Viticulture Specialist
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Kentville/Hybrid,
Nova Scotia
Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation is a provincial development agency with the mission to support growth, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia’s agriculture, seafood, and food and beverage sectors. We are Nova Scotia’s only technical development agency focused solely on our food sector and maximizing its value. Our vision for Nova Scotia is to be a recognized world leader in producing innovative, environmentally responsible, safe food of impeccable quality. The Perennia team’s number one goal is helping food-related companies grow and take advantage of new opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Perennia is looking for a highly capable Viticulture Specialist to grow the wine-grape industry in Nova Scotia. As a key member of our team, you will provide specialized production advice and expert guidance to wine-grape growers across the province.
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 wine-grape producers that will help the Nova Scotia wine industry improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, and create new opportunities
- 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 and committees 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:
- Minimum of M.Sc. in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Viticulture (mandatory)
- Professional Agrologist (P. Ag.) designation (mandatory)
- Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and/or Certified Nutrient Management Planner (CNMP) designation(s) would be an asset
- Minimum of five years experience in the horticulture industry with direct experience in viticulture extension, knowledge transfer and applied research
- Experience and training in oenology (mandatory)
- Knowledge of soils, drainage, nutrient management, insects, wildlife pests, weed management, trellising, canopy management, and crop harvesting and handling
- Experience in technology-based knowledge transfer to the agriculture industry would be an asset with demonstrated experience or aptitude in blogs, videos, podcasts and/or webinars
- Experience in experimental design and statistical analysis
- Experience in innovative value addition and new product development considered an asset
- Good observational and diagnostics skills
- The ability to develop successful relationships with colleagues, producers, industry associations and government is essential
- Excellent organization, interpersonal, communication, facilitation, time management and computer skills
- Experience in project management would be an asset
Perennia offers a competitive compensation package based on the candidate’s skill and experience. This includes base salary, benefits, professional development, flexible schedules, personal days, and three weeks’ vacation to start.
To apply for this exciting position at Perennia, please email a combined PDF or Word cover letter and resume noting compensation expectations and potential start date if you were the successful candidate to [email protected] by 4:30pm on June 5, 2023.
Only those candidates who move onto the interview phase will be contacted.
For more information or to learn about Perennia visit perennia.ca
Perennia is an equal opportunity employer
