Orchard production manager/agronomist

Alma Mater Fields is now seeking an experienced Orchard Production Manager to coordinate and implement the company’s diverse orchard activities. This would include managing all orchard components associated with producing conventional and organic apples. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience managing a large, modern orchard system, with a large workforce. Day-to-day responsibilities include directing staff, outlining priorities, setting goals and evaluating outcomes. Communication and teamwork are key skill traits. The candidate should be an independent, motivated self-starter who values working in a “team” setting. Formal education in agronomy, technical certificate, and/or extensive work experience in the area of orchard production, or management is necessary. Bilingual (English and Russian) communication skills are a plus. This is a year-round position located in Almaty region, Republic of Kazakhstan. The position will serve as a member of the Management Team. This position reports to the Project Manager.
Alma Mater Fields is one of the largest tree fruit company in Almaty region with combined area of 700 hectares of intensive apple orchards, Alma Mater Fields pursues a socially responsible business agenda, promoting social, economic and spiritual development opportunities for all of our employees and families in the surrounding communities.
Strategic responsibilities include:
• Technical Experience: working knowledge to utilize modern orchard practices to produce high quality, consistent fruit.
• Leadership: work as a valued team member, actively develop employees as leaders, and serve as a positive role model for other team members.
• Coordination: manage the overall orchard operations; establish production goals and direction to meet company objectives; help coordinate the harvest maturity program and provide critical information to prepare the annual post-harvest storage plan.
• Communication: ensure constant and informative communication between all employees and outside partners; manage accurate record keeping and reporting systems.

Specific Duties include:
• Direct and coordinate the overall orchard operations including the specific goal of implementing strategies and practices to maximize returns for conventional and organic
apples while adhering to our values and mission. This entails, but is not limited to:
o Supervise and lead the orchard managers to meet key objectives;
o Manage orchards to ensure efficient/profitable operations while also meeting certification expectations for organics and food/human safety;
o Lead the day-to-day direction and implementation of the orchard operations, including but not limited to orchard renewal, crop management, crop protection, pest management, irrigation, harvest timing and post-harvest strategies.

• Develop, manage and lead a team of skilled orchard managers and crew leaders ensuring that there is continued development of a training/coaching system in order to have a team of full-time and seasonal employees experienced with modern orchard practices, such as pruning, tree training, trellising, and harvesting as well as.

• Further develop manager training mechanisms with clear goals and pathways for leadership opportunities among staff.

• Establish orchard production goals and direction while strategically planning projects with owner, Business Manager and management team.

• Along with the Project Manager, assist in
o determining optimum harvest strategies and decisions that balance storage life, consumer preference with retail-marketing strategies;
o providing harvest-maturity information and data to help Project Manager Team implement a storage regime plan.

• Work with all managers to identify and implement innovations and key strategies to ensure continued growth and success.

• Proven ability to communicate and work with all levels of management.

Desired Qualifications/Requirements:
• Working knowledge of modern, high-density tree fruit production practices
• Proven ability to build and manage a team-oriented culture
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to implement projects under pressure
• Proficiency in English and Russian, a plus
• Familiar and comfortable using Microsoft Office software programs

Educational Qualifications
Bachelor degree in Horticulture, Ag Sciences or Management; and/or Extensive working experience in tree fruit production.

Еhe company provides accommodation and transportation