Apple Orchard Manager (Full Time)

• Company Overview
• Hudson River Fruit Distributors is a family-owned business with a rich history dating back to 1963. We grow, pack, store, ship, and sell our own apples while representing over 50 local growers. Our operations are fast-paced and require team members who excel at multitasking and maintaining high standards across all aspects of apple production and distribution.

Job Summary
We are looking for a dedicated and hard working Apple Orchard Manager to join our farm team on an established, pristine newly planted 120-acre orchard located in the Mid-hudson valley, New York. In this role, you will be responsible for managing daily farming operations, supervising staff, maintaining equipment, and ensuring optimal growing conditions, and ensuring high-quality apple production throughout the growing and harvesting seasons. The ideal candidate is looking for long term employment and has hands-on experience in agriculture, strong work ethic, and a passion for sustaining farming.

Responsibilities

• Plant, prune, and maintain apple trees throughout the year; Monitor orchard health, including pest and disease control
• Harvest apples efficiently while maintaining quality standards; Fill and sort apple bins for delivery to warehouse for packing
• Operate and maintain farm equipment (tractors, sprayers, irrigation systems); ordering parts or calling for repairs when needed
• Maintenance and oversight of all farm buildings including an on-site apple cooler
• Work with senior management to purchases and negotiate farm supplies, chemicals, fertilizers and all other farm products
• Oversee and maintain labor housing; Making sure all required posters are present and preparing for housing inspections to be in compliance with DOL and H2A regulations
• Maintain DEC and worker protection standards for Harmonized Gap Plus
• Responsible for staff safety, training and supervision; Keeping current on and following all safety standards and agricultural regulations; Supporting seasonal workers during peak harvest times
• Responsible for fertilization, irrigation, pest and soil management; Including proper chemical storage, usage, disposal and handling; Applying, mixing chemicals and determining spray schedule.
• Maintain farm records (crop yields, treatments, weather conditions)

Skills

• Previous experience in farming, agriculture, or orchard management preferred
• Knowledge of apple cultivation techniques is a plus
• Strong management and communication skills, technology proficiency is a plus
• Ability to operate farm machinery safely
• Strong physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform repetitive tasks
• Valid driver’s license (CDL is a plus)
• Valid private Pesticide license (Fruit)

Additional Benefits (Full Benefits Package)

• Relocation package available, if needed
• Housing assistance or on-site housing
• 5% 401k match after 1 year
• Seasonal Bonuses

Work Schedule

• Full time, including early mornings, weekends, and extended hours during harvest season and as needed.

Work Environment

• This position requires working outdoors in all weather conditions and involves physical labor, including lifting and standing.

Please send resumes to [email protected]

Pay: $50,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person