Vineyard Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Bench 1775 Winery (http://www.bench1775.com)

  Penticton, British Columbia

Job Description:

Bench 1775 Vineyard is seeking a hands-on Working Vineyard Manager to manage all aspects of vineyard operations at a beautiful, family-owned winery located on the spectacular Naramata Bench in the Okanagan Valley.

Are you passionate about growing grapes and being outdoors? Would you like to utilise your management skills to oversee the day-to-day operations of 4 vineyards ranging in size from 6 to 21 acres while getting your hands dirty and actively participating in all aspects of vineyard operations from the ground up? If this sounds like you, then you need to apply for this exciting opportunity at Bench 1775 Winery!

You will be in charge of all viticulture operations for premium grape production, organising and supervising staff, and assuring compliance with all regulations related to grape production. We are looking for someone who is ready to jump right in and get to work! If you don’t have vineyard experience, we are willing to hire someone with 5+ years of farm experience or an agriculture-related degree. We need a self-starter with the ability to perform all aspects of viticulture operations.

The Vineyard Manager will manage literally all aspects of the vineyard operation, from planting to harvest and everything in-between. He/she will need to be hard working and capable of multi-tasking and supervising other vineyard workers. We look forward to hearing from qualified candidates!

Position Reports to:

Winemaker/Viticulturist

Requirements:

• Must have strong computer skills and the ability to multi-task
• Willingness to do literally any and all functions required to operate the vineyard
• A strong and proven work ethic
• Understanding of vineyard/farm management practices and procedures
• Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills

Responsibilities & Duties:

Responsible for all aspects of managing the vineyard, including but not limited to:

• Cultivation, thinning, pruning, tying, suckering, canopy management, planting & replanting, irrigating and harvesting
• Pest, fungicide and herbicide management
• Irrigation, monitoring and making recommendations related to vineyard and fruit quality
• Erosion control, trellis installation, irrigation installation, frost protection, vineyard installation, fence installation and R&M
• Provide and acquire proper tools for all jobs, make sure that workers use the necessary equipment, keep work areas clean and orderly, comply with district, provincial and federal regulations
• Enforce company policy; ensure that every job or task is safe for the employees, supervise to make sure all work is carried out correctly, assist co-workers and treat them with respect
• Must be able to reasonably estimate equipment and resources needed; provide accurate work estimates, work within assigned budgets
• Understand and train employees in policy, procedures and safety
• Increase/improve fruit and wine quality
• Ensure that all necessary equipment is on site and in good operating condition prior to work
• Effectively communicate and work cooperatively with support staff
• Search out and evaluate vineyard problems and make recommendations to the Winemaker/Viticulturist that provide effective, timely & economical solutions and deliver quality fruit

Education:

• Agriculture-related Degree (can be an entry level position with degree) or minimum 5 years of farming experience

Skills:

• Functional Spanish a plus, but not required.

Ideal Candidate:

Our ideal candidate loves to be working outdoors, understands and demonstrates a hard work ethic, communicates well, and comes to us with hands-on agriculture or farm experience. The ideal person will lead by example and work hard to ensure that all vineyard operations run smoothly and efficiently, understanding the importance of both leadership and team work. This person will be taking on a huge responsibility and will be ready on day one to manage, learn and utilize all their resources to get the job done!

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