Orchard Manager
Uncommons FarmHudson Valley, New York
Uncommons Farm is an 18-acre orchard and chef-driven micro-farm in the Hudson Valley. We grow traditional culinary, cider, and heirloom apples, stone fruit, rare and heritage fruits, berries, culinary herbs, and specialty vegetables for leading restaurants and beverage producers in New York City and the Hudson Valley.
Our goal is to steward a resilient agricultural landscape while building long-term relationships with chefs and cider makers who value flavor, rarity, and transparency of sourcing.
We are seeking an experienced, thoughtful, and highly organized Orchard Manager to help lead the next phase of Uncommons Farm.
This is a leadership role for someone with deep experience in holistic orchard systems and strong organic management skills. The ideal candidate is a strong grower and passionate land steward who can also plan, organize, and lead a small orchard team. The successful candidate should also be able to coordinate, organize, and lead a like-minded orchard team.
Position Overview
The Orchard Manager is responsible for the overall management, development, and long-term vision of Schoolhouse Farm's orchard operations. This role combines hands-on orchard work with leadership, planning, financial oversight, and collaboration with ownership and culinary partners.
The Orchard Manager oversees all aspects of perennial fruit systems, including:
- Existing and New apple, pear, and stone fruit orchards
- Top-worked and grafted specialty apple trees
- Small fruit and berry systems
- Perennial and experimental plantings
- Soil health and regenerative orchard-floor systems
This role reports directly to ownership and works closely with consultants, chef partners, beverage collaborators, and seasonal staff.
Core ResponsibilitiesOrchard & Perennial Systems Management
- Oversee orchard planning, planting, pruning, spraying, thinning, harvest, and post-harvest handling schedules and management programs.
- Manage grafted and top-worked, varietal conversion, and orchard expansion projects
- Apply for and maintain organic certification standards and recordkeeping, and pursue potential biodynamic and regenerative certifications in the future.
- Implement integrated, holistic pest and disease management systems that align with the farm and orchard strategic vision and certification compliance standards.
- Lead long-term soil health strategy, compost systems, and fertility planning
- Manage rootstock selection, grafting schedules, and young tree care
Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Experience with safe, efficient, and appropriate operation of standard orchard equipment, such as tractors, air-blast sprayers, mowers, and wood chippers.
- Ability to properly maintain and repair standard orchard equipment including routine maintenance and upkeep as well as manage non-standard maintenance and repairs.
- Experience with proper calibration of sprayers and fertilizer spreaders.
- Manage proper rotation of equipment to avoid obsolescence, untimely breakdowns, excessive repairs, and loss of operational efficiency.
Team Leadership
- Hire, train, and manage seasonal farm staff, including, as needed, the management and hiring of H2A workers for seasonal farm and orchard work
- Build a strong, respectful, high-accountability farm culture
- Lead daily work planning and weekly production meetings
- Ensure safe and efficient use of equipment and facilities
Chef & Client Coordination
- Coordinate harvest timing and deliveries with restaurant and beverage partner
- Maintain high standards for quality, consistency, and post-harvest handling
- Communicate seasonal crop availability and projections
- Collaborate on new varietal trials and specialty plantings
Operations & Planning
- Develop annual orchard plans and contribute to longer-term orchard development planning
- Develop and manage the orchard operating budget and input purchasing in concert with ownership and the support team
- Track yields, crop performance, and production metrics
- Oversee orchard infrastructure projects (irrigation, fencing, deer exclusion, trellising)
- Contribute to the care and presentation of residential areas of the farm, including lawn management and maintenance of ornamental plantings
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience managing orchards and diversified specialty crop systems
- Strong knowledge of organic orchard, regenerative management, and soil health practices
- Experience leading and supervising farm teams
- Familiarity with Hudson Valley climate and pest pressures preferred
- Comfort with planning, budgeting, technology, and recordkeeping systems
- Experience with grafting, propagation, or nursery production is highly desirable
- Valid driver’s license
- Tractor and equipment proficiency required
- Basic Equipment repair and maintenance skills.
- Obtain and maintain a NYS Private Pesticide Applicator’s License
Personal Attributes
We are looking for someone who:
- Thinks long-term and values land stewardship
- Communicates clearly and professionally
- Is highly organized, detail-oriented, and reliable
- Enjoys building relationships with chefs and beverage professionals
- Balances pragmatism with experimentation
Compensation, Benefits, and Schedule
- Starting salary: $75,000 - $90,000 (commensurate with experience)
- 14 non-consecutive paid vacation days (number of days increases with length of service)
- 10 paid federal holidays
- 5 NY State paid sick days
- Employee-sponsored health insurance
- Non-matching 401(k)
- This is a full-time, year-round orchard operation. The outdoor growing season runs from March to November. Winter months (November–March) focus on pruning, grafting preparation, equipment maintenance, and planning for the season ahead.
Why This Role Is Unique
Uncommons Farm is not a commodity farm.
We are building a chef-driven agricultural estate rooted in rarity, flavor, and long-term soil health. The Orchard Manager will play a foundational role in shaping the next decade of this landscape - from orchard expansion to rare fruit trials to cider-specific blocks designed for fermentation programs.
This is an opportunity to steward land intentionally, work with ambitious culinary partners, and help build one of the Hudson Valley’s most distinctive agricultural projects.
Additional Considerations
Relocation
We welcome applications from candidates across the country who are excited about stewarding a dynamic orchard and farm in the Hudson Valley. For the right candidate, the farm may consider offering a relocation stipend to support the transition. Please note that housing is not provided for this position, and candidates are expected to arrange their own housing and reliable daily transportation to and from the farm.
Physical Requirements
This is a physically active, demanding, hands-on farming role. The Orchard Manager must be able to work extended periods outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform tasks that include lifting up to 50 lbs, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and operating small farm equipment. The role requires regular walking over uneven terrain and sustained participation in fieldwork.
References and Background Check
Final candidates will be asked to provide professional references who can speak to their experience managing agricultural operations, teams, and equipment. A background check will be conducted as part of the hiring process, particularly given the responsibility associated with overseeing property, staff, and farm assets.
Cover Letter
Please include a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, approach to farm management, and interest in this role. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate both operational discipline and a thoughtful, long-term approach to land stewardship and crop production.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Orchard Management: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
