Job Details
Title: Estate Horticulturalist, Dendric EstateReports to: CEO Dendric Estate About Dendric Estate: Dendric Estate is a 20 acre cider and spirits estate located at 6,400 feet in elevation in the Kamas valley of northern Utah. Surrounded by +10,000 foot peaks, the estate boasts beautiful views in every direction. Nearly 15 of the 20 acres is devoted to a modern high-density estate orchard to provide fruit for the cider production, as well as two greenhouses to provide produce for the onsite kitchen and tasting room. With sustainable and biodynamic farming practices core to our brand, Dendric Estate will represent the pinnacle of premium cider and spirits in the west. Position Summary: The successful candidate will be responsible for year round cider fruit production, estate horticulture, greenhouse operations, spring planting, development projects, and landscape maintenance. Dendric Estate is similar in aesthetics and operations to a winery and vineyard, so we are looking for someone who can balance productive growth with visual aesthetics. This person must be data-driven, with a passion for sustainable solutions. Our location is just 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, 20 minutes from the resort town of Park City, and at the entrance of the Uinta National Forest, so this position is perfect for someone who enjoys year-round outdoor recreation. We are a young company with big plans, and we need someone with passion to help build a company from the ground (and below) up. Responsibilities: Cider Orchard Estate Management Build off of current practices and research with company leadership to implement future strategy for a high density estate orchard buildout, prioritizing sustainable and biodynamic farming methods, water conservation and reuse, options for agritourism, and ultimately grow the highest quality cider fruit possible from a high elevation estate orchardExecute all spring plantingsSite and soil prep, trellis and irrigation installationEnsure new tree plantings are done efficiently and on time, to coincide with annual spring water turn-onManage the orchard through highly variable seasons in the most holistic way possible, from winter pruning, to spring organic spray applications, through summer watering and fertigation, to fall harvest and winter turn-downImplement strategies to protect the blooms and fruit during early- and late-season weather events, such as frost and hail.Develop a full year program incorporating IPM, understory weed management, and disease mitigation which supports a natural and beneficial ecosystemDesign and implement a soil heath program across the entire estate focused on leveraging the soil biome with beneficial microbesWork closely with the Cider House Production Manager to coordinate harvest schedule, fruit delivery and subsequent pressed pomace removalResponsibility for sitewide compost & mulching program and its utilization throughout the cider orchard and the greenhouse produce programInventory management of all inputs and consumables for Orchard, including but not limited to spray chemicals, soil and tree nutrients, rodent abatement, disease mitigation sprays, equipment fluids, seals, replacement parts, etc.Responsibility for all agriculture equipment purchases, maintenance, and repairs to prioritize spring, summer and fall operationsInterview, hire, train and manage a seasonal team to assist during the peak operational periodsCare for supporting components of the ecosystem, such as beehives, kestrel boxes, etc. Budget and Regulatory Compliance Monthly budget reporting, in cooperation with finance dept., for full annual budget accountability relating to agriculture expenses and assetsResearch and apply for local and federal grants that align with our agriculture objectivesTrack orchard inputs throughout the season with a goal of regulatory compliance within one or more chosen holistic agricultural certification programs, such as organic, biodynamic, etc.Work with local Water Master to ensure local and state compliance on quality and volumetric usage over seasonIn cooperation with the Beverage Manager, produce an annual public harvest report that corelates our orchard practices to the final beverage product. Greenhouse Produce Production In produce greenhouse: Lead greenhouse production year-round, working closely with the Tasting Room Chef, to curate a four season schedule of plantings and outputs, ultimately designed to work with the tasting room s annual schedule and food processing for public salesIn event greenhouse: Maintain an open, visually aesthetic greenhouse space in collaboration with branding and hospitality teams for greenhouse events Full Site Landscaping Design and manage a full estate landscaping and groundskeeping program, connecting high density orchard zones to public zones, including the state road interface Marketing & Brand Events Work in coordination with brand marketing and events leadership, to plan for and prepare brand activations throughout the estate helping to showcase the branch to bottle connection between the agriculture and the beverage productsTo serve as the professional horticulturist face of Dendric Estate, by occasionally greeting and interacting with guests, responding to inquiries, and providing horticultural content for investor and consumer publications Compensation: $45K - $60K per year + Company Equity (dependent on experience and qualifications) Minimum QualificationsBachelors degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, or a related field, or equivalencyTwo years of experience in a professional horticulture settingStrong knowledge and understanding of plant culture and best practices for ornamental and/or native plant careProficient computer skills, including Microsoft Suite and AdobeAbility to lift 55 lbs. properly and safelyDemonstrated human relations skills; including effective written and oral communication Preferred QualificationsGraduate degree in Horticulture, Biology, Botany, or a related field, or equivalency3+ years experience in professional Orchard or Vineyard operations2+ years experience leading individuals and small teamsA Utah Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License, or obtain within first six months of employmentOperators experience with all equipment and tools common to the trade, such as 55+HP tractor, implements, sprayer, etc.Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position and to work safely in inclement weather conditions, heat, cold, precipitation, etc.Commitment to provide excellent customer service and maintain a consistent professional demeanor/presenceExperience working in a public gardenLandscape design & use of related softwareSpanish language fluencyBenefitsCompany equity grant program, with vesting period, allowing you to participate in the success of the businessPaid parental leave (in addition to FMLA)11 paid holidays per year plus vacation accruals each monthBring your dog to workContinued education stipendAnnual National Parks pass & State Parks pass