Employment

OPEN POSITIONS

Come and join the Eco-Apple Team!

We keep a database of potential candidates, so you are always welcome to send us a message along with your resume to the HR email below. If an opportunity that matches your skills and interests arises, we’ll be sure to reach out to you!

What We Offer:

  • Working in a beautiful rural orchard setting for a company that is integral to the local food system.
  • A growing and diversified orchard that is constantly striving for new and exciting ways to improve our products and services.
  • A management team that works together and enjoys collaboration.
  • Employee discounts on our products as well as outside vendor products.
  • 175 different varieties of apples, pears and various seasonal stone fruits and berries.
  • A welcoming environment and the ability to grow professionally.

 

Please submit a Resume, Cover Letter, and 3 references to: hr@champlainorchards.com

HORTICULTURIST / ORCHARD MANAGER

As our orchard continues to grow, so do our needs to manage this growth. We are currently seeking a Horticulturist / Orchard Manager to manage our orchards. Using advanced IPM Protocol and EcoApple certification, this position will manage the orchard daily to ensure the health of our trees. Everything from pruning, planting, fertilizing, spraying, thinning, harvesting and storage falls under this position.

This is a full-time position working Monday to Friday. On rare occasions, some weekends or longer days might be necessary.

Job Description:

  • Oversee advanced IPM scouting, analysis of the result and a planned action.
  • Ensure overall health of fruit trees adhering to EcoApple standards.
  • Monitor weather and manage the orchard accordingly.
  • Communicate quality and productivity expectations for management and staff.
  • Evaluate and implement changes to improve quality and productivity.
  • Adhere to and report GAP, GMP, EcoApple and organic standards to ensure certifications are maintained.
  • Maintain proper records and reporting of key data.
  • Recruit, train, supervise and schedule staff under the department.
  • Plan and lead orchard tours and workshops.
  • Implement cutting edge modern orchard practices, techniques, and equipment.
  • Oversee all irrigation and drainage work/operation.
  • Manage all ground maintenance (mowing, mulching, etc) and assign to crews.
  • Attend various annual conferences such as Cornell University, IFTA annual conferences and EcoApple meetings.

 

Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree (Agricultural focused) with 3+ years of experience.
  • A solid background in working in the horticultural industry.
  • Must possess a high level of practical orchard operations, entomology, and tree fruit knowledge.
  • Must be self-motivated, enjoy teaching and leading, and thrive in an outdoor environment.
  • Most importantly, enjoy being an integral part of the orchard’s growth, success and the ability to build the best practices for the future of the orchard.

PRODUCT OPERATIONS MANAGER

We are looking for a Production Operations Manager to plan, coordinate and oversee our apple packing process, sweet cider, bakery, and shipping departments. In this position, managing a staff of dedicated employees, ensuring the quality of the packed product and accuracy of the orders shipped is vital to maintaining a cohesive flow in the production area.

This position is also responsible for organizing and adjusting production schedules, assessing resource requirements, maintaining packaging inventory and quality control standards, as well as ensuring the following of health and safety guidelines.

This is a position we have needed to fill for a while. It’s a great opportunity for someone with vision, ambition, and the ability to manage an amazing team as well as build on the Orchard’s strong standards, to really shine in this role.

Our typical work week for production is Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. If this position resonates with you, we would love for you to apply.

Job Description:

  • Planning, coordination, and oversight of the manufacturing process.
  • Organizing and adjusting production schedules as needed.
  • Management, implementation, and use of inventory management system.
  • Estimating, negotiating, and managing budgets and timescales with clients and managers.
  • Cost of Goods Analysis and determining product pricing strategy.
  • Determining quality control standards.
  • Overseeing production processes in Sweet Cider, Bakery as well as Provisions and the Packing Line.
  • Selecting, ordering, and purchasing materials.
  • Monitoring product standards and implementing quality control programs.
  • Selection and maintenance of production equipment.
  • Liaison with buyers, marketing, and sales staff.
  • Working with managers to implement the company’s policies and goals.
  • Ensuring health and safety guidelines are followed.
  • Inspecting food production equipment to ensure they are operational and in good working order for food processing.
  • Work directly with the Plant Manager and build the Production Dream Team.

 

Skills and Experience:

  • A degree in Operations/Management and/or 5 years’ experience in a production related field.
  • A degree in mechanical and process engineering is desirable but not required.
  • Project management skills are a huge plus.
  • Organizational and interpersonal skills are highly desirable as is, a friendly demeanor. You will be working with a good-natured group of people.
  • Advanced technical and numerical skills. Quickbooks and Envio are our current programs for accounting and inventory management.
  • Strong negotiating, communication, and problem-solving skills.

DIESEL MECHANIC

The Head Diesel Mechanic is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all Orchard equipment and machinery. This position will also be responsible for meeting established safety standards and for the supervision of staff in the department.

Job Description:

  • Capable of operating all equipment and machinery including tools.
  • Diagnose and make informed repairs and/or maintenance of but not limited to: engines, tractors, hydraulics, electronics, tools or equipment (i.e. blowers, weed eaters, chain saws, etc.)
  • Insure safe work environment to include compliance with OSHA/WISHA guidelines and proper operating usage of equipment as defined in related owner’s manual specifications.
  • Train team members for proper use of equipment & machinery.
  • Implement methods and procedures designed to minimize operational costs and maximize resources for proper working order and longevity of each piece of equipment
  • Communicate with the Facility Manager and Orchard Director regarding the status and condition of equipment.
  • Able to make fabrications or alterations to new or existing equipment to ensure proper working order and efficiency.
  • Maintain adequate inventory levels of parts and supplies including fuel and oil levels.

 

Skills and Experience:

  • A degree in diesel service technology is preferred; high school diploma at a minimum
  • Certification from ASE (American Service Excellence) or other recognized body
  • Thorough understanding and ability to operate all pieces of Orchard/Farm equipment.
  • Thorough understanding for mechanical operations of engines, electrical systems and hydraulics.
  • A good understanding of irrigation systems and components related to best practices in consideration of agronomics.
  • At least 5 years’ experience in diesel mechanics

BAKERY OPERATIONS MANAGER

The Bakery Operations Manager oversees and ensures that we are providing top notch apple baked goods to our clients and customers. The ability to make sure that the farm market is well stocked with apple pies, turnovers and other homemade seasonal food items is essential. This position is responsible for supervision and scheduling of Bakery, Provisions, Donut and Slicing employees.  This is a full-time position and working days are: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Job Description:

  • Oversee and supervise all employees in the bakery, provisions, donuts, and slicing areas.
  • Train all staff on the correct procedures, food practices, and cleaning protocols.
  • Coordinate with the Food Safety Manager and Human Resource Manager to ensure that all employees are current with required training and certifications.
  • Provide motivation, support, and guidance to your team.
  • Create a weekly work schedule for the staff.
  • Collaborate with Packing Line and Sweet Cider Manager, to optimize scheduling of staff and production targets.
  • Set and monitor product quality standards.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Bakery, Donut, Provisions and slicing staff; ensuring that company recipes are followed.
  • Ensure Food Safety, proper food handling practices, sanitation and productivity are maintained completing all required Food safety records as required.
  • Ensure that all federal, state and company regulations and standards for product freshness, weights and measures, store safety, employee safety and refrigeration are met.
  • Develop and communicate daily production goals, according to orders and sales projections.
  • Maintain appropriate level of inventory for all ingredients, packaging, and labels for bakery, donuts, value-added, and slicing products.
  • Coordinate with product vendors to arrange purchase and delivery of inventory.
  • Create and prepare other homemade/baked goods, including provisions, food, and seasonal items to be sold in the Farm Market.
  • In conjunction with Sales and Marketing Director, develop new wholesale and retail/Farm Market products.
  • Cater for internal staff meetings and/or on-site workshops.
  • Coordinate with Marketing and Farm Market staff to plan and organize food for events.
  • Observe Health & Safety regulations, promptly reporting any safety issues to the HR Manager.

 

Skills and Experience:

  • 3+ years’ experience in food production/manufacturing.
  • 2+ years’ experience in a supervisory capacity.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, stack and maneuver objects; must tolerate working around ovens; and must be able to work weekends.
  • Collaborating with your team and the sales team on new products.
  • Excellent leadership ability including, analytical and problem-solving skills, exceptional verbal, written and listening communication skills, and strong time management.
  • Effective team building skills and the ability to keep your team motivated.
  • Proven track record of successfully training employees in productivity and safety.
  • Working knowledge of OSHA and food safety regulations.
  • Most importantly, have fun, show your creative skills coming up with new and exciting products and take pride in producing something you’d be happy to share with others.

SALES AND MARKETING ASSISTANT

The Sales and Marketing Assistant position is ideal for someone who enjoys working with various clients, local fruits, provisions and learning about orchard operations. This position will call clients for orders, learn about the orchard’s various products, and assist the various departments of the orchard throughout the day. The working days are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  

Job Description:

  • Primary duties of answering phones, assisting the caller, and facilitating the call to the proper department.
  • Make daily customer sales calls with established clients in VT, NH, and NY.
  • Prepare invoices for sales to customers using QuickBooks software.
  • Post weekly sales numbers in the Product Summary Books.
  • Work directly with the Marketing and Sales team regarding products, sales, and client engagement.
  • Demo with buyers and have field meetings for sale of products.
  • Work with the production line and bakery team in determining sales for the day.
  • Observe all health and safety regulations.
  • Periodically help in the Farm Market.

 

Skills and Experience:

  • 3+ years’ experience in sales calls and administrative duties.
  • 2+ years’ experience in Microsoft Office programs and QuickBooks.
  • Attention to detail as well as a friendly phone presence is a requirement.
  • Most importantly, have fun, learn about the Orchard’s products, and become engaged in the farm community.

DELIVERY DRIVER

FULL TIME 

Distribute products promptly to our customers. Represent the Company in a professional and cost effective manner aiming at increasing profitability and customer satisfaction.

Job Description:

  • Deliver a wide variety of items to different addresses and through different routes
  • Follow route and time schedule
  • Load, unload, prepare, inspect and operate delivery vehicle
  • Deliver orders to customers on assigned routes
  • Maintain ongoing communication with route dispatcher
  • Unload goods as per client specifications
  • Review deliveries with customers to ensure products meet their needs
  • Obtain delivery confirmation from each customer
  • Follow DOT regulations and safety standards
 

Skills and Experience:

  • Valid Class CDL Class B or A
  • Minimum 1 years’ experience as a Delivery Driver
  • Clean driving record
  • Background check and drug test
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Possess a positive and professional attitude
  • The individual needs to be punctual; and comfortable and willing to work long hours. Be able to lift 50 lbs, and push/pull heavy pallet jacks. Be able to safely operate a delivery truck, fork lift and other operating equipment.

  • The individual shall possess the character qualities of being honest, trustworthy, respectful, and have sound work ethics.

About us
Our fruits are ecologically grown with intention and care — healthier for the soil, healthier for you! Everything we produce is an expression of our family-owned orchards. We invite you to discover the taste of the Champlain Valley and this beautiful place we call home.

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