Job Description: The Assistant Vineyard Manager reports directly to the Vineyard Manager and is responsible for helping to maintain the established 105 acre vineyard and installing future estate vineyards. This is predominantly a hands-on position, but with some supervisory duties. This position works in close accordance with the Vineyard Manager. This candidate should be proficient level in tractor operation. This is a full-time hourly position.
Job Duties Include:
- Vineyard Management:
- Responsible for operating tractors and equipment for grounds maintenance, pruning and pulling leaves
- Assist the Vineyard Manager with planning & management of vineyard operations including:
§ Oversight and application of Canopy Management
- Maintain and repair trellis
- Maintain canopy
- Oversight and application of Pest/Disease Management
- Daily (within growing season):
- scout for pest damage
- order pesticides as needed and within given budget
- supervise mixing and application of pesticides
- apply pesticides as needed
- maintain records of pesticide application
- Oversight and application of Nutrient Management
- Collect and process soil and plant tissue samples
- Supervise application of lime and fertilizers
- Oversight and application of Vineyard Floor Management
- Oversee application of herbicides under trellis
- Oversee mowing of vineyard row middles
- Oversight and application of Harvest
- Execute the harvesting of grapes.
- hire and supervise picking crew
- oversee safe operation of harvest equipment in vineyard
- Assist with fruit weighing, handling and loading
- Assist with new & replacement installation and management of vines
- Resource Management:
- Responsible for operating tractors and other equipment for distribution of chemicals and fertilizers (and overseeing their operation by others)
- Assist the Vineyard Manager with Resource management:
- Assist in the following weekly:
- Project future needs for labor, supplies and equipment necessary to carry out vineyard and grounds operations on a timely basis
- Assist in the following daily duties:
- Prioritize vineyard & grounds tasks
- Coordinate laborer work schedules
- Maintain records for workers and equipment
- Maintain documentation on activities in the vineyard and grounds in order to analyze and predict future resource needs and chart the progression of the growing season
- Advise Facilities Manager of any problems with equipment to ensure timely repair or replacement
- Assist with worker supervision:
- Describe and demonstrate vineyard tasks for laborers.
- Monitor crew to ensure tasks are carried out safely, properly and quickly
- Insure adherence to safety standards and protocols (OSHA)
- Equipment Management:
- Insure proper and safe use of all equipment
- Assist Farm Maintenance Technician as needed.
- Maintain and repair equipment as needed
· Perform other duties as needed.
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture or Horticulture and/or a minimum of 7 years of practical experience in East Coast viticulture is required for this position
- Required knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Mechanical skills (tractor operation experience is required)
- Ability to adapt to unforeseen constraints of weather, labor and equipment
- Ability to work a flexible schedule during critical times of the season
- Valid driver’s license and insurability by company
- A positive attitude and team cooperation
- A Virginia Certified Pesticide Applicators License as required to meet the operations needs for chemical applications.
- Desired skills and abilities:
- The ability to communicate in English and Spanish
- Leadership experience
- Strong project planning skills
- Solid computer skills including MS Office applications
· Physical Demands:
- The ability to walk 2-5 miles per day in acreage with flat and hilly terrain required.
- The ability to work in various weather conditions required.
- The ability to repeatedly lift and carry 40 pounds desired.
- The ability to excel in a high stress and highly fatiguing work environment caused by constraints of weather, labor and equipment.
For more information please visit our website: https://www.breauxvineyards.co