Vineyard Manager

This individual is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations. This includes allocating and supervising employees, allocating farm labor employees, arranging for equipment, materials and tools to be available in the right locations, and supervising pesticide applications. Responsible for the daily supervision of multiple operational vineyards, including budgeting responsibility and determining the most effective use of personnel and equipment in order to meet quality standards.

Duties:

• Supervise employees

• Training and development of employees with assistance from HR

• Arranging for the right number and placement of crews on a daily basis

• Arranging for equipment, materials, and tools to be available

• Supervise safety meetings and pesticide training

• Supervise pesticide and other material application to the vineyards

• Pesticide reporting

• Calibrating sprayers

• Supervising Foremen and Sub-foremen in preparation of timesheets

• Reporting injuries and caring for injured workers

• Direct and schedule overall daily activities of personnel and equipment including: irrigation, fertilization, tractor activities, spraying and harvesting.

• Conduct necessary meetings in order to effectively communicate work priorities to vineyard personnel.

• Visit vineyards routinely to oversee progress and quality of work performed by vineyard personnel.

• Complete weekly reports to owners for equipment and personnel usage.

• Keep owners abreast of vineyard activities on a daily basis.

• Review spray/irrigation programs with Vit Dept. in order to make final decisions.

• Oversee and review adherence to budgets.

• Oversee pricing and delivery of materials for: spray programs, fertilizers, stake & wire, and equipment.

• Work closely with vendors and external organizations such as: pump and irrigation companies, Ag Commissioners Office and VESCO.

• Work closely with Operations Manager to schedule grape deliveries to wineries during harvest.

• Attend industry functions and events such as wine tastings, association meetings etc. 

Skills:

• Someone who approaches their job with an ownership mentality with the ability to see the big picture and forecast future needs.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills and the ability to communicate with different personalities.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• Good computer skills with the ability to develop spreadsheets using Excel.

• 2+ years’ experience in Ag Management

Key Qualifications:

• Knowledge of vineyard management practices especially in day-to-day operations

• Knowledge of farming equipment

• Knowledge of viticulture

• Knowledge of irrigation practices

• Knowledge of pesticides and other farming chemicals and use

• Ability to work independently and make decision on own

• Ability to plan work and achieve required results

• Ability to organize multiple tasks

• Ability to work well with others and maintain communications with of VF offices and personnel

• Ability to work safely

• Bachelor’s Degree in Viticulture or Ag

• Bilingual English/Spanish

• Ability to stand, sit or drive for extended periods of time

• Frequently works outdoors in extremes of heat/humidity/cold and other weather conditions

• Ability to see clearly enough to a) drive safely b) distinguish vineyard pests and grape varieties c) recognize employees d) work safely at night outdoors

• Ability to hear: engine sounds to evaluate for problems; whistles blowing signaling tractors during harvest are going to move; shouted warnings from individuals; radio communications.

• Ability to work nights

• Ability to work long hours when required

• Ability to drive

Licenses:

• Valid California driver license and clean DMV

• Valid Private Applicators Certificate (brown card)

• Valid Qualified Applicators License 

Physical Environment:

• Often working outdoors in extremes of heat/humidity/cold and other weather conditions

• Exposed to dust, noise, pesticides, gasoline, diesel fuel and solvents

• Works with flammable and toxic materials

• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds

• Work is strenuous

• Adhere to Company PPE (personal protective equipment) policies

• Ability to walk on uneven ground

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.