Oakley Farm is a 65 acre historic property situated in Warm Springs, in the heart of Bath County, Virginia. The farm encompasses Troddenvale’s 4 acres of high-density orchard, a cidery, tasting room and events program, as well as a collaborative food program called Foodlore. 

The orchard is planted to 2,000 dwarf apple trees of 20 different varieties, in a high-elevation growing climate. Our growing practices are centered around the health and regenerative qualities in the soil, in order to yield fruit with both intensity of flavor and balanced nutrients. The young orchard is dedicated solely to cider production for Troddenvale at Oakley Farm. 

Troddenvale produces transparency-driven cider of origin with limited to no alterations. We believe where fruit is grown and how will lead to the greatest potential in our cider. Working with true cider varietals limits the need of flavor-enhancing adjuncts and corrections, and relying purely on native microbial populations provides genuine complexity and individual character. 

In a collaboration with several other local farms, Oakley Farm is the venue for a food program called Foodlore. Foodlore is a cooperative platform for farmers of the Alleghany Highlands to showcase their products. Foodlore has three branches: Provisions, Fridays, and Dinner Series. Foodlore Provisions is an online market providing an opportunity for consumers to buy directly from local farmers. The pickup for Foodlore Provisions takes place on Foodlore Fridays, an outdoor weekly event featuring a market, Airstream kitchen featuring local chefs, and a cider and wine bar. Foodlore Dinner Series is a ticketed outdoor dining experience in collaboration with regional chefs and local farmers.

Timing. This role is full-time at 40 hours per week Monday - Friday. This is a seasonal position with the potential to evolve into a year-round position. Availability to start Spring 2024 and work through the end of the year. 

Responsibilities. The scope of work will include but not be limited to the following:

• Orchard management which includes seasonal projects such as pruning, tying/training trees, spraying organic beneficials, mowing, and managing in-row vegetation. Harvesting fruit from August-October. 
• Cider production support, such as, cellar work including barrel cleaning, racking, topping, bottling as well as fruit processing during the fall. 
• General property maintenance of the landscaping and gardens including mowing, weed whacking, brush clearing, and cutting firewood. 
• Potential for assisting in service at Foodlore/Troddenvale’s cider bar. Opportunity to increase pay via tips.

Qualifications / Skills. We are looking for an individual with the following characteristics:

• Strong work ethic and capacity to show up on time. 
• Willing to sweat and work outdoors.
• Interest in farming, fermentation, and hospitality. 
• Eagerness to learn and take ownership.
• Willing to work alone, or in groups.
• Friendly in nature. Comfortable engaging with visitors to the farm. 
• Preferred skills include: 
  • The ability to operate machinery such as a weed-wacker, zero-turn mower, chainsaw,  and 70hp tractor with brush hog attachment. 
  • An understanding of how to maintain and service equipment listed above.