Vineyard Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Cowichan Valley,
British Columbia
Averill Creek Vineyard is seeking a passionate, energetic, well-rounded individual to join our management team as Vineyard Manager/Viticulturist. We believe in sustainability, practicing regenerative farming techniques with a focus on permaculture. We keep a hands-off approach in the vineyard, as well as in the winery. The Vineyard Manager is responsible for implementing strategies for maximum yield with high quality standards, and maintaining a healthy vineyard. The ideal person will have a positive attitude, and be a team player that leads by example and has a high attention to detail. This job involves working outside in all weather conditions and requires a large amount of physical labour. The job is full-time and year- round.
The Vineyard Manager:
· Ensures day-to-day tasks are carried out in a time efficient manner while maintaining quality workmanship.
· Can operate equipment (tractor, sprayer, mower, loader, chainsaw, hedge trimmer, pruning shears etc.)
· Maintains farm machinery, equipment, buildings and systems on the farm. Oversee the management of landscaping of the winery property
· Is responsible for all aspects of the vine lifecycle : Pruning, vine training, shoot thinning, leaf removal, hedging and harvest. This will be organized in collaboration with the owner and Winemaker.
· Maintains open and constant communication with the Owner and Winemaker.
· Implements strategies for maximum yield and quality on a cool climate, dry farmed vineyard.
· Takes part in Health and Safety training, having a commitment to safe farming practices. Creates, trains, and implements safety procedures, and keeps up to date on regulations related to vineyard functions.
· Supervises and trains crews as needed (up to 30 workers during harvest). Maintains overall supervision of field crews, assuring proper procedures and quality of work as well as equipment operators. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and leadership skills.
· Keeps detailed pest management, spray, and production records
· Applies precision viticulture to optimize vineyard performance
· Responsible for all vineyard tasks including (but not limited to) agrichemical applications, pest and disease control, soil and yield management, vine nutrition and canopy management.
· Oversee the use of temporary labourers including negotiations with a temporary labour contractor
· Support the winery in evaluating suppliers of grapes from other vineyards and maintaining quality control of grapes supplied by third parties.
· Available to work 50+ hours per week during peak work times, including some weekends
· Takes on special projects as assigned by the Owner and Winemaker.
Spanish an asset
Remuneration will be paid as a Salary based on experience