Orchard Manager | Southwestern Wisconsin | $65K-$85K

gpac; Gays Mills (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is partnering with a growing agricultural operation to place an experienced Orchard Manager in Wisconsin. The role covers pruning, planting, tree management, pesticide applications, and harvest, combining hands-on work with operational leadership.

The incoming manager will oversee an actively expanding orchard, contribute to current operations and future growth, and lead teams through year-round cycles in a full-time capacity.

Qualifications

• Direct commercial orchard experience is required.
• Experience managing an orchard operation of ~50–60+ acres preferred.
• Knowledge of pruning, planting, pesticide applications, tree establishment, orchard maintenance, and harvesting.
• Hands-on leadership or management experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work based on weather, crop conditions, and seasonal demands.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day and seasonal orchard operations.
• Plan and coordinate winter pruning, spring planting and pesticide applications, summer tree care, and fall harvest.
• Manage the establishment and ongoing care of newly planted trees.
• Monitor tree health and identify issues affecting orchard productivity.
• Coordinate pesticide applications and other crop-management activities.
• Plan labor, equipment, materials, and priorities around seasonal requirements.
• Provide hands‑on leadership and direction to the orchard team.
• Maintain efficient, safe, and organized agricultural operations.
• Help identify opportunities to improve orchard health, productivity, and long‑term performance.

Skills

Orchard management

Team leadership

Pesticide application

Tree care

Job description

Company Overview

gpac is partnering with a growing agricultural operation seeking an experienced Orchard Manager to oversee year-round orchard operations. This is an excellent opportunity for an agriculture professional who understands the entire growing cycle - from pruning and planting through tree management, pesticide applications, and harvest, and enjoys combining hands‑on work with operational leadership.

The orchard is actively planting and developing, giving the incoming manager an opportunity to play an important role in both current operations and future growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day and seasonal orchard operations.
• Plan and coordinate winter pruning, spring planting and pesticide applications, summer tree care, and fall harvest.
• Manage the establishment and ongoing care of newly planted trees.
• Monitor tree health and identify issues affecting orchard productivity.
• Coordinate pesticide applications and other crop‑management activities.
• Plan labor, equipment, materials, and priorities around seasonal requirements.
• Provide hands‑on leadership and direction to the orchard team.
• Maintain efficient, safe, and organized agricultural operations.
• Help identify opportunities to improve orchard health, productivity, and long‑term performance.

Qualifications

• Strong agricultural background required.
• Direct commercial orchard experience required.
• Experience managing or working with an orchard operation of approximately 50‑60+ acres preferred.
• Knowledge of pruning, planting, pesticide applications, tree establishment, orchard maintenance, and harvesting.
• Previous agricultural leadership or management experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work based on weather, crop conditions, and seasonal demands.
• Hands‑on leadership style with the ability to work alongside the team.

Compensation / Schedule / Relocation

• $65,000-$85,000, depending on experience.
• Full-time, year‑round position.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for the right candidate.
• Seasonal responsibilities vary throughout the year, providing the opportunity to oversee the complete orchard lifecycle rather than a single growing‑season function.

Related experience: Orchard Manager, Assistant Orchard Manager, Orchard Supervisor, Orchard Foreman, Fruit Farm Manager, commercial orchard management, tree fruit production, pruning, tree planting, pesticide application, harvest management, and agricultural crew leadership.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award‑winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client‑focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.