Viticulture Specialist (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Perennia Food & Agriculture Corporation (http://www.perennia.ca)

  Kentville/Hybrid, Nova Scotia

Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation is Nova Scotia’s development agency focusing on the food sector. Our mission is to support success, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia’s agriculture, seafood, cannabis, and food and beverage sectors. Perennia is looking for a highly capable Viticulturist to work with Nova Scotia’s amazing growers and winemakers to continue to grow the world class grape-wine industry in Nova Scotia. As a key member of our team, you will provide specialized production advice and expert guidance to winegrape growers across the province. We are offering the unique opportunity to be mentored by a senior Canadian viticulture specialist.

Nova Scotia is an emerging wine region and home of the Tidal Bay appellation, a one-of-a- kind for North America. Helping Nova Scotia’s wine-grape industry continue to grow by being part of an interdisciplinary team at Perennia is a unique opportunity for a professional who wants to make a huge impact and be part of the next chapter in building Nova Scotia’s legacy for innovative and amazing wines (winesofnovascotia.ca)

The Viticulturist is a high-profile position and as such, must have sound and mature judgement.

They must be able to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders and clients under minimal supervision. Using current knowledge in a wide range of production areas (grape growing, technological innovations, outreach methods, pest management, cool climate varietals, and emerging trends), the goal of the Viticulturist is to work with industry to grow the wine-grape industry in Nova Scotia to the economic benefit of the province.

 

Principal Responsibilities

• Work as part of a progressive and professional horticulture team with the primary focus to develop and lead a comprehensive extension program for winegrape producers that will help the Nova Scotia wine industry improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, and create new
• Respond to agriculture production inquiries (in-person and remotely)
• Transfer new technologies and management practices to industry via presentations and field days
• Develop production specific information for a producer audience including, fact sheets, blog posts, videos, webinars, etc.
• Participate in and/or lead research field trials identified as priorities by industry
• Act as an advisor to government and industry associations
• Represent Perennia on industry associations, provincial and national working groups as needed
• Identify new research or opportunities for horticulture that, if advanced, would have a positive impact on sector sustainability and/ or growth

In order to excel at this position, the successful applicant will have:

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Viticulture, Horticulture, or Agriculture
• Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.) designation or must be eligible to acquire
• Experience in the horticulture or viticulture industry
• An interest and aptitude in sharing knowledge and skills to various producer levels with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of soils, drainage, nutrient management, insects, wildlife pests, weed management, trellising, canopy management, and crop harvesting and handling
• Aptitude and comfort using various media to share information including videos, podcasts and videos with the support of our professional IT and communications team
• Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis
• Good observational and diagnostics skills
• The ability to develop successful relationships with colleagues, producers, industry associations and government is essential
• Excellent organization, interpersonal, time management and computer skills

Perennia’s team philosophy is founded on impact, engagement and ownership. We have an amazingly talented and collaborative team passionate about the work we do and the industries we work with. We want our team members to do the best and be the best. We offer a flexible work environment realizing rich personal lives lead to productive and energized team members.

We also are committed to making sure we are all constantly learning and growing and bringing new ideas and value to our sectors. We’re a unique team and hope you want to be part of it.

To apply for this exciting new position at Perennia, please email a combined PDF cover letter noting compensation expectations to [email protected]. We are actively recruiting for this position and if you are interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Only those granted interviews will be contacted. For more information about Perennia visit their website at www.perennia.ca

Perennia is an equal opportunity employer 

 

Perennia offers a competitive compensation package including salary commensurate with experience.

---