Job Summary: The Orchard Agronomist is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all agronomic activities within the orchard, ensuring optimal crop health, growth, and productivity. Working closely with internal teams, this role plans and executes seasonal crop management, with a strong focus on apple and cherry production. The ideal candidate will exemplify our company values: Humble, Driven, and Solutions-Oriented.
Humble – Employees that are team players and are respectful of others and the job at hand. Great team players lack excessive ego or concerns about status. Humble employees are quick to point out contributions of others and slow to seek attention of their own.
Driven – Employees who are motivated and focused on self improvement. Driven or hungry employees are always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. They never have to be pushed by a manager to work harder because they are self-motivated and diligent.
Solutions Oriented – Employees who focus on solving, and preventing problems from occurring, not just identifying them. This is equal parts of problems with systems and processes and the common sense that an employee has about people. They are aware, act appropriately, ask good questions, and listen to understand.
Role and Accountability:

• Make decisions regarding spraying, insecticide, fungicide, thinning, irrigation, frost protection, and orchard herbicide programs.
• Coordinate fertilizer programs with Nithfield Agronomy.
• Lead and execute agronomic plans and operations for all orchard and field crop tasks, including:
  • Compost (requirements, setup, application, auditing, regulation)
  • Spraying (setup, application, auditing, regulation)
  • Mechanical pruning (setup, auditing)
  • Hand pruning & thinning (task auditing, planning)
  • Tree planting & planting operations (task auditing, oversight)
  • Mowing/mulching (planning, setup, auditing)
  • Orchard scouting (oversight, backend, auditing, regulation)
  • Cherry and apple harvest agronomics & planning
  • Field crop agronomics, seasonal plan, and operational oversight

• Ensure regulatory compliance for composting, spraying, scouting, and harvest activities.
• Execute daily responsibilities to meet departmental goals while adhering to company values (Humble, Driven, Solutions-Oriented).
• Provide feedback and suggestions to improve processes within the scope of the role.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to address challenges, develop solutions, and align strategies with company goals.
• Work closely with Orchard Manager and Farm Supervisors to translate agronomic strategies into effective field-level execution and outcomes.
• Ensure safe handling and application of all pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers by coordinating appropriate training, PPE usage, and safety protocols with field teams.
• Assist in budgeting and cost tracking for agronomic inputs such as fertilizers, sprays, and irrigation-related expenses.
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and support to field teams and junior staff to develop agronomic expertise across the organization.
• Serve as a key resource for succession planning and knowledge transfer within the orchard agronomy function.
• Monitor and enforce safety standards and compliance during all orchard operations and chemical applications.
• Lead or contribute to orchard capital planning and improvement projects related to crop health and productivity.
• Perform regular outdoor fieldwork, including walking orchard rows and working in varied weather and terrain conditions.
• Maintain and monitor the weather station, ensuring it is active and reporting accurately on the LoRa network. This includes verifying that all leaf sensors and stem nodes are fully operational daily.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and Senior Managers to ensure seamless operational handoffs and aligned execution of company objectives
• Develop and maintain financial dashboards and KPI reporting to drive visibility into performance and support data-informed decision-making.
• Actively model the company's core values—Humble, Driven, and Solutions-Oriented—by personally welcoming new hires, celebrating team achievements, and fostering an inclusive and empowering culture.
• Ensure that departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, and procedures are developed, regularly reviewed, kept up to date, and that any changes are submitted through the appropriate approval process
• Attend relevant department and company-wide meetings, including Level 10 meetings, contributing to organizational alignment and effectiveness.
• Lead strategic initiatives to improve efficiency, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Serve as the point of escalation for department-level issues, collaborating with all departments to ensure organizational alignment.
• Utilize Microsoft To-Do (or similar) for task tracking and reminders, ensuring productivity and accountability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Expertise in orchard agronomy, including pest control, irrigation, thinning, pruning, and fertilization
• Deep understanding of cherry, apple, and field crop needs
• Familiarity with IPM (Integrated Pest Management), environmental regulations, and compliance standards
• Strong planning and organizational skills to manage seasonal tasks and audits
• Ability to analyze data and make informed, timely decisions
• Skilled in using farm management software, spreadsheets, and digital tools
• Effective communicator and collaborator across departments and with external partners
• Leadership capability to guide field teams and manage operations in a dynamic environment
• Adaptable to changing conditions and able to prioritize in a fast-paced setting
• Strong understanding of agricultural safety standards and chemical handling procedures.
• Ability to contribute to budgeting and resource allocation related to orchard agronomy.
• Experience mentoring or coaching agronomy or field staff.
• Comfortable working outdoors regularly in various weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
• Valid Ontario G Driver's License required; Class C an asset

Education and Experience:

• Required: Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field
• Preferred Certifications:
  • Pesticide Applicator's License (or ability to obtain)
  • Fertilizer Application Certification
  • Additional certifications in orchard management or sustainability (e.g., IPM, organic practices)
• Experience:
  • 3–5 years in agricultural or orchard management, with focus on crop production, agronomy, and compliance
  • Direct experience with tree fruit crops (e.g., apples, cherries)
  • Background in IPM and regulatory compliance
  • Practical knowledge of fertility and irrigation systems
  • Leadership or supervisory experience in an operational setting
  • Familiarity with agronomic data tracking and software

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The Company is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment and selection process. Applicants should advise Human Resources if they require any type of accommodation during the recruitment process.
$80,000 - $100,000

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