Orchard and Farm Manager

Schoolhouse FarmHudson Valley, New York

Schoolhouse Farm is an 18-acre orchard and chef-driven micro-farm in the Hudson Valley. We grow traditional cider and heirloom apples, 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 and Farm Manager to help lead the next phase of Schoolhouse Farm.

This is a leadership role for someone with deep experience in holistic orchard systems, strong organic management skills, and the ability to oversee both perennial and intensive specialty fields, greenhouse and high-tunnel crop production. The ideal candidate is a strong grower and passionate land steward who can also plan, organize, and lead a small farm team.

Position Overview

The Orchard and Farm Manager is responsible for the overall management, development, and long-term vision of Schoolhouse Farm’s agricultural operations.

This role combines hands-on farming with leadership, planning, financial oversight, and collaboration with ownership and culinary partners.

The Orchard and Farm Manager oversees all aspects of production systems, including:

Cider and heirloom apple orchards
Top-worked and grafted specialty fruit blocks
Sustainable, energy and resource-efficient greenhouse and high-tunnel installation and production (including rare citrus, sub-tropical fruits, hardy kiwi, and specialty nursery stock)
Small fruit and berry systems
Culinary herb and specialty vegetable gardens
Perennial and experimental plantings
Soil health and regenerative 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
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

Specialty Crop & Greenhouse Oversight

Manage the installation and operation of sustainable, energy and resource-efficient greenhouses and high tunnels, as well as future production (rare citrus, nursery propagation, experimental crops)
Coordinate seasonal planting plans for herbs, flowers, and specialty vegetables
Develop propagation systems for orchard expansion and chef-specific crops

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 farm plans and contribute to longer-term orchard and farm development planning
Develop and manage the operating budget and input purchasing in concert with ownership and the support team.
Track yields, crop performance, and production metrics
Oversee infrastructure projects (irrigation, fencing, greenhouse, and high tunnel expansion)
Coordinate with cider and fermentation partners when applicable
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.
Ability to 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
Health insurance with 75% employer subsidy
Simple IRA plan with Employer match (100% match on first 3%)
This is a full-time, year-round farm, orchard, and greenhouse operation. The outdoor growing season runs from March to November, with some greenhouse and high tunnel production, especially in the shoulder season. The indoor growing season runs November-March with no outdoor production, though activities such as pruning will occur in this timeframe.

Why This Role Is Unique

Schoolhouse Farm is not a commodity farm.

We are building a chef-driven agricultural estate rooted in rarity, flavor, and long-term soil health. The Farm 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 as part of this position, and candidates are expected to independently arrange housing and reliable daily transportation to and from the farm.

Physical Requirements

This is a physically active, hands-on farming role. The Orchard and Farm 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 across 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:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

Orchard: 3 years (Required)

Location:

Hudson, NY 12534 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Gabriels Fruit Farm LLC

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