Bishop's Orchards is a progressive family owned orchard, small fruit and vegetable operation located in Guilford, Connecticut. Our farm includes a thriving retail market, cider mill, farm winery, CSA and P.Y.O. operation, fruit orchards, berry crops and an assortment of vegetable crops.
We are looking for a Tree Fruit Production Manager in Guilford, CT.
Reporting to the CEO/Farm Manager, this full-time position involves coordinating and executing the various tasks necessary to produce and deliver high quality crops to market, including but not limited to: planting, pruning, thinning, spraying, mowing, irrigation, harvesting, packing, and processing (cider) of the various tree fruit crops.
- Graduation from a standard vocational or high school supplemented by some college course work in agriculture; and extensive responsible experience in general farm work involving farm planning, methods, and production; and experience in supervisory farm work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Thorough knowledge of farm equipment and materials and ability to manage the use of materials and equipment efficiently and economically.
- Ability to keep records of time, production, and costs, and to make reports and recommendations for improvement in methods and equipment.
- Ability to plan and direct large-scale diversified farm activities, to supervise groups of farm workers in farm activities, and to direct skilled and unskilled employees in varied farm operations
- A valid Connecticut Pesticide Applicator’s License and a Connecticut Commercial Driver’s License (or a plan to obtain them within a reasonable amount of time.)
- Computer Skills: Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Ag Management Software. (e.g. Tiger Jill)
- Familiarity with Good Agricultural Practices, HACCP and Food Safety Regulations.
Competitive salary (based on experience), paid holidays, personal time, employee discounts, profit sharing and 401(k) plan, health insurance, dental insurance, group life and disability insurance.
- Inspect orchards, and other units; confer with and advise CEO/Farm Manager on problems; requisition equipment and materials; approve work schedules.
- Plan and supervise the planting, cultivating, harvesting and storing of tree fruit crops on large, diversified farming operation.
- Create reports on time, equipment, materials, costs, and production; keep records and prepare estimates of needs.
- Manage and implement crop protection programs.
- Research and make recommendations regarding new or replacement plantings, changes in crop mix and/or cultural practices.
- Perform routine inspections on and direct the repair and maintenance of farm buildings and equipment. Coordinate maintenance of trucks, tractors, and farm machinery with Mechanic, Assistant Managers, and/or Production Foremen.
- Hire, supervise, and train employees as needed and/or assigned.
- Coordinate receiving and storage of crops with Packing Room/Warehouse Manager to ensure optimal utilization of space and to minimize handling.
- Consult with Produce Manager to ensure adequate supply of Bishop’s Orchards products in the market and to enable sufficient purchasing from outside suppliers.
- Research and make timely recommendations to CEO/Farm Manager regarding equipment and supply needs.
- Operate trucks, tractors, and farm and power equipment to care for crops and to maintain or adjust equipment.
Schedule:
Work week will generally be six days per week from April 1 through October 31(30 weeks) and five days per week from November 1 through March 31 (22 weeks) with hours varying as needed to insure the proper management, harvesting and packing of the crops grown. This may include some Sundays and other hours as required by seasonal demands and cultural practices.