Orchard and Groundskeeper

The Carroll Companies; North Carolina; On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO

Paid holidays

Development opportunity

Job summary

Carrollwood Farms in Sandy Ridge, NC is seeking an experienced Orchard & Groundskeeper to care for three orchards (apple, peach; pecan planned) and perform general grounds maintenance. You will manage pruning, fertilizing, pest and disease monitoring, safe pesticide applications, and planting new trees while interacting with guests as the farm opens to the public.

Ideal candidates have knowledge of orchard care, support IPM practices, a valid driver's license, and a strong safety mindset.

Qualifications

• Pesticide applicator’s license preferred, or willingness and ability to obtain one the appropriate license within a timeframe established by management.
• Commitment to following all applicable regulations, label requirement, safety procedures, recordkeeping requirements, and re-entry restrictions associated with pesticide application.
• Working knowledge of apple, peach, pecan, and other fruit and nut trees.
• Experience with dormant-season and growing-season pruning of orchard trees.
• Knowledge of orchard pest, disease, and and fertility management.
• Ability to identify common signs of disease, insect damage, nutrient deficiencies, and other conditions affecting orchard health.
• Ability to operate tractors and attachments including a jet sprayer.
• Ability to safely operate groundskeeping equipment including mowers, chainsaws, line trimmers, blowers, material screener, wood splitter, and other power equipment.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality of work, and maintaining the appearance of the property.
• Positive attitude, dependable work habits, and a strong work ethic.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to take direction while independently managing assigned orchard responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the orchards at Carrollwood Farms and interact with guests as the farm opens to the public.
• Provide full life cycle care of the orchards and trees, including pruning, fertilization, pest and disease monitoring, and IPM when necessary.
• Maintain pesticide application records and signage re-entry intervals.
• Coordinate orchard spraying with farm team.
• Assist with layout, planting, and ongoing care of new orchards.
• Maintain orchard maps and harvest records.

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Orchard and Groundskeeper

Sandy Ridge, NC, US

Reports To: Director of Ground and Infrastructure Maintenance

Position Overview (Full-Time, Hourly): Carrollwood Farms is seeking an experienced Orchard & Groundskeeper to join our team. This position is primarily responsible for the care, health, appearance, and productivity of the orchards at Carrollwood Farms, while also participating in grounds maintenance throughout the property. The successful candidate will have knowledge of fruit and nut tree care, including pruning, fertilizing, pest and disease management, spraying, general orchard maintenance, and how to install orchard trees. As Carrollwood Farms develops and ultimately opens to the public, this position will also have opportunities to interact with guests and contribute to the presentation of the farm.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary team member responsible for maintaining the orchards at Carrollwood Farms. The farm currently has three orchards, two apple orchards and a third containing peach and apple trees. A pecan orchard is planned, along with additional apple orchards.
• Provide full life cycle care of the orchards and their trees, including dormant-season horticultural oil applications; appropriate pesticide applications during the growing season; fertilization; dormant and summer pruning; pest and disease monitoring; and other practices (including IPM) when necessary to maintain tree health, structure, appearance, and productivity.
• Maintain accurate pesticide application records and properly manage required signage re-entry intervals, and other pesticide application requirements.
• Communicate with other members of the farm team to coordinate orchard spraying.
• Participate in the layout, planting, establishment, and ongoing care of new orchards.
• Maintain accurate orchard maps identifying tree locations and varieties.
• Maintain harvest records, including harvest dates, varieties, and annual yields.
• Maintain the overall appearance of the orchards and surrounding areas, including mowing, line trimming, mulching, fence maintenance, weed control, debris removal, and other groundskeeping tasks.
• Work with horticulture consultant to improve orchard health and productivity.
• When orchard care is up-to-date, work as part of the grounds team on other property maintenance projects including mowing, line trimming, operating a material screener, cutting and processing firewood, maintaining trails, and other projects.
• Participate in the care and maintenance of shrubbery growth and propagation in the hoop house.
• As required by weather conditions, seasonal priorities, or at the direction of ownership and management, assist with other farm and property projects beyond the normal scope of this position
• As Carrollwood Farms opens to the public, interact professionally with guests.

Qualifications:

• Pesticide applicator’s license preferred, or willingness and ability to obtain one the appropriate license within a timeframe established by management.
• Commitment to following all applicable regulations, label requirement, safety procedures, recordkeeping requirements, and re-entry restrictions associated with pesticide application.
• Working knowledge of apple, peach, pecan, and other fruit and nut trees.
• Experience with dormant-season and growing-season pruning of orchard trees.
• Knowledge of orchard pest, disease, and and fertility management.
• Ability to identify common signs of disease, insect damage, nutrient deficiencies, and other conditions affecting orchard health.
• Ability to operate tractors and attachments including a jet sprayer.
• Ability to safely operate groundskeeping equipment including mowers, chainsaws, line trimmers, blowers, material screener, wood splitter, and other power equipment.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality of work, and maintaining the appearance of the property.
• Positive attitude, dependable work habits, and a strong work ethic.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to take direction while independently managing assigned orchard responsibilities.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform physical tasks including bending, lifting, kneeling, reaching, climbing, and twisting.

Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 70 lbs.

Ability to walk, sit, and stand for extended periods.

Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain, heat, and cold.

Ability to safely operate equipment and perform physical work outdoors.

Compensation and Benefits: Hourly compensation commensurate with experience. Carrollwood Farms offers company-sponsored health insurance, PTO, paid holidays, and the opportunity to be part of the development of a unique property which will be renowned across North Carolina and beyond.