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Organic Viticulture Manager (Wine Jobs: Management & Administration)

Full Time

  Mark Anthony Group Inc.

  1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E4, British Columbia

Company Operating Name

Sebastian Farms

Company Legal Name

Mark Anthony Group Inc.

Job title:

Organic Viticulture Manager

Business and Mailing Address

1730 Mission Hill Road

West Kelowna, BC

V4T 2E4

Work Locations

Primary location of employment:

 

1730 Mission Hill Road

West Kelowna, BC

V4T 2E4

 

Secondary locations of employment:

 

5437 Lakeshore Road

Kelowna, BC

V1W 4S5

 

4799 Wild Rose Street

Oliver, BC

V0H 1T1

 

501 Sibco Landfill Road

Oliver, BC

V0H 1T0

 

Terms of Employment

·         Full-time

·       Permanent position

Annual Wage

$80,000 - $140,000

Benefits

·         We offer a discretionary bonus plan, based on overall company and individual performance

·         Disability insurance

·         Dental insurance

·         Extended medical insurance (e.g. prescription drugs, paramedical services, medical services and equipment)

·         MSP

·       Access to RSP program

Contact Information

Heather Ray, VP People Operations

T. 604-264-4051

F. 604-264-4274

E. [email protected] 

Overview

Sebastian Farms is an extraordinary collection of estate vineyards that showcase the remarkable character of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Privately owned by the von Mandl Family of VMF Estates, these diverse and exceptional vineyard sites yield the highest quality grapes for our portfolio of luxury wineries, including Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, CedarCreek Estate Winery, CheckMate Artisanal Winery and Martin’s Lane Winery. With the von Mandl Family’s continuous investments in leading-edge research, innovation and technology, we are able to produce wines of exceptional quality that capture the unique character of this extraordinary winegrowing region and can stand alongside the best in the world. We are stewards of this land and as a family-owned business we infuse sustainability into every aspect of the winemaking process in our vineyards and at our wineries.

 

Role Overview

The Organic Viticulture Manager will develop and maintain an ultra premium, organic viticulture program for the company’s Northern Okanagan based estate vineyards, growing exceptional, world class Pinot Noir and Riesling.  Additionally the role is required to plan and lead migrating conventional vineyards to organic vineyards while minimizing crop risk.

 

The objective of VMF is to put the Okanagan Valley on the map as one of the top five Pinot Noir regions in the world and be recognized as a leading producer of regionally distinctive aromatic whites, including Riesling.  The Organic Viticulture Manager North Okanagan area will be responsible for multiple premium vineyard sites.

 

Responsibilities

·         Develop a viticulture program that will ensure production of Pinot Noir and Riesling to the highest possible quality. This program will include functions such as pruning methodology, canopy management, shoot and cluster thinning.

·         Implement a sustainable organic and/or biodynamic program for North Okanagan estate vineyards and provide oversight for other targeted estate vineyards, including conversion from conventional farming.

·         Develop individual block management plans to achieve desired quality and yield targets.

·         Site selection, establishment and farming of new vineyards in the North Okanagan area.

·         Monitor soil and vine status to determine organic nutrition programs.

·         Detailed irrigation management/soil and vine moisture management.

·         Monitor vineyards for phenology, pest and diseases while producing sustainable organic pest and disease management programs.

·         Communicate viticulture decisions using written viticulture work orders to vineyard managers. Ensure work orders are executed appropriately. 

·         Oversee the management of the vineyard operations resources for the vineyards for the North Okanogan vineyards and operations crew.

·         Ensure efficient application of equipment and human resources.

·         Promote a safe working environment and ensure all activities comply with the company safety policy and provincial and federal regulations.

·         Plan, prepare and manage within the annual North Okanagan vineyard operation budgets, using the various departmental cost centers. Contribute to capital budgeting process.

·         Ensure monthly variance reports and explanations from Vineyard Managers are completed on time and in accordance with the budget.

·         Establish and maintain a direct working relationship with winemakers from all four wineries to realize the aim of producing world class wine.

·         Ensure all work directed, nutrient and spray programs comply with all provincial and federal regulations.

·         Track all viticulture programs on computer databases including written work orders for vineyard operations.

·         Coordinate fruit maturity sampling programs and related harvest activities in the North Okanagan area.

·         Carry out field trials and cooperate with research organizations on industry research projects.

 

TEAM AND LEADERSHIP FUNCTIONS

·         Lead and manage all employees successfully, dealing with any employee relations issues that arise (i.e. absenteeism, discipline, safety, unprofessional conduct), holding all employees accountable to the Code of Conduct and Standards. 

·         Complete the Performance Management Process on time and create performance plans for employees to close gaps and increase effectiveness. 

·         Champion vineyard health and safety program including setting the culture, monitoring training and maintaining a safe working environment.  . 

·         Responsible for the documentation of employee relations issues, conferring with Human Resources when necessary and utilize progressive discipline where required.  

·         Any other duties and responsibilities as required.

 

Position Requirements

·         Organic specialist with focus and passion for organic viticulture to grow premium wine grapes.

·         Minimum of 7 years’ viticulture experience, with a minimum of 5 years managing viticulture programs for premium Pinot Noir and Aromatic Whites in a premium wine region and 5 years managing organic vineyards.

·         A university degree in Viticulture or equivalent.

·         Knowledge and experience of ultra-premium winemaking processes, styles and techniques with a dedication to producing world class wine.

·         Proven experience in organic viticulture and biodynamic practices including soil cultivation, adapting and transitioning conventional vineyards.

·         Proven experience in vineyard management including irrigation, nutrition, pruning, canopy management, and pest and disease management.

·         Proven ability to represent viticulture to the trade media and highly involved wine consumers.

·         International experience working with various vineyards conditions an asset.

·         Desire and ability to travel and build international relationships while continuously improving and pushing the boundaries in Viticulture.

·         Experience working in partnership with vineyard managers on multiple sites.

·         Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record.

 

Working Conditions

·         Time divided between: 

  • outdoors in potentially inclement weather
  • indoors at a workstation with computer
  • in vehicle driving between sites

·         Overtime is required at times

 

Personal Characteristics

  • Possess a “can do” attitude and believes anything is possible with the right focus.
  • Able to work independently and “roll up your sleeves” to make things happen.
  • High intensity team player who thrives in a fast paced, high intensity, dynamic environment.
  • Constantly questions the way things are done in a constructive manner and thrives on change that improves results.
  • Effective leadership and strategic influencing skills.
  • Results oriented individual with a desire to manage change through to fruition.
  • Demonstrated ability to work across functions, business units and geographies.
  • Effective business systems thinker and a good understanding of business process knowledge.
  • Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with others in a diverse environment.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at one time.
  • Team Player.
  • Strong stakeholder management focus.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Proficient with personal computers and business application software.

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