[Chris Hilt]

Classifieds Submission
Summary:
Nestled against the towering Red Rock cliffs of the Secret Canyon Wilderness, Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek is s luxury hideaway situated in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon alongside the flowing waters of majestic Oak Creek just 8 miles north of Sedona. Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek is an Idyllic place to reconnect with nature.
The Orchardist/Cider Maker is responsible for managing the cultivation, care, and harvesting of apple orchards, ensuring optimal fruit production, and overseeing the cider-making process from apple selection to bottling. This role requires both agricultural knowledge in orchard management and technical skills in cider production, ensuring high-quality fruit and cider products for the farm. Currently the orchard is 3 acres of fruit trees which includes 350 apple trees (17 Varieties), 35 peach trees (5 varieties), and plum and cherry trees. The position is year-round.
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Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
• Anticipate, plan, and effectuate to facilitate and curate a premier, destination orchard and fruit program at Orchard Canyon.
• Oversee daily operations of the orchard, including pruning, fertilizing, watering, and pest control.
• Monitor the health of the trees and fruit, implementing preventive measures to ensure optimal crop yield.
• Help maintain creek-fed, mile-long irrigation ditch, filters, and pump system operation.
• Manage the annual orchard budget, ordering and repairing tools and supplies.
• Maintain clean physical appearance
• To ensure all equipment, machinery is stored securely and clean after use.
• Continue professional development and training to develop sustainable, beautiful, and organic operation.
• Ensure all spaces are clean, safe, and beautiful to the highest standard consistent with resort aesthetics. Ensure sanitation and cleanliness of all cider-making equipment and workspaces to meet food safety standards.
• Remain up-to-date on current orchard practices through industry reading and Agriculture Department resources
• Developing standard of care for all fruit trees on the property – and provide training to landscape staff.
• Coordinate with and support the landscape team with fruit trees located outside of the orchard.
• Prune the Orchard to meet the needs of Orchard Canyon. Experience with climbing fruit tree ladders is mandatory.
• Monitor and maintain irrigation of the orchard.
• Maintain and improve soil health.
• Manage orchard and team work to maximize outcomes while protecting and respecting all life.
• Proficiency in hands-on operation/maintenance of tractors, sprayers, and other related equipment including a chainsaw.
• Implement pest, disease and weed control application and document, accordingly.
• Continue to seek out and implement sustainable methods where applicable.
• Lead and participate hands-on in the harvest of apples and peaches.
• Lead and participate hands-on in the annual planting of trees in orchards to fill out designated areas as needed.
• Manage the distribution and proper storage of harvest.
• Collect, organize, and maintain the harvest data.
• Assists with managing our flock of chickens; including daily egg collecting, feeding, routine coop cleaning, care, and material restocking.
• Assist with other tasks that may be assigned.
• Conduct orchard tours as requested and interact with the guests at Orchard Canyon that have an interest in our orchard.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to lift and carry heavy loads (e.g., boxes of apples, cider kegs). Ability to work flexible hours during peak harvest and production seasons. Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and carrying. Ability to work in varied climates, from hot summers to cold winters, depending on the season. Expect longer hours during harvest and cider production periods.

Qualifications & Experience:
Applicants should be self-motivated, hard-working, eager to learn, and be in good physical condition.
• Degree or certification in agriculture, horticulture, or related field preferred (or relevant experience.)
• Additional certification or training in cider production is an advantage.
• Familiarity with organic and sustainable farming practices is an advantage.
• Knowledge of apple varieties, soil management, and tree health.
• All aspects of a cider pressing including sanitation, operating a cider press, ordering all materials related to the operation, and leading a crew during cider pressing season.
• Excellent verbal and written communications, giving/receiving direction, and presentation of plans/results; listening, asking questions, building consensus, presenting, obtaining buy-in.
• Excellent team skills, including but not limited to; listening, coaching, guiding, flexible working, adaptability, collaboration, and facilitation.
• Excellent planning, organizational and resource management/allocation skills – with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, manage and complete tasks.
• Mechanical skills to operate orchard and cider-making equipment.
• Working knowledge and reasonable capabilities in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Oversees the tasks of any full, part-time, and/or temporary employees working and assisting to maintain the orchards.

Email your resume to chilt@enjoyorchardcanyon.com