What are the responsibilities and job description for the Organic Orchard Crew position at The Cider Farm?
We Believe
- We believe that organic farming should be the norm.
- We believe in protecting and enhancing our natural environment, while coaxing some of our 166 acres to give us rare specialty apples.
- We believe in quality over quantity. We believe in bringing the best of the Driftless to the greater Midwest region.
- We grow challenging and highly unusual apples to produce high-quality products to be valued and enjoyed by others.
- We believe in sharing the natural beauty of our land to arose curiosity and devotion to protecting our natural environment.
- We are The Cider Farm.
OUR WORK EXPRESSES OUR BELIEFS
- We organically manage our true cider apple orchard of ~ 16,000 trees to produce some of the finest apple brandy and ciders in the Midwest.
- We maintain over 35-acres of prairie, windbreaks, and pollinator habitat adjacent to orchard blocks.
- We host research and educational initiatives as well as orchard tours and tastings during the growing season.
- We are reclaiming over 60 ac of timberland from invasive species.
WHAT YOU BRING as Orchard Crew Member
- Belief and actions that reduce the human imprint on our natural environment.
- Ability to:
o balance speed with quality of work.
o communicate well with all involved, both verbally and through written work notes.
o protect your safety and that of fellow workers, as well as the long-term functioning of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
o work outdoors February through November, lift 30 to 45lbs, bend and squat for work at the tree base, run brush cutters, skid steer, riding mower, and possibly tractors.
- If possible, bring experience in horticulture if not orchard work. Be experienced mechanically and with tools.
- Have you managed others and have orchard experience? The right person could earn managerial responsibilities.
OUR WORK
Our work is diverse and changes from week to week, if not day to day. Our work includes:
· Graft, plant, prune, protect, and harvest apple trees.
- Manage and repair deer fencing.
- Operate and repair irrigation systems.
- Stake or trellis trees.
- Apply or remove trunk guards at the base of trees.
- Eliminate weeds by hand, mechanically, and chemically in orchard, around buildings, woodlands, and prairie.
- Assist with prairie burns and invasive plant removal.
- Apply wood mulches to tree rows.
- Monitor for disease and insect pests. Remove borer insect pests and diseased branches and trees.
- Wash, sort and press apples, recording varieties and amounts pressed.
- Keep records of all work tasks, particularly of harvest and apple pressings.
- Clean and maintain small and large equipment, recording equipment maintenance and repairs.
- Operate a skid steer, riding mower, and tractor for diverse tasks throughout the year.
WHEN DO WE Work
- Early February – November, weather permitting, Monday - Friday, plus four Sundays for fall apple pressings. Summer: 4 days per week; Fall: 6 days per week. 40-hour work week average over the season.
TO APPLY
Send resume or CV, write about yourself and why you want to be part of The Cider Farm. Ask questions and let’s talk about your possible future here.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
- related: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Mineral Point, WI 53565 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Mineral Point, WI 53565: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15 - $19