Regenerative Orchard/Farm Manager

Posted yesterday

farmonOkauchee Lake (WI)

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers Other Noncitrus Fruit Farming

SENIORITY

Manager

SALARY

$65,000 per year

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About the role

Dilify Harvest is a new regenerative farm in southeastern Wisconsin built around a simple idea: cultivate a thriving regenerative farm that restores the land, nurtures biodiversity, and inspires a sustainable future. We are committed to producing healthy, nutrient-rich food while fostering a harmonious relationship between people, animals, and the environment. By leading with innovation, resilience, and community, we aim to be a model for regenerative agriculture. We're currently in the early stages of transforming approximately 20 acres of former conventional farmland into a diverse regenerative farming operation that includes orchards, berries, pumpkins, vegetables, honeybees, chickens, cover crops, and pollinator habitat. Every season brings new projects, new learning opportunities, and new chances to improve the farm. What makes this opportunity unique is that we're just starting. The systems, infrastructure, orchards, and processes that will define this farm for decades are being created today. We're not looking for someone to simply maintain an existing operation. We're looking for someone who wants to help shape it. At Dilify Harvest, healthy soil drives the decision we make. We believe productive farms and healthy ecosystems should work together. Our focus is on building resilient systems that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, support pollinators, and create a thriving farm for future generations. One of our primary initiatives is the establishment of a regenerative apple orchard and perennial farming system from the ground up. Ownership is actively involved in the farm and passionate about its future. We believe the best ideas come through collaboration, curiosity, and shared learning. We're looking for a Farm Manager who enjoys working alongside ownership, contributing ideas, solving problems, and helping turn a long-term vision into reality. Some days you'll be planting trees, operating equipment, or managing seasonal projects. Other days you'll be planning improvements, implementing regenerative practices, coordinating work, or helping develop systems that make the farm more efficient and productive. No two days are exactly alike, and that's part of what makes this role rewarding. We're looking for someone who enjoys building things, improving things, and teaching others along the way. Someone who takes pride in stewardship, values continuous learning, and gets excited about creating something meaningful from the ground up. Our long-term vision is to create one of southeastern Wisconsin's most respected regenerative farms, demonstrating that agriculture can improve the land while producing exceptional crops, supporting biodiversity, and serving the local community. The long term vision also includes a farm store, event venue and community destination. If you're excited by the idea of helping build a farm during one of the most important stages of its development, we'd love to meet you. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the land, contribute to a growing regenerative farming operation, and be part of something that is just getting started. Help Build a Regenerative Farm from the Ground Up Dilify Harvest is a 20-acre regenerative farm in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We purchased the farm in 2025 with a plan to transition from a former conventional farm into a diverse regenerative farming operation focused on: Orchard production Berries Pumpkins Vegetable production Honeybees Chickens Pollinator habitat Agritourism and community engagement This is not a position where you'll inherit a mature operation with decades of established procedures. We're still building systems, planning orchards, improving infrastructure, and learning every day. We're looking for a Farm Manager who is excited to help shape the future of the farm and leave a lasting impact on the land. Our Philosophy We believe healthy soil is the foundation of everything we grow. Our goal is to work with nature, not against it. We prioritize practices that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and create a farm that becomes healthier and more productive each year. We're making decisions with a 20-year horizon, not a one-year horizon. Based on the success of the first 20-acre farm, ownership is interested in expanding the current farm as well as potential expansion to other properties.

About the Role: The Farm Manager will work directly with ownership and alongside one of the owners, who will be working full-time on the farm. The owner that is working full-time on the farm is relatively new to farming. The right person for this role will serve as both a partner and mentor as we develop the farm. This is both a management and hands-on position. Some days may involve strategic planning and coordinating projects. Other days may involve operating equipment, planting trees, building infrastructure, or working alongside seasonal staff. The right candidate enjoys solving problems, building systems, mentoring others, and helping a young farm leadership team succeed.

Key Responsibilities: Farm Operations Manage day-to-day farm operations alongside ownership across all enterprises Develop weekly and seasonal work plans Coordinate planting, cultivation, harvest, and post-harvest activities Maintain farm records and operational calendars Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity Assist with orchard installation, irrigation, tree care, pruning, and maintenance Develop systems for long-term orchard success Monitor tree health and implement best management practices Plan and implement cover crop programs Improve soil health through regenerative management practices Support composting, mulching, grazing, and biological improvement initiatives Monitor soil-building efforts and recommend improvements Equipment & Infrastructure Tractors, skid steers, and related equipment are safely operated. Help plan and execute infrastructure improvements Coordinate vendors and contractors when necessary Leadership & Team Development Mentor, recruit, train, and supervise seasonal employees Create daily work plans and priorities Teach best practices and promote a positive team culture Communicate clearly with ownership regarding farm goals and progress Strategic Growth Help shape future farm enterprises and improvements Recommend projects, systems, and investments that Contribute ideas and innovation as the farm evolves

What Success Looks Like: Within the first few years, success in this role would include: Establishing a thriving regenerative orchard Building measurable improvements in soil health Develop markets for our products including an onsite farm store, local retail vendors, farmers markets and other venues. Developing efficient operational systems Successfully managing seasonal labor Maintaining high-quality crop production Creating a safe, organized, and productive farm environment Helping transform the property into a leading regenerative farm in southeastern Wisconsin

Desired Qualifications: We're more interested in finding the right person than checking every box.

Preferred qualifications include: 3+ years of agricultural or farm management experience Experience leading employees, volunteers, or crews Knowledge of cover crops and soil health practices Orchard, perennial crop, or horticultural experience preferred Experience operating and maintaining farm equipment Strong communication and organizational skills A growth mindset and a willingness to learn

Salary: $65,000-$95,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Additional Benefits: Performance-based bonus opportunities Paid time off Continuing education and professional development support Attendance at regenerative agriculture conferences and training events Opportunity for significant career growth as the farm expands Direct involvement in shaping the long-term vision of the farm For an exceptional candidate with extensive experience in orchard establishment, regenerative systems, and farm leadership, compensation may exceed the posted range. Compensationthis position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Company description: Dilify Harvest is a new regenerative farm in southeastern Wisconsin built around a simple idea: cultivate a thriving regenerative farm that restores the land, nurtures biodiversity, and inspires a sustainable future. We are committed to producing healthy, nutrient-rich food while fostering a harmonious relationship between people, animals, and the environment. By leading with innovation, resilience, and community, we aim to be a model for regenerative agriculture. We're currently in the early stages of transforming approximately 20 acres of former conventional farmland into a diverse regenerative farming operation that includes orchards, berries, pumpkins, vegetables, honeybees, chickens, cover crops, and pollinator habitat. Every season brings new projects, new learning opportunities, and new chances to improve the farm. What makes this opportunity unique is that we're just starting. The systems, infrastructure, orchards, and processes that will define this farm for decades are being created today. We're not looking for someone to simply maintain an existing operation. We're looking for someone who wants to help shape it. At Dilify Harvest, healthy soil drives the decision we make. We believe productive farms and healthy ecosystems should work together. Our focus is on building resilient systems that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, support pollinators, and create a thriving farm for future generations. One of our primary initiatives is the establishment of a regenerative apple orchard and perennial farming system from the ground up. Ownership is actively involved in the farm and passionate about its future. We believe the best ideas come through collaboration, curiosity, and shared learning. We're looking for a Farm Manager who enjoys working alongside ownership, contributing ideas, solving problems, and helping turn a long-term vision into reality. Some days you'll be planting trees, operating equipment, or managing seasonal projects. Other days you'll be planning improvements, implementing regenerative practices, coordinating work, or helping develop systems that make the farm more efficient and productive. No two days are exactly alike, and that's part of what makes this role rewarding. We're looking for someone who enjoys building things, improving things, and teaching others along the way. Someone who takes pride in stewardship, values continuous learning, and gets excited about creating something meaningful from the ground up. Our long-term vision is to create one of southeastern Wisconsin's most respected regenerative farms, demonstrating that agriculture can improve the land while producing exceptional crops, supporting biodiversity, and serving the local community. The long term vision also includes a farm store, event venue and community destination. If you're excited by the idea of helping build a farm during one of the most important stages of its development, we'd love to meet you. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the land, contribute to a growing regenerative farming operation, and be part of something that is just getting started.

Job description: Help Build a Regenerative Farm from the Ground Up Dilify Harvest is a 20-acre regenerative farm in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We purchased the farm in 2025 with a plan to transition from a former conventional farm into a diverse regenerative farming operation focused on: Orchard production Berries Pumpkins Vegetable production Honeybees Chickens Pollinator habitat Agritourism and community engagement This is not a position where you'll inherit a mature operation with decades of established procedures. We're still building systems, planning orchards, improving infrastructure, and learning every day. We're looking for a Farm Manager who is excited to help shape the future of the farm and leave a lasting impact on the land. Our Philosophy We believe healthy soil is the foundation of everything we grow. Our goal is to work with nature, not against it. We prioritize practices that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and create a farm that becomes healthier and more productive each year. We're making decisions with a 20-year horizon, not a one-year horizon. Based on the success of the first 20-acre farm, ownership is interested in expanding the current farm as well as potential expansion to other properties.

Key Responsibilities: Farm Operations Manage day-to-day farm operations alongside ownership across all enterprises Develop weekly and seasonal work plans Coordinate planting, cultivation, harvest, and post-harvest activities Maintain farm records and operational calendars Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity Orchard Establishment & Perennial Systems Assist with orchard installation, irrigation, tree care, pruning, and maintenance Develop systems for long-term orchard success Monitor tree health and implement best management practices Regenerative Agriculture Plan and implement cover crop programs Improve soil health through regenerative management practices Support composting, mulching, grazing, and biological improvement initiatives Monitor soil-building efforts and recommend improvements Equipment & Infrastructure Tractors, skid steers, and related equipment are safely operated. Help plan and execute infrastructure improvements Coordinate vendors and contractors when necessary Leadership & Team Development Mentor, recruit, train, and supervise seasonal employees Create daily work plans and priorities Teach best practices and promote a positive team culture Communicate clearly with ownership regarding farm goals and progress Strategic Growth Help shape future farm enterprises and improvements Recommend projects, systems, and investments that improve long-term sustainability Contribute ideas and innovation as the farm evolves

Desired Qualifications: We're more interested in finding the right person than checking every box.

Preferred qualifications include: 3+ years of agricultural or farm management experience Passion for regenerative agriculture principles Experience leading employees, volunteers, or crews Knowledge of cover crops and soil health practices Orchard, perennial crop, or horticultural experience preferred Experience operating and maintaining farm equipment Strong communication and organizational skills A growth mindset and a willingness to learn

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $65,000-$95,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Additional Benefits: Performance-based bonus opportunities Healthcare Insurance Paid time off Continuing education and professional development support Attendance at regenerative agriculture conferences and training events Opportunity for significant career growth as the farm expands Direct involvement in shaping the long-term vision of the farm For an exceptional candidate with extensive experience in orchard establishment, regenerative systems, and farm leadership, compensation may exceed the posted range. Compensationthis position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000 Deadlineno deadline

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