Contact Information
Name: Rami Aburomia
Phone: (608) 333-1866
Email: raburomia@yahoo.com
Job location: Fitchburg, Wisconsin
Business name: Eplegaarden
Job/volunteer description: Orchard/Farm manager – Eplegaarden, Fitchburg, WI Feb 2, 2022
Full time or substantial part time position, year-round, competitive wage.
Please contact Dave 608.358.9291 or Rami 608.333.1866 / raburomia@yahoo.com if interested or have questions.
Background:
Fantastic opportunity to learn all aspects involved in operating an established on-farm retail orchard. The 100 Ac farm was established by Vern & Betty Forest in 1984 and has become a fall tradition for several generations of local families. The farm is located just south of Madison, WI, giving us an excellent customer base that supports what we do. We are focused on growing delicious and nutritious food for our community and providing a beautiful farm where family and friends can experience the farm atmosphere by picking their own fruit or enjoying a donut with a cup of fresh apple cider!
The business is currently open seasonally mid-Aug thru Oct for PYO apples, raspberries, pumpkins and farm market sales. Apple cider is pressed on-premise, and we maintain a diversity of apple varieties and other local food items for sale in the farm store. The scenic property, iconic red barns and authentic on-farm experience have greater potential as the Madison region continues to grow.
Responsibilities
Depending on the candidate’s past experience, we will provide training for all aspects of farm operations and the position will be expected to take part in all operations. An hourly wage with year-round employment will start the first training year with a bonus at year end. Over time a transition to a greater bonus and eventual salary is expected.
1. Apples – learn all aspects of a full year of activities including, pruning, planting, training, mowing, scouting and spraying, harvest, packing and quality expectations.
2. Other crops – pumpkins, squash, raspberries, etc. – learn all aspects of growing and marketing.
3. Seasonal employees – assist with recruitment, and supervise during peak season, including weekly scheduling. Learn key productivity/efficiency expectations; and ensure safety.
4. Marketing – assist with building customer engagement through social media in addition to direct on-farm customer service. Begin to learn pricing strategy, inventory management, and develop new items/activities to improve business profitability.
5. Food safety – learn sanitary cider making and safe food handling procedures to be able to train seasonal workers. Assist with increasing food and event sales; and support those activities during the season.
Skills Required
– Experience with horticulture, agriculture or farming.
– Positive customer service attitude, team player, easy to get along with others.
– Hard worker; lead by example with strong work ethic, punctual.
– Common sense, & desire to learn new things
– Ethical, very honest and caring for others.
– Enjoys working outdoors, in all weather/seasons.
Skills Recommended
– Strong communication skills
– Comfortable and proficient with agricultural equipment, Square POS, and social media.
– Business sense, understanding of profitability
– Mechanical ability
– Artistic, creative
– Enjoys being around kids and families, having fun.
Salary: competitive, based on experience and commitment
