Vineyard Foreperson
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
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 Vineyard Foreperson in the Oliver area.
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:
- Day to day management of a 38-acre vineyard that is certified organic.
- In conjunction with our Director of Viticulture, execute, all vineyard functions including pruning, spray program, mowing, mulching, weed control, leaf thinning, fertilization, irrigation, and harvest.
- Keep all vineyard records, including but not limited to spray records, accurate and up to date.
- Coordination of harvest.
- Oversee daily activities of vineyard crew.
- Maintain vineyard infrastructure.
- Safe and effective operation of vineyard equipment, implements and vehicles.
- Ensure safe operating procedures for vineyard and staff.
Skills required:
- 3-5 years of vineyard experience with some experience or training in organic viticulture.
- Prior experience in a supervisory or management position.
- 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.
- Good computer literacy.
- 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 julian@okanagancrushpad.com. We would like to thank all applicants; however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.