Crop Care Manager

Batesville, VA (Full-time /On-site)

Company Overview

Crown Orchard Company supplies premium, mountain-grown fruit to customers locally and throughout the East Coast. Deeply rooted in Albermarle County, Central Virginia, the Chiles family has successfully grown apples, peaches and grapes for five generations. In addition to wholesale fruit production, the family has built and continues to expand its retail footprint with several farm venues that provide unforgettable experiences for our visitors.

Position Summary

The Crop Care Manager oversees all aspects of the health, productivity and quality of the crops. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in tree fruit and vineyard management, a willingness to work hard, and an ability to communicate with and motivate others. The successful candidate will implement production strategies and practices that ensure a high-quality crop in a cost-eAective, eAicient manner. The position reports directly to HuA and Henry Chiles.

Key Responsibilities

• On-site direction and supervision of crop spray programs and spray personnel
• Plan and evaluate spray programs for optimal crop production and quality
• Monitoring orchards and vineyards for pests, irrigation, nutrition and physiological issues
• Collect and maintain field records including observations, trap counts, and sampling
• Communicate regularly with growers and management team on all aspects of crop care
• Manage crop schedules for irrigation, fertilization, and frost protection
• Assist in crop budgeting by tracking input prices for products applied to each farm and block
• Maintain accurate records of pesticide, fertilizer and irrigation applications
• Deploy and operate field technology including remote traps, weather stations and drones
• Ensure spray programs and records comply with regulatory and food safety requirements
• Coordinate with Food Safety Team to prepare for external audits
• Attend horticultural education and trade events to remain current on practices and regulations
• Collaborate with external consultants, extension agents or vendors to improve production

Compensation and Benefits

The Crop Care Manager compensation package includes a competitive salary, relocation assistance (if necessary), comprehensive health insurance options, paid time off and company paid holidays, a company vehicle as well as a local, company-provided housing (if necessary).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Covesville, VA 22931 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Covesville, VA 22931: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person