Orchard and Farm Manager

Orchard and Farm Manager

Schoolhouse Farm

Hudson 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

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

tThis 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:

tCider and heirloom apple orchards

tTop-worked and grafted specialty fruit blocks

tSustainable, energy and resource-efficient greenhouse and high-tunnel installation and production (including rare citrus, sub-tropical fruits, hardy kiwi, and specialty nursery stock)

tSmall fruit and berry systems

tCulinary herb and specialty vegetable gardens

tPerennial and experimental plantings

tSoil health and regenerative systems

tThis role reports directly to ownership and works closely with consultants, chef partners, beverage collaborators, and seasonal staff.

Core Responsibilities

Orchard & Perennial Systems Management

tOversee orchard planning, planting, pruning, spraying, thinning, harvest, and post-harvest handling

tManage grafted and top-worked, varietal conversion, and orchard expansion projects

tApply for and maintain organic certification standards and recordkeeping, and pursue potential biodynamic and regenerative certifications in the future.

tImplement integrated, holistic pest and disease management systems that align with the farm and orchard strategic vision and certification compliance standards.

tLead long-term soil health strategy, compost systems, and fertility planning

Specialty Crop & Greenhouse Oversight

tManage 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)

tCoordinate seasonal planting plans for herbs, flowers, and specialty vegetables

tDevelop propagation systems for orchard expansion and chef-specific crops

Team Leadership

tHire, train, and manage seasonal farm staff, including, as needed, the management and hiring of H2A workers for seasonal farm and orchard work

tBuild a strong, respectful, high-accountability farm culture

tLead daily work planning and weekly production meetings

tEnsure safe and efficient use of equipment and facilities

Chef & Client Coordination

tCoordinate harvest timing and deliveries with restaurant and beverage partner

tMaintain high standards for quality, consistency, and post-harvest handling

tCommunicate seasonal crop availability and projections

tCollaborate on new varietal trials and specialty plantings

Operations & Planning

tDevelop annual farm plans and contribute to longer-term orchard and farm development planning

tDevelop and manage the operating budget and input purchasing in concert with ownership and the support team.

tTrack yields, crop performance, and production metrics

tOversee infrastructure projects (irrigation, fencing, greenhouse, and high tunnel expansion)

tCoordinate with cider and fermentation partners when applicable

tContribute to the care and presentation of residential areas of the farm, including lawn management and maintenance of ornamental plantings

Qualifications

t5+ years of experience managing orchards and diversified specialty crop systems

tStrong knowledge of organic orchard, regenerative management, and soil health practices

tExperience leading and supervising farm teams

tFamiliarity with Hudson Valley climate and pest pressures preferred

tComfort with planning, budgeting, technology, and recordkeeping systems

tExperience with grafting, propagation, or nursery production is highly desirable

tValid driver’s license

tTractor and equipment proficiency required

tBasic Equipment repair and maintenance skills.

tAbility to obtain and maintain a NYS Private Pesticide Applicator’s License

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

tThinks long-term and values land stewardship

tCommunicates clearly and professionally

tIs highly organized, detail-oriented and reliable

tEnjoys building relationships with chefs and beverage professionals

tBalances pragmatism with experimentation

Compensation, Benefits, and Schedule

tStarting salary: $75,000 - $90,000 (commensurate with experience)

t14 non-consecutive paid vacation days (number of days increases with length of service)

t10 paid federal holidays

t5 NY State paid sick days

tHealth insurance with 75% employer subsidy

tSimple IRA plan with Employer match (100% match on first 3%)

tThis is a full-time, year-round farm, orchard, and greenhouse operation.

tThe outdoor growing season runs from March to November, with some greenhouse and high tunnel production, especially in the shoulder season.

tThe 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

tFinal candidates will be asked to provide professional references who can speak to their experience managing agricultural operations, teams, and equipment.

tA 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

tPlease include a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, approach to farm management, and interest in this role.

tWe are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate both operational discipline and a thoughtful, long-term approach to land stewardship and crop production.

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