The Orchardist/Cider Maker is responsible for managing the cultivation, care, and harvesting of apple orchards, ensuring optimal fruit production, and overseeing the cider-making process from apple selection to bottling. This role requires both agricultural knowledge in orchard management and technical skills in cider production, ensuring high-quality fruit and cider products for the farm. Currently the orchard is 3 acres of fruit trees which includes 350 apple trees (17 Varieties), 35 peach trees (5 varieties), and plum and cherry trees. The position is year-round.Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
- Anticipate, plan, and effectuate to facilitate and curate a premier, destination orchard and fruit program at Orchard Canyon.
- Oversee daily operations of the orchard, including pruning, fertilizing, watering, and pest control.
- Monitor the health of the trees and fruit, implementing preventive measures to ensure optimal crop yield.
- Help maintain creek-fed, mile-long irrigation ditch, filters, and pump system operation.
- Manage the annual orchard budget, ordering and repairing tools and supplies.
- Maintain clean physical appearance
- To ensure all equipment, machinery is stored securely and clean after use.
- Continue professional development and training to develop sustainable, beautiful, and organic operation.
- Ensure all spaces are clean, safe, and beautiful to the highest standard consistent with resort aesthetics. Ensure sanitation and cleanliness of all cider-making equipment and workspaces to meet food safety standards.
- Remain up-to-date on current orchard practices through industry reading and Agriculture Department resources
- Developing standard of care for all fruit trees on the property - and provide training to landscape staff.
- Coordinate with and support the landscape team with fruit trees located outside of the orchard.
- Prune the Orchard to meet the needs of Orchard Canyon. Experience with climbing fruit tree ladders is mandatory.
- Monitor and maintain irrigation of the orchard.
- Maintain and improve soil health.
- Manage orchard and team work to maximize outcomes while protecting and respecting all life.
- Proficiency in hands-on operation/maintenance of tractors, sprayers, and other related equipment including a chainsaw.
- Implement pest, disease and weed control application and document, accordingly.
- Continue to seek out and implement sustainable methods where applicable.
- Lead and participate hands-on in the harvest of apples and peaches.
- Lead and participate hands-on in the annual planting of trees in orchards to fill out designated areas as needed.
- Manage the distribution and proper storage of harvest.
- Collect, organize, and maintain the harvest data.
- Assists with managing our flock of chickens, including daily egg collecting, feeding, routine coop cleaning, care, and material restocking.
- Assist with other tasks that may be assigned.
- Conduct orchard tours as requested and interact with the guests at Orchard Canyon that have an interest in our orchard.
Qualifications & Experience:Applicants should be self-motivated, hard-working, eager to learn, and be in good physical condition.
- Degree or certification in agriculture, horticulture, or related field preferred (or relevant experience.)
- Additional certification or training in cider production is an advantage.
- Familiarity with organic and sustainable farming practices is an advantage.
- Knowledge of apple varieties, soil management, and tree health.
- All aspects of a cider pressing including sanitation, operating a cider press, ordering all materials related to the operation, and leading a crew during cider pressing season.
- Excellent verbal and written communications, giving/receiving direction, and presentation of plans/results; listening, asking questions, building consensus, presenting, obtaining buy-in.
- Excellent team skills, including but not limited to; listening, coaching, guiding, flexible working, adaptability, collaboration, and facilitation.
- Excellent planning, organizational and resource management/allocation skills - with attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize, manage and complete tasks.
- Mechanical skills to operate orchard and cider-making equipment.
- Working knowledge and reasonable capabilities in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Following are benefits we can't wait to share with you:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Short Term Disability (company paid)
- Long-Term Disability (company paid)
- Life Insurance (company paid)
- Supplemental Insurances - Accident, Hospitalization, Spouse and Family Life Insurance
- 401K with an employer match
- Generous Paid Time-Off