to ensure timely completion of necessary farming practices.
Assist with and ensure proper training of workforce, provide corrective training as needed.
Maintain a culture of safety and safe work practices, assist with required safety training, act as member of Food Safety Committee and assume associated responsibilities.
Assist in maintenance and basic repair of equipment.
Attend educational seminars and conferences, engage in ongoing learning.