Vineyard Equipment Operator
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Summerland & Oliver,
British Columbia
Okanagan Crush Pad Winery, located in Summerland, BC operates vineyards in Summerland, and Oliver producing 40,000 cases of wine annually for its own labels (Haywire, Narrative & Free Form) and for several other wineries. Our vineyards are all organic certified. Working with our New Zealand trained Director of Viticulture, we have a position for an experienced Equipment Operator.
We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about organic viticulture and the future of the Okanagan Valley as an ultra-premium wine growing region and who wishes to join a dynamic team.
This role involves:
- In conjunction with our Director of Viticulture, execute all equipment operations including but not limited to mulching, mowing, spraying, etc on our 3 vineyard properties located in Summerland and Oliver, 100 acres total.
- Safe and effective operation of vineyard equipment, implements and vehicles.
- Keep all vineyard spray records accurate and up to date.
· Light duty maintenance and cleaning of equipment (trucks, tractors, sprayers…)
- Occasional assistance with manual labour tasks (pruning, trellis maintenance, winery work etc)
Skills required:
- 5 years of vineyard experience with some experience or training in organic viticulture.
- Competency in safe operation of vineyard equipment, pruning, canopy management, disease/pest control, harvesting and irrigation management.
- Good mechanical aptitude and problem solving.
- Ability to work as part of a team as well as autonomously.
- Ability to work early mornings, flexible hours to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- In good health, and able to lift 50lbs.
Qualifications:
- Experience in a similar role.
- Viticulture diploma or certificate an asset.
- Operating experience with tractors and implements.
- Strong mechanical capabilities.
- Current spray applicator certification.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Experience maintaining vineyard equipment.
- Working knowledge of organic grape growing techniques.
- A strong work ethic, integrity, and reliability.
- Forklift ticket considered an asset.
- Ability to communicate in Spanish considered an asset.
Salary will be based on level of experience of the candidate.
Please respond with a cover letter stating wage expectations and resume to [email protected]. We would like to thank all applicants; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.