Viticulturist

Looking for a full time viticulturist to join our team; relocation assistance available, role to be filled by March 2022. We are willing to work with the right candidate to ensure the perfect fit for long-term placement with our winery team!

Job Summary: The viticulturist will manage the care, development, and harvest of all acreage of our commercial vineyard. The viticulturist apply skills and knowledge in the areas of trellis design and maintenance, phenology, pruning, weed control, disease & pest management, cultivation, canopy management, and harvest to ensure maximum annual health and quality annual yields.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Monitor vineyards throughout growing season and dormancy.
• Manage seasonal vineyard workers during peak seasons & harvest.
• Record historical notes based on vineyard findings & observations.
• Maintain and update annual viticulture calendar.
• Implement, monitor and provide feedback on vineyard enhancement programs in alignment with the technical viticulture framework.
• Collect petiole samples and assist in analysis of results.
• Conduct pest and disease severity assessments and assist with control recommendations.
• Use knowledge of vineyard chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers to make spray plan recommenda- tions and adjustments based on sound IPM methodology and sustainable principles.
• Maintain working relationships with crew and vendors, becoming familiar with the geography, farm- ing methods and field observations associated with both estate and partner vineyards.
• Liaise and collaborate with approved external regional research and development projects for long- term growth and success of VVW wine program.
• Attend Industry workshops and relevant viticultural seminars.
• Working knowledge of basic statistical techniques and experimental methods to drive insightful data collection and analysis from investigative and experimental work.
• Ability to identify variety, water status, pest and disease condition in the field using visual cues.
• Assist as needed in irrigation management including plant water stress monitoring with pressure bomb, visual cues and advanced techniques.
• Conduct fruit maturity sampling and lab analysis (Brix°, pH, TA) to determine harvest timing.
• Oversee harvest operation in conjunction with senior management team.
• Follow all safety protocols and regulations related to vineyard functions
• Participate in grape and wine quality grading using objective sensory techniques and analysis.
• Assist in seasonal vineyard reviews and tastings.
• Assist in wine making as needed.
• Assist in tours as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree or greater in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agriculture/Plant Biology, or related discipline re- quired. General knowledge of regional viticultural cultural practices, pest issues, needs and op- portunities required.
• Pesticide Applicator Certification required.
• Computer skills including MS Office, and practical competence with agriculture oriented computer applications required.

• At least two years of professional viticultural experience preferred.
• Experience using farm equipment including skid steer, tractor, zero turn mower, backpack sprayer, tractor mounted sprayer, etc preferred.
• Have a rudimentary understanding of winemaking to assist with understanding wine-growing goals and fruit/wine quality grading.
• Ability to understand any and all safety requirements and use PPE appropriately during spraying.

Physical/Other Requirements:

• Must be able to bend, squat, climb, push, stoop and crouch repeatedly and for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to walk in steep, inclining vineyard, in diverse types of weather.
• Ability to lift at least 60 lbs.
• Have a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and the ability to drive to loca- tions around the state.

Working Conditions:

• Over 75% of work conducted outdoor in vineyard with direct sunlight and no shade.
• Regular working schedule may include some weekends and holidays.
• Long or irregular hours during peak seasons such as frost threat and harvest.
• Standing for long periods of time (6-8 hours per day).
• Heavy physical work: planting, pruning, earth moving, walking through 6 acres of vines daily, etc.
• Regular exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus pay

COVID-19 considerations:
All staff wear masks indoors or when within 6 feet of other employees, and temp checks are completed at the start of each shift.

Work Location: One location