Vineyard Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Petite Riviere Vineyards (http://petiterivierevineyards.ca)

  1300 Italy Cross Road, Crousetown, Nova Scotia

OVERVIEW

We are seeking an experienced Vineyard Manager who will play an integral role on the management team.  Reporting directly to the Owner & Winemaker, this role will be responsible for the strategic development, implementation and management of vineyard planting programs, cultivation, harvest and involved in grape/wine production.  The successful candidate will be a graduate of a post-secondary Viticulture program and should have hands-on vineyard management experience.  This permanent position is available 8-9 months/year.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a crew of seasonal full-time & part-time vineyard/harvest workers including work task management and training.
• Ensure all staff are provided with appropriate training, protective equipment, procedures and instructions to remain safe in their working environment at all times.
• Schedule daily activities of personnel and their use of vineyard equipment to optimize efficiency and quality control across the 2 vineyard sites.
• Manage preventative and reparative maintenance for all vineyard  & winery equipment including irrigation and fertilization systems, tractors and other vehicles & equipment.
• Ensure spraying, fertilization and irrigation conforms to the safety standards.
• Generate and maintain electronic records for viticulture plans - growing, pest/disease control, nutrition, grape harvest, etc. 
• Prepare and adhere to a seasonal operations plan & budget.
• Provide regular verbal and written reports to the Winemaker(s) regarding vineyard condition and status.
• Coordinate with external growers for the procurement of grapes.
• Stay current on industry trends, evaluating and recommending new grape varietals, growing trends/techniques and technologies.
• Assist the Winemakers(s) in the wine cellar as required during inclement weather, harvest and off-season.
• Responsible for Vineyard purchasing and inventory maintenance.
• Participate in external safety and viticulture training as required.
• Participate in winery sales & events as required.

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a self-starting, highly motivated, organized individual with excellent viticulture and leadership skills.  The following attributes are vital for success in this position:

• Degree in Viticulture or related field.
• 2-3 years of hands-on Vineyard management experience with an extensive working knowledge of farm equipment.
• Excellent communication, time-management, project management and facilitation skills and are essential, including clear delivery of instructions.
• Experience with critical thinking/problem resolution, data collection – establishing facts and drawing conclusions.
• Must be self-motivated, and able to work independently, or as part of a team with demonstrated ability to lead and inspire others.
• Skilled in writing reports, data collection, correspondence and procedure manuals.
• Computer literate with the ability to work with the Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work to tight and changing deadlines and budgets.
• Experience with working under different climatic conditions.
• Must be flexible and able to work overtime up to 7 days per week on an as required basis.

Compensation to be negotiated - dependent on experience. This position is a seasonal permanent position and is available approximately 8 to 9 months per year.