Orchard Manager Full Time NEW

Orchard Operations Manager (PGCF)

Powell Gardens Colonial Farms is a 30 acre diversified, public-facing farm, featuring a mix of orchard, berry production, cut flowers, seasonal crops, and agritourism attractions including U-pick operations, a pumpkin patch, and a corn maze.

The Farm Operations Manager is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the farm while ensuring that crops are well-managed, the property is maintained to a high standard, and all work is executed reliably across a complex and changing seasonal landscape.

This is a highly hands-on role that combines leadership with daily execution. The Farm Operations Manager will work alongside the crew in the field while also setting priorities, coordinating work, and ensuring follow-through. This role requires strong practical judgment and flexibility in work schedule to meet the seasonal demands of production agriculture. =

Our next Farm Operations Manager is someone who has experience working with apple trees in a commercial setting, takes pride in solving problems and making things work. They are self-motivated, notice details others miss, adapt to changing conditions, and are always looking for practical ways to improve how the operation runs.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute day-to-day Orchard Operations across orchard, berries, flowers, pumpkins, maze, and general grounds
• Plan and carry out seasonal work including pruning, planting, spraying, harvesting, mowing, and weed control in alignment with crop timing and weather conditions
• Coordinate and prioritize work across multiple distinct production areas, ensuring no critical tasks are missed during peak periods
• Monitor fruit crop health and implement timely pest, disease, and fertility interventions as outlined in the orchard management plan.
• Manage and execute spray programs, including calibration, application timing, accurate record-keeping, and proper handling
• Coordinate and lead harvest activities, aligning production with U-pick, retail, and order-based needs while overseeing post-harvest handling, storage, and product flow
• Maintain a high standard of organization, cleanliness, and overall presentation across the entire property
• Ensure the site is consistently safe, tidy, accessible, and visitor-ready for tours, events, and public use
• Support setup, transition, and upkeep of seasonal attractions such as pumpkin patch and maze
• Plan, assign, and oversee daily and weekly work for farm staff and seasonal crews including participation in hiring, onboarding, and retention
• Train and supervise seasonal staff, ensuring clear expectations, productivity, and quality of work
• Operate farm equipment and ensure it is properly maintained, performing routine service and coordinating repairs or rentals as needed
• Oversee irrigation systems as a core operational function, ensuring proper scheduling, performance, and maintenance
• Monitor and manage farm supplies and materials, ensuring inputs and tools are available and organized for timely operations, and support efficient purchasing decisions
• Maintain and use structured systems to plan, track, and execute farm work across seasons and crews
• Coordinate with internal teams to align Orchard Operations with events, retail activity, and overall site use
• Assist with care of demonstration livestock under the guidance of livestock manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in Orchard Operations, including responsibility for day-to-day execution of orchard and/or berry systems
• Experience managing diversified production systems
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute seasonal farm work across multiple concurrent priorities
• Experience implementing spray programs and understanding pest and disease management in fruit and specialty crops
• Current pesticide applicator license, or ability to immediately sit for and pass certification exam
• Experience supervising farm staff or field crews, including training and task management
• Proficiency operating and maintaining farm equipment such as tractors, mowers, and sprayers
• Experience with irrigation systems and repair
• Ability to identify crop health issues in the field, including pests, diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental stress, particularly in orchard and berry systems
• Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions and performing physically demanding work
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage work using schedules and task systems
• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Availability to work extended hours during peak seasons

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cut flower production and/or fulfilling production tied to events or orders
• Experience working in agritourism or public-facing environments (U-pick, events, educational farms, etc.)
• Experience managing livestock in a small-scale or public-facing setting
• Familiarity with regenerative or sustainable agriculture practices

This position is a 1099 contract role without benefits that pays monthly

Resume and cover letter can be sent to [email protected]

Screening will begin 4/15 with a start date in May 2026

Pay: $25.00 – $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person